Hyundai 2019-2020 Kona Electric Vehicles May Pose Fire Risk for Owners
October 31, 2024- Categories: Electric Vehicles and Lemon Law
Hyundai is conducting a safety recall in the U.S. and Canada because Hyundai 2019-2020 Kona electric vehicles may pose fire risks to owners. The vehicle’s lithium-ion battery has been known to spontaneously erupt in flames. The fire risk recall also includes Hyundai’s 2020 Ioniq EV vehicles. Owners of the affected vehicles have been sent official letters with information about this recall, according to Hyundai.
The lithium-ion batteries in EVs have also caused fire risks in vehicles made by other auto manufacturers, including Kia. The EV battery is a relatively new concept, and some of the intricate details of lithium-ion technology are still being worked out. As more and more consumers switch from traditional combustion-engine cars and trucks to EVs, the fire hazard problem becomes more widespread.
What’s the Issue with the Hyundai Kona?
The vehicles affected are equipped with battery cells manufactured by LG Energy Solutions’ Nanjing, China plant. The anode (negative) tab in the battery cells can be folded, which may allow the lithium plating on the anode tab to come into contact with the cathode, resulting in an electrical short. This electrical short internally within battery cells raises the risk of a vehicle fire, whether the vehicle is parked, charging, or driving.
Recall 196, previously issued by Hyundai, provided dealerships with the ability to inspect the lithium-ion battery, replacing it if necessary, as well as update software in the Kona EV’s battery management system. These procedures will be performed at no charge. Hyundai’s Recall 200 amends Recall 196 to include certain 2020 Ioniq EVs, and it adds additional remedies.
How Do You Know if Your Hyundai Kona Might Be Defective?
If the “malfunction indicator light” is illuminated in your Hyundai vehicle, you should quickly go to the service department at your Hyundai dealership. Affected vehicle owners should park and charge outdoors and away from garages and other structures until they can reduce their vehicle’s “max charge percentage” level to 80%. Owners should follow the instructions below:
- Adjust or confirm your vehicle’s “max charge percentage” level to 80% at home by manually using the infotainment system.
- You can also use MyHyundai to remotely change the charge limit settings, if your vehicle has an active Bluelink subscription.
- You must go to the dealership, to either verify the above-described adjustments or to get assistance in reducing the “max battery percentage” level to 80%. Once verified at the dealership, these Hyundai owners will receive a $200 gift card to compensate for the inconvenience of the range reduction.
If you need clarification about which Hyundai Kona models have been recalled, or if you have further questions, you can reach out to one of the following to get answers:
- Call Hyundai Customer Care Center at 1-855-371-9460
- Call Administrator/National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at 1-888-327-4236, or visit https://www.safecar.gov
Also, you can input your vehicle identification number (VIN) here to verify whether your vehicle is affected by this recall.
Additional Hyundai Recalls of Other Vehicles
Hyundai is no stranger to recalls and has issued others in the past due to potential fire hazards. More than a million Hyundai vehicles were previously subject to a “park outside” warning due to risk of fire. It advised owners to park away from their houses to avoid danger.
The previous Hyundai safety recall (NHTSA ID: 23V-651000) applied to the following vehicles and model years: 2012-2015 Accent, 2012-2015 Azera, 2011-2015 Elantra, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2011-2015 Genesis Coupe, 2013-2015 Santa Fe, 2013 Santa Fe Sport, 2011-2015 Sonata HEV, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, 2012-2015 Veloster and 2010-2012 Veracruz.
Would Hyundai Recalls Fall Under the California Lemon Law?
Whether the above recalls would fall under the California lemon law depends on several factors. First, it depends on whether Hyundai can adequately fix lithium-ion battery problems in your vehicle and avoid the fire risk. If the manufacturer, through a recall, can demonstrate that it successfully repaired and/or replaced any parts that could potentially cause a fire, then courts would likely consider this an adequate remedy for a consumer. But, if you have taken your recalled vehicle to a Hyundai certified dealership several times to have the defect repaired, and you still have doubts about whether there’s a risk of spontaneous flames, you might qualify for California lemon law protection. If you have evidence that your Hyundai is emitting visible smoke, a burning smell, or other indications of overheating and potential fire, this makes your case even stronger.
To ensure that you preserve your right to file a lemon law claim, save all work orders, receipts, and appointment reminders from your repair trips to the dealership so you have proof that you made a “reasonable number of attempts” to get the problem fixed. Then contact a skilled and experienced lemon law attorney to discuss your legal options.
Neale & Fhima Can Fight for You
If you’ve purchased a defective Kona EV in California, you may be entitled to file a lemon law claim to seek compensation. This is particularly true if your EV has caught fire, but even if it hasn’t, you may still have a valid claim. Neale & Fhima has a 99% success rate in lemon law cases. Our lemon law attorneys know California lemon law inside and out, and we know how to win these cases. Attorney Aaron Fhima is among the best and the brightest. The glowing testimonials we receive from satisfied clients speak volumes about the quality of our legal work and client service. The lemon law statute of limitations in California is four years, so the sooner you contact an attorney, the better.
The attorneys at Neale & Fhima have filed countless lemon law claims and have decades of experience in California courts. You don’t have to get stuck with a Kona EV that poses a fire risk. Contact Neale & Fhima at 949-661-1007 for a free initial consultation about your case. We will explain your legal options and advise you about next steps.
Attorney Aaron Fhima
Attorney Aaron Fhima is a trial attorney who has secured numerous settlements and verdicts against large corporations and some of the largest auto manufacturers in the world. Representing consumers and injury victims throughout the state of California, Aaron’s practice areas include personal injury, and lemon law litigation. Aaron has a long record of success taking on large defense firms; and he doesn’t hesitate to take cases to trial when necessary to enforce his clients’ rights.
