Hyundai buy back 2019 Kona EV due to recall on high voltage battery pack

[@NikColman]

Now 20th June 2024 and I'm still waiting for a battery replacement so you did the right thing. Hyundai now ignoring my emails. Shame as I love the car and thankfully, I have not been hit with the BMS update causing slow charging.

[@johntisbury]

Jeez, sorry to hear this Nik that's been going on a while then! Agree with you about the car, it's just their ethos and poor customer service from Hyundai that turned me off for ever buying another car from them.

[@randybeaumier]

I have a 2021 Kona Limited, 64KW battery that is six months old with 16,660 miles on it and the high voltage battery needs to be replaced. It’s been in the shop at Crenshaw Hyundai in Burlington NC for a month and they still can’t tell me when the new battery will arrive. Their customer service is every bit as bad as Hyundai Customer Care. Tomorrow night I will call Hyundai corporate office in South Korea and see if they will help. Neither Crenshaw nor Hyundai will give me a loaner.

[@johntisbury]

I’m sorry to hear this, your experience is exactly why I pushed Hyundai UK to buyback our car. They are shocking. Hope you get a resolution

[@andrewandresian770]

I’ve had issues with Hyundai service in Southern California as well my car was in for two weeks to replace the battery. Every time I call to schedule service I never get a callback the service is horrible

[@Jaw0lf]

I own a Kia E Niro '21 so not affected but thank you for sharing this John. Nicely presented with all the factual detail you had. It proves that you should not accept a first offer on your car, so well done and it seems a reasonable pay back. On another level, it helps to show EV's maintaining their value and less depreciation over an ICE car.

[@johntisbury]

Thanks for watching and agree about the depreciation. Another commenter mentioned that this maybe somewhat influenced by the second hand car prices at present which seems to have gone a bit skyward.

[@allentoyokawa9068]

I feel sorry for you for buying trash

[@KalleKofot]

Had my Kona for three years now, got my high voltage battery changed yesterday. Never had the option for buy back or even updates in Sweden.

[@johntisbury]

Good to hear you have had your battery swapped out. I had to push to get a buyback from Hyundai UK, they were not forthcoming with anything. Zero compensation for the issue. Seems each country handled it very very differently.

[@serevinvukele8046]

A comprehensive explanation into this problem John, thanks. Worrying that a Hyundai rep cannot spell "vehicle" and you dodged a bullet in the end with those charging speeds.

[@johntisbury]

Thanks for watching. Glad it was a good explanation, took some time to pull together the correct timeline. Yes I think so, I know they would have replaced the battery and everything would be good. However, I was not happy with Hyundai as a company hence why I stepped away. I'd not noticed the spelling, LOL thanks for pointing that out, bless them!

[@alexandermilosevic_]

I just took delivery of our 2022 Kona EV, selected over the Model 3 which is similarly priced in my region (or was 4 months ago when we placed the order). As I understand it it has a new battery type. It's thanks to folks like you who pushed hard that these updates and changes were able to take place. I was hesitant about picking the Hyundai but happy that things are being resolved.

[@johntisbury]

Enjoy your new car. The product is great, my issues where with Hyundai UK. Yes you will have the new battery, so all good.

[@glenmason9755]

Hi John, The service I’ve received from Hyundai since owning the Kona has also been poor, though I don’t believe my 68 plate Kona has seen the same slow charging when using my Zappi. I don’t see that last BMS update on our service records so not sure why the difference. I also now have a M3 but as our 2nd car the Kona, that on occasion will do a long journey there is little available that is comparable for any buy back price so we plan to keep. Hyundai will know this so would expect few to request it. On my next visit to Rushden Lakes I’ll take the Kona instead of the M3 and see how it performs when charging. Good luck with your next EV purchase!

[@johntisbury]

Thanks for watching Glen. Agree with you about the price point buyback if you are looking for a like like range EV. Thankfully we didn't need both long range EVs so the buy back worked in our favour. I can understand that's probably not the case for the majority of people who will need a like to like range EV. I would be interested to hear you you get on at Rushden Lakes. Another comment said they found the charging slow there too so it maybe just the chargers rather than the car. When we've charged the Tesla at Rushden Lakes it's always been when it's not busy, so maybe capacity is an issue.

