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How to check a used Hyundai Kona Electric battery before you buy – including the battery recalls (UK)
Published · Last updated · based on 11 sourced Kona Electric data points and 16 sources
In independent data the Kona Electric's battery holds up well. But several early cars were recalled for battery faults, some packs were replaced, and a 2026 recall covers far more cars. This guide shows how to check the recall status, what the car's own battery figure can and can't tell you, and how a result compares with thousands of tested Konas.
All Kona Electric figures with method and date: used Hyundai Kona Electric battery data. Going to a viewing? Make a printable list of questions for the seller.
1. Check the battery recalls first
DVSA's recall database lists three Kona Electric safety recalls that concern the high-voltage battery:
| DVSA recall | Problem | Fix | Cars built | UK vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R/2020/308 16 Oct 2020 · code 01D076 | Battery management system (BMS) may be faulty, or in extreme cases some cells may have internal damage | BMS software upgrade and check of battery data; if needed, a faulty module or the complete battery replaced | 31 Jan 2018 – 20 Mar 2020 | 1,672 |
| R/2021/087 23 Apr 2021 · code KONA 11D043 | Possible electrical short in the lithium-ion battery | First the charge level was limited, then the complete battery assembly replaced | 1 May 2018 – 31 Mar 2020 (also Ioniq Electric) | 1,214 |
| R/2026/128 4 May 2026 · code 61D004 | Possible internal cell voltage deviation, with a risk of a short circuit inside the battery. Until updated, DVSA advises parking in a well-ventilated area; the car can be used as normal | BMS software update | 24 Jan 2018 – 15 Jul 2023 (listed as "Kona OS EV") | 25,056 |
Problem, fix and vehicle numbers from GOV.UK (GOV.UK; GOV.UK); build dates and campaign codes from DVSA data as published by Vehicle Recall Check (data updated 2026-10-15). Checked 2026-10-26.
Worldwide, Hyundai announced in February 2021 that it would replace the batteries in 75,680 Kona Electric cars, most built between 2018 and 2020. An earlier fix had upgraded the battery management software to limit charging (BBC News, 2021-02-24).
- Run the free GOV.UK recall check on the registration. It shows safety recalls that haven't been checked or fixed (GOV.UK).
- Confirm by VIN with a Hyundai dealer. Not every car built in a date range is included, and Hyundai confirms by VIN (Vehicle Recall Check). DVSA says you won't need to pay for anything involving these recalls (GOV.UK).
- Ask for the paperwork. If the battery was replaced under a recall, ask for the invoice or job card. It tells you what was done and when, and it's worth having when you sell the car.
- Outstanding R/2026/128? Get the software update done before or soon after you buy, and follow the advice in the recall letter until then.
2. The car's battery figure – and how software moves it
Owners in our data read the Kona's SoH with an OBD app or got it from a Hyundai dealer (GoingElectric forum, Reddit r/KonaEV). Treat it as the car's own estimate, and note that it can change with software:
- A German owner reported 97.4% before a battery management software update and 100.0% straight after, at about 52,000 km (single car, GoingElectric forum, 2023-01-18).
- Hyundai UK's warranty terms say that battery-protecting software updates may be released, and that noticeable changes in battery performance caused by them are not covered by the warranty (Hyundai Motor UK).
- Readings can agree, too. A UK owner reported that a Hyundai dealer test, a Moba certificate and an AVILOO test all gave 100.0% at 78,000 km (single car, Reddit r/KonaEV).
So ask when the last software update was done, and get a dated reading with the odometer visible.
3. Get an independent test if you can
An independent test such as AVILOO works out SoH with its own algorithms rather than copying the car's reading (AVILOO GmbH). AVILOO's 2026 report includes 14,908 Kona Electric tests (AVILOO GmbH). Ask whether the report includes cell balance. In UK tests across all EVs, about 1 in 85 cars showed an imbalance above 50 mV (Generational), and the 2026 recall itself is about cell voltage deviation. Test prices are on our buying guide, and our guide to reading a battery health certificate explains each field.