[@troypoynter8484]

Sounds about right. I only got actions from them every time I sent a legal action letter. They failed in their duty for a recall and I am currently in the process of a legal challenge for damages and costs due to their failures.

[@johntisbury]

They are not doing themselves any favours.

[@grahamwoodier5066]

Thanks for all that detail - it must have taken a while to compile. I'm not having any problems with my EV yet (except for the mismatch between WLTP and reality) and am hoping it stays that way. Battery fires are about the worst thing that can happen with an electric traction system if you exclude electrocution of the occupants so I am surprised Hyundai aren't making more effort to resolve the issue to save their reputation.

[@johntisbury]

Thanks for watching Graham, yes it did take a while to compile the research. GM with their Chevy Bolt and Hyundai with the Kona have had parallel issues with fires and both parties have been extremely slow to deal with them seriously with a robust resolution.

[@andrewandresian770]

Love my 2019 kona electric ultimate the battery pack was replaced 5 months ago. I’ve had no problems and the dc fast charging is great

[@johntisbury]

Glad to hear you are sorted.

[@paulcooper5610]

Wow and there I was thinking Hyundai and Kia were about the best manufacturers out there, as they offer such great warranties on their cars. how wrong was I ! Many Thanks for putting this information out there, I will certainly have to reconsider my future Kia Nero purchase.

[@johntisbury]

Hi Paul, thanks for watching. Although Hyundai Kona and the e-nero share the same platform, the battery packs are different. Hyundai sources cells from LG, Kia uses SK cells. So you are safe with a Kia.

[@trevorbromley-palmer]

I bought my Kona 64kWh in Oct 2018 and I absolutely loved it. We hardly used it at all during the pandemic lockdown and it had more recalls and was in the Hyundai service centre more than we drove it. In 2021 we knew it would be replaced that year and got a good deal to trade it in with Tesla in the March. So I now have a M3LR (shame it’s motorway automatic driving is appalling compared to the Kona, with frequent phantom breaking and notification to change lanes even though there is a car/lorry at the side). I actually miss my Kona, it was smooth, quiet and comfortable, such a shame about their battery issues.

[@johntisbury]

Thanks Trevor seems you jumped ship with the battery issue too. I agree with you about the Kona. It had its faults, as do all cars, but as you say it drove well and was smooth and quiet.

[@allentoyokawa9068]

Hyundai is trash

[@macrolosses]

I was going to buy one... now i wont. Thanks for the insight.

[@johntisbury]

Thanks for watching. It’s only the old models that are a potential problem.

[@iamlythamlife9346]

Hello John, Thank you for reporting experiences with your Kona EV and Hyundai UK. I took ownership of my Kona EV SE 64 Kw/H Premium in May 2019 and have a similar recall history. However, I have not noticed any significant charging degredation as a result of the latest BMS update. I am one of many Kona EV owners affected by the High Voltage Battery System Assembly Recall who share the same lack of information from Hyundai UK, A glimpse of owner dissatisfaction can be observed on the "Speak EV" website which I'm sure you have visited. While speaking to a Customer Service Representative at Hyundai UK, I suggested that the Company were damaging their reputation by not keeping customers periodically updated. This was duly noted and advised that my comments would be passed onwards and upwards for further consideration. Like so many other owners before me who reported making simlar overtones to Hyundai UK, the likehood of success remains low and I expect the Company to remain impervious to customer dissatisfaction. Therefore in consideriation of the current unsatisfactory and uncertain situation, I decided to place a pre-order (refundable deposit) for a Genesis GV60. This remains my primary option despite the fact that Genesis Motors UK do not have a part-exchange capability. This is where your buy back experience attracted my attention especially if I proceed to place a firm GV60 order with Genesis. If this does not materialise then alternative options would include considering the IONIQ 5 or Kia EV6 where part exchange is an option and where it would be incumbent on the dealership to manage the battery replacement process. The GV60, IONQ 5 and EV6 all have V2L capability which for me, has now become a prominent factor in deciding which new EV to own. In finishing, and on a different topic, I would also like to thank you for your videos about home energy and possible options. Regards Andy

[@johntisbury]

Thank Andy for watching and detailing your similar story to mine. It's such a shame that Hyundai UK have mismanaged this whole process from start to finish. It left me with no option buy to push for a buyback and I will not buy another Hyundai car because of their lack of customer focused approach. I hope the buyback works for you and you get the price you want, if you recall I had to push back at them on their first offer. Glad to hear some of my videos are useful to you, that's good to hear. Cheers John

[@fje1948]

Hi John, I am sure other Kona owners are appreciating your efforts,

[@johntisbury]

Thank you for watching. If it helps to raise awareness then that's a good thing.

[@AndyC2_]

Hi John I’ve no personal experience to add, but wanted to thank you for sharing yours in such great detail Quite shocking on Hyundai’s part but I’m glad you managed to settle with a reasonable resolution Looking forward to hearing more about your new replacement vehicle Thanks again !

[@johntisbury]

Thanks for watching Andy. Glad is was worth a watch even if you have no skin in the game.

[@BeastChan23]

I was looking at getting a 2019 Kona as they're about $21k with about 15k miles. But after looking at the car history report all of them had these recalls. Not sure if it's something I should get anymore. I'd hate to go from a very reliable Corolla to this mess.

[@johntisbury]

It will have a new battery pack, however the underlying problem is its Hyundai. Car might be okay, but the manufacturer and dealership support is questionable and not customer focused.

[@no-oneman.4140]

Hi John, thank you for this informative, as always, video. Been waiting for it as I had the same problem. I had the same issues with Hyundai Customer Service ie having to contact them numerous times trying to find out when they were going to replace the battery. In the end I was given a years window. I then took my car in for a service and was told they were not letting me have the car back as it was going to be taken to Tilbury for the battery replacement. They never told me why it became so urgent. I will check it's charging speeds. Prior to this I visited my local dealer to book in the service and arrange a test drive of the Ioniq 5 ie I'm a Hyundai customer willing to spend another £20k, you'd think I'd be treated with a modicum of respect. Well everything was too much trouble for the guy on reception. Ended up walking out. Guess what ? I'm now looking at a Tesla M3 though build quality and too much tech is holding me back. Will have a test drive to see what all the fuss is about. Hyundai Customer Service is therefore an Oxymoron !

[@johntisbury]

Thank you for adding your experience too this. It is somewhat heartening to hear that my experience is not a one off, however that does make it even more damming. The China made Model 3's are much better. TBH there's lots of hype around build quality and much of it is unfounded. Have a test drive and you can then make an informed decision. The tech is easy to use to be fair, you can get in as deep or high level as you want. Like you I won't be going back to Hyundai no matter whatever they bring out.

[@no-oneman.4140]

@@johntisbury - My Kona is worth about £30k so that means a M3 would cost me another £13k, is it worth it ? I don't even have a smartphone, that tells you why the tech holds me back.

[@johntisbury]

Ah yes, then maybe a Tesla is not for you! You can use the Tesla without a smartphone, but it limits your options and convenience.

[@mark_just_mark]

The whole second hand car market is crazy at the moment so not sure the low depreciation is reflective of an EV, property more the whole market. Glad you got sorted though 👍

[@johntisbury]

That's a very valid point Mark, not considered that and its impact.

[@rodden1953]

I saw a guy on Facebook who got his money back , i was thinking of doing the same but TBH i dont think i have the skills to fight them , i got a letter from the dealer i got it from offering me a new car it wansnt the best deal but i took it just to get rid of the agro of the battery change and have the new model .

[@rodden1953]

PS they sold my old one with in days to a lady who rang me to ask a few questions as they had left all the paper work i had on the car with the sales man, she didnt know aout the recall , so she took the car back to them .