4. Compare the result with what's normal
| Group | Mileage | SoH | Sample | Source (date) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All battery variants grouped | 50,000 km ≈ 31,069 mi | 96.3% 99% of cars: 90.7%–99.1% | n=14,908 median | AVILOO GmbH (2026-09-03) |
| All battery variants grouped | 100,000 km ≈ 62,137 mi | 94.3% 99% of cars: 88.2%–98.3% | n=14,908 median | AVILOO GmbH (2026-09-03) |
| All battery variants grouped | 150,000 km ≈ 93,206 mi | 93.0% 99% of cars: 86.1%–97.5% | n=14,908 median | AVILOO GmbH (2026-09-03) |
| Kona 64 kWh | >100,000 km ≈ 62,137 mi | 97.2% | multi-car average of cars above 100,000 km | Carla AB (2026-07-08) |
| Kona 64 kWh MY2021 (SK Innovation cells) | 20,000 km ≈ 12,427 mi | 96.4% | n=1 | Speak EV forum (2021-12 (thread)) Owner-reported, n=1, Dec 2021. Mostly 5 kW AC, rarely above 80%. |
| Kona Electric 39.2 kWh (2023) | 20,738 km ≈ 12,886 mi | 97.0% | n=1 | EVX / Flooratto Kft. (2026-10-01) Single car, n=1. Hungary, tested 2026 (pre-purchase inspection). |
| Kona 64 kWh (reg. 02/2020) | 52,000 km ≈ 32,311 mi | 100.0% | n=1 | GoingElectric forum (post dated 2023-01-18) Owner-reported, n=1, 2023-01-18. Read 97.4% before a BMS software update and 100% straight after – shows how software can move the figure. |
| Kona 64 kWh (2020, second owner) | 78,000 km ≈ 48,467 mi | 100.0% | n=1 | Reddit r/KonaEV (2024-07-18) Owner-reported, n=1, 2024-07-18. Three different tests (Hyundai, Moba, AVILOO) all gave 100%. |
| Kona Electric 64 kWh | 122,772 km ≈ 76,287 mi | 92.0% | n=1 | EVX / Flooratto Kft. (2026-10-01) Single car, n=1. Hungary, tested 2026 (pre-purchase inspection). |
| All US versions grouped | after 3 years | 97% of range | multi-car range kept, not SoH (US) | Recurrent (current page) |
| All US versions grouped | after 5 years | 97% of range | multi-car range kept, not SoH (US) | Recurrent (current page) |
AVILOO groups all Kona Electric battery sizes. Carla reports AVILOO dealer tests of Swedish cars with more than 100,000 km. Single cars (n=1) are examples, not averages. Recurrent figures measure range, not capacity, for US cars. Every row is also on the Kona Electric data page.
- The Kona Electric is one of the best performers in independent battery data: it ranked 4th of 20 models in AVILOO's 2026 report and 2nd in Carla's Swedish high-mileage ranking. (AVILOO GmbH, Carla AB)
- As a general rule of thumb for all EVs, ADAC expects at least 92% at 50,000 km, 88% at 100,000 km, 84% at 150,000 km, 80% at 200,000 km (ADAC).
- For a quick estimate at a given mileage, use the battery health estimator.
5. Check the battery warranty that's left – and how the car was used
Hyundai UK: high-voltage battery warranty of 8 years or 100,000 miles for Kona EV 20MY and all newer production models (8 years or 125,000 miles for models first produced before 2020); 5 years / 100,000 miles for taxi, private hire or driving-school use. Covers repairs to restore at least 70% of original capacity. (Hyundai Motor UK, checked 2026-10-20)
- Taxi or private hire? Ask, and check the V5C and MOT history. That use cuts the battery warranty to 5 years / 100,000 miles (Hyundai Motor UK).
- Our battery warranty checker works out the time and mileage left (Kona EV 20MY and newer production: 8 years / 100,000 miles; Kona EV first produced before 2020: 8 years / 125,000 miles; Taxi, private hire or driving-school use: 5 years / 100,000 miles).