[@johntisbury]

That's totally unacceptable. Poor lady, good job she took the initiative.

[@johntisbury]

Fair enough, it does take time and effort to push back against them. At least the new models look better IMHO and don't have the same issues.

[@rodden1953]

@@johntisbury its quieter to and more things like the heated seats

[@rodden1953]

@@johntisbury I told her they shouldnt have sold it .

[@Lewis_Standing]

20% of that purchase price disappeared in an instant in VAT. they made a loss in repurchasing it for sure. Did notice that your settings were at minimal rate on your screenshot though. The AC station too option was minimal the portable was maximum. I believe the portable means the granny charger. One of the updates might have made this setting occur - but I don't think AC charging would have been the fire risk, it helps the pack balance the cells. Interesting. Apparently my pack is not affected by this it's a Dec 2020 model - think it's not made by LG Chem like yours. I'd be pretty annoyed too. Fair enough getting the buy back. I'm sure what I would get instead though if it were an option. Pretty much would only want a model 3.

[@johntisbury]

Thanks for watching Lewis. Good point on the VAT, had not considered that into the equation. Well spotted on the screenshot, unfortunately that's the only one I had and couldn't take a new one as the car had gone! It was set to maximum - honest. Good to hear your model is not affected.

[@carltonlane8931]

Thankyou for the worts and all,Evs are at the start of there life span,,I have a simple view,getting money,refund from any business is like pulling teeth,painful.that said you got a response you are happy with,so well done,thankyou for the video,Hyundai did buy your car back,and it did cost very little to keep for 3 years,shame the ownership was tainted for the finale year,enjoy your next ev ,look forward to your thoughts of running,costs of a 2 nd hand ev.

[@johntisbury]

Thank you for watching Carlton. I have plans to make some videos showing secondhand EVs can be affordable and good value.

[@barnabycraft5121]

Hi John, Fyi i never get 7kw on the chargers near the cinema. Normally i get between 2-4kw depending on how busy it is. The 22kw ones do charge at 7kw+ for me. Barney

[@johntisbury]

Thanks Barnaby, that's interesting to hear. Thinking back we normally take the Tesla when it's quiet as I don't trust other people's parking skills and don't want door dents! So maybe that is the reason.

[@medman36]

I have thinking about going EV after driving ice for years. Right now in the Netherlands I can find what I aimed for at sub 20000 euro price tags occasions. Year models are different ranging from 04/2018 and 11/2019 and high mileage.I keep coming back to the kona electric as the best fittingbchoice EV for me as an introduction to the EV space and a surragate for my aging ice car, as a stopgap for another future EV which isn't available affordably today. I'm almostvreadyvto purchase but keep coming back to concerns and actual recall status of these EVs and where to find the relevant information. Could use any tips and advice in how to navigate this issue on these occasuons and come to a sensible purchasing choice with tegard to the battery replacement status of these vehicles or figuring outbwhich is the safest but without running issue into a the issues you have run into in terms of the the outcomes of the vehicle updates. Would appreciate your tips and advibe how to navigate findin a right kona EV 64 kwh occasion in 2024 for models between 2018-2020. Thanks.

[@johntisbury]

I guess that the warranty battery change would be documented for the car. That would be my go to documentation.

[@nickieredshaw7835]

Thanks for another great update video. Yer we had shocking. Service from Hyundai when we had the Ioniq so it was disappointing so didn’t go for another one it’s was a good car in it’s Comfort zone but outside it it’s was a poor car! So went elsewhere and had better service from Renault but still had to battle with poor dealers and customers service uk is inconsistent so maybe it’s dealership these days 😡🧐😱

[@johntisbury]

Most 'old school' dealerships are behind the curve with EVs. Having purchased the Zoe from GoGreen autos who only deal in EVs the difference in service, product knowledge and support is chalk and cheese.

[@nickieredshaw7835]

@@johntisbury yer some dealer are poor like ones around us ,we traveled 380 miles round trip to pick our ze50 up as the local dealership was not very confidence inspiring !