Also see: general used-EV battery checklist · questions to ask a Kona Electric seller (printable) · Hyundai Ioniq Electric battery data · Kia e-Niro battery data · all models compared.
Sources used on this page
16 sources · 11 data points: 5 from non-AVILOO methods, 6 measured with AVILOO tests.
- Large test datasets (3 sources, 4 data points): AVILOO GmbH, Carla AB, Generational
- Connected-car / telematics (1 source, 2 data points): Recurrent
- Single-car tests (1 source, 2 data points): EVX / Flooratto Kft.
- Owner-reported (3 sources, 3 data points): GoingElectric forum, Speak EV forum, Reddit r/KonaEV
- Manufacturer (1 source): Hyundai Motor UK
- Other (specs, guides, news, surveys) (7 sources): GOV.UK, [2], Vehicle Recall Check, BBC News, [3], AVILOO GmbH, ADAC
Owner-reported and listing values are single cars (n=1) read from the car, an app or an OBD tool – useful examples, not averages. Range-retention figures (Recurrent) measure range, not capacity. Full details: methodology & all sources.
We are not paid by the battery-test providers mentioned on this page. Links marked "paid link" in the "Useful products and services" box are affiliate links. See our disclosure.
Get this specific car tested
We are not paid by these test providers. How we make money.
Model averages can't tell you about the car in front of you. An independent battery test (typically a short OBD plug-in test, some remote) gives an SoH figure and often a certificate you can use when negotiating.
- AVILOO – Independent OBD-based battery test (FLASH / Premium) with certificate; available via partners in the UK and EU.
- Generational – UK OBD plug-in test with certificate (SoH, range, remaining warranty, cell balance); sold through dealers and independent mobile testers.
- Moba – Postal OBD kit: you run the test yourself and post the box back for a digital battery certificate (Europe – check vehicle support and delivery country).
Prices change – check the provider's site. Provider names are used for identification only.
Useful products and services
- Charging cable: check that the car comes with its charging cable(s) at the viewing. If one is missing, replacements are sold separately: Kona Electric charging cables at EV King paid link.
- Tyres: check tread depth and wear at the viewing. To price replacements, search by the size printed on the tyre wall: car tyres at Tyres UK paid link.
- Parts and tools: wiper blades, bulbs, 12V batteries and tools for the car you buy: GSF Car Parts paid link (UK).
Some links are paid links: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This never changes the battery data we show (disclosure).
FAQ
Which Hyundai Kona Electric cars were recalled for the battery in the UK?
DVSA lists three battery recalls. R/2020/308 (October 2020, 1,672 cars, built 31 Jan 2018 to 20 Mar 2020): battery management software upgrade, with a faulty module or the whole battery replaced if needed. R/2021/087 (April 2021, 1,214 cars, built 1 May 2018 to 31 Mar 2020): charge limited first, then the complete battery assembly replaced. R/2026/128 (May 2026, 25,056 cars listed as Kona OS EV, built 24 Jan 2018 to 15 Jul 2023): battery management software update for possible internal cell voltage deviation. A car built in a range may be included; Hyundai confirms by VIN.
How do I check if a used Kona Electric recall has been done?
Run the registration through the free GOV.UK vehicle recall check, which shows safety recalls that have not been checked or fixed. Then ask a Hyundai dealer for the recall history on the VIN, and ask the seller for the invoice or job card. You will not need to pay for anything involving a safety recall, according to the DVSA entries.
Does a battery software update change the Kona’s battery health reading?
It can. One German owner reported 97.4% before a battery management software update and 100% straight after. Hyundai UK’s warranty terms also say that noticeable changes to battery performance caused by its battery-protecting software updates are not covered by the warranty.
What is the Hyundai Kona Electric battery warranty in the UK?
Hyundai UK: high-voltage battery warranty of 8 years or 100,000 miles for Kona EV 20MY and all newer production models (8 years or 125,000 miles for models first produced before 2020); 5 years / 100,000 miles for taxi, private hire or driving-school use. Covers repairs to restore at least 70% of original capacity.
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