[@kristinngudmundsson4409]

my friend was buying a hyundai kona ev 2020 and he asked them about the battery problem and they said you do not have to worry about it :) OMG thanks for the video

[@johntisbury]

No problems, it does depend on the year as not all had the issue. Check the recall history on the car in particular. In fairness the problem has been resolved going forwards.

[@FFVoyager]

@@johntisbury do you know what happens to the charging speeds to people who have had a replaced battery?🤔

[@johntisbury]

It’s back to normal

[@glyn1782]

A very unfortunate experience and terrible customer service. As you say the bms updates crippled the car making it unusable for any long trips

[@johntisbury]

Yes indeed. Thanks for watching. Not a great outcome for was is a great car.

[@trevorshields7347]

Try to play catch up far to quickly with the competition can be costly

[@johntisbury]

Very true Trevor, very true. Tesla have had 10 years of battery manufacturing experience at the point the Kona was launched. That's a lot of lesson learnt along the way.

[@trevorshields7347]

@@johntisbury I can Imagine Hyundai not being the only one

[@johntisbury]

You are correct. Most of them are having small minor issues, mostly software based. Legacy car manufacturers are quickly learning that they need to become a software house first that happens to makes cars.

[@johntisbury]

Well is seems we're live now! LOL Not 16:00 GMT as promised Hey ho!

[@johneden-green7397]

Great video. Does anyone know if the Kia eNiro has the same battery issues, since it shares the same platform as the Kona?

[@johntisbury]

No, Hyundai sources cells from LG, Kia uses SK cells.

[@UnipornFrumm]

and Louis Rossmann would make a video about a tesla if any little thing is wrong,because it gets more views by talking bad about tesla even when other comanies have worse problems

[@johntisbury]

100% this!

[@IPC0101]

What a poor experience and terrible service, better luck with the Clio

[@johntisbury]

Thank you. Hyundai have not done themselves proud here.

[@IPC0101]

@@johntisbury its putting me off the Ionic

[@johntisbury]

I think the Ionic is a good looking car and has good technical underpinnings. It's the ethos, morals and ethics of the company that bothers me rather than their products.

[@IPC0101]

@@johntisbury Yes appalling and Hyundai is the mother company of Kia, so disappointing as I felt these two cars were great competitors to Tesla

[@ravenbishop5232]

I will not buy an EV

[@johntisbury]

Okay understood. Whilst my video might be seen as alarmist I get that. It was designed to highlight Hyundai's poor approach and slowness to react rather than say EVs are a fire risk. To put things into perspective there are more fires with petrol engined cars pro rata than EVs. Unfortunately the media picks on EVs and makes a big song and dance about it. Have you recently seen a petrol car fire make the headlines? Unlikely as it's not newsworthy as it is too commonplace. Source: www.greencarreports.com/news/1133254_fires-are-less-frequent-in-teslas-and-other-evs-vs-gas-vehicles

[@ravenbishop5232]

@@johntisbury I just think most people buy them because they think it helps the environment

[@johntisbury]

@@ravenbishop5232 having no car would be better for the environment. That's not particularly practical or possible for many. It has been proven time and time again the EVs are much better in all aspects of emissions, from cradle to grave than their petrol / diesel counterparts. There are many reports to support this, here is just one: www.carbonbrief.org/factcheck-how-electric-vehicles-help-to-tackle-climate-change

[@ravenbishop5232]

@@johntisbury No that's ok, I would then have to show you data that's says otherwise. You know batteries only accept and store electricity produces by fossil fuels.

[@richardcorns8553]

@@ravenbishop5232 They are certainly less toxic. Park a ice car in an enclosed garage with it running and you'd be dead in several minutes. Park an ev in the same situation and you would be fine.

[@allentoyokawa9068]

typical korean car

[@johntisbury]

No that's not correct. It's not typical. The issue was with the way it was handled rather than the underlying fault. EV fires pro-rata are less frequent than petrol powered cars.