Last updated: November 10, 2026 · By EVHQ (Dan) · Sources: NHTSA recall 26V728000, NHTSA recall API record, Car and Driver (Part 573 read), USA Today
Short answer: Hyundai is recalling 29,058 first-generation 2019–2023 Kona Electric SUVs in the U.S. (plus 8,843 gas Veloster N cars, 37,901 vehicles total) because a software fault in the airbag control unit can switch off the airbags and seat-belt pretensioners. If that happens, the airbag warning light on your dash should come on. The fix is a free airbag-module software update at a Hyundai dealer. Owner letters are scheduled for January 1, 2027, but VINs became searchable on NHTSA.gov on November 6, 2026, so you can check your car today.
The newer, redesigned Kona Electric sold from model year 2024 on is not in this recall. If you're shopping a used Kona Electric, this is the recall to ask about first.
Which Kona Electric models are affected?
Model: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric (first generation), built in South Korea from August 28, 2018 to July 26, 2023.
Kona Electric count: 29,058 vehicles.
Also included: 8,843 gasoline 2019–2022 Veloster N cars (built Sept. 6, 2018 to Aug. 18, 2022).
Total recall population: 37,901. Hyundai estimates about 1% actually have the defect.
Recall numbers: NHTSA 26V728000; Hyundai campaign 311.
Not included: the 2024-and-newer Kona Electric (second generation) and gas or hybrid Konas.
What exactly goes wrong
Every affected car has an Airbag Control Unit (ACU) that reads crash sensors and fires the airbags and seat-belt pretensioners. According to Hyundai's Part 573 safety report, if the ACU reboots while it is writing routine data to its internal memory, that data can get corrupted. A corrupted ACU can deactivate the airbag system and the pretensioners, so in a crash they may not deploy. NHTSA's summary is blunt: "Air bags and seat belt pretensioners that do not activate in a crash increases the risk of injury."
The one piece of good news: the car warns you. When the ACU data is corrupted, the airbag malfunction indicator light (the seated-person-with-airbag icon) turns on and stays on. Hyundai found the problem after it spotted a rise in warranty claims for that warning light in August 2024 and then spent more than a year with its supplier trying to reproduce it, Car and Driver reported from the filing.
Key numbers from the filing
331 reported incidents alleging the condition as of October 2026.
0 crashes, fires or injuries Hyundai is aware of.
Nov. 2, 2026 — Part 573 report submitted; NHTSA received it Nov. 3.
Nov. 6, 2026 — VINs searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Jan. 1, 2027 — owner and dealer letters scheduled to go out.
What Kona Electric owners should do now
Check your VIN today. Enter your 17-character VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup or Hyundai's recall lookup. The VIN is on your registration, insurance card, or the lower driver-side windshield.
Look at your dash. If the airbag warning light is on, treat the airbags as not working. Call a Hyundai dealer and book the update now instead of waiting for the January letter.
Keep everyone belted. A seat belt still protects you even if the pretensioner doesn't fire. NHTSA has not told owners to stop driving or to park outside; this is not a fire recall.
Ask the dealer for the ACU software update under campaign 311. It's free. If parts or the software are not ready at your store yet, ask them to note your VIN and call you.
Keep receipts. Per the filing, Hyundai says it will reimburse owners who already paid out of pocket for this repair before the recall. Owners can call Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.
Buying a used Kona Electric? Check all of these
First-gen Kona Electrics are common on used lots because they're small, efficient and relatively cheap. They also have a recall history worth checking VIN by VIN. Here's every NHTSA recall currently listed for the 2019–2023 Kona Electric:
26V728 (2019–2023): airbag control unit software, covered above. NHTSA
20V630 (2019–2020): lithium-ion battery may short-circuit (fire risk); battery-management software update and battery inspection, with battery replacement if needed. 6,707 vehicles. NHTSA
21V127 (2019–2020): follow-up battery short-circuit recall (also 2020 Ioniq Electric); dealers inspect the battery system assembly and replace it if necessary. 4,696 vehicles. NHTSA
20V748 (2019–2021): Integrated Electronic Brake may misread a sensor and significantly reduce braking; software update. NHTSA
22V941 (2021): Electric Power Control Unit may leak coolant internally and cause loss of drive power; dealers inspect and replace the EPCU. NHTSA
Before you buy, run the VIN on NHTSA and ask the seller or dealer for printed proof that every open campaign is closed. For a 2019 or 2020, ask specifically whether the battery was replaced under 20V630/21V127; a replaced pack can be a plus for long-term range. Then use our 10-step EV buying checklist and our EV battery life guide to judge the rest of the car.
Does this change whether you should buy a Kona Electric?
Not by itself. It's a software fix with a built-in warning light, about 1% of cars are expected to have the fault, and Hyundai knows of no injuries. The real risk is a used car where the airbag light has been on for months and nobody fixed it. A lit airbag light is a deal-breaker until a dealer clears it.
If you'd rather go new, the redesigned Kona Electric isn't part of this recall. See how it scores against rivals on its EVHQ rankings page, compare all models in the 2026 EV rankings, get a shortlist from Which EV is right for me?, and estimate your running costs with the EV cost calculator. Used-market context: what is happening to used EV prices in 2026.
FAQ
Is the 2024 or newer Kona Electric part of the airbag recall?
No. NHTSA's record covers 2019–2023 Kona Electric vehicles built through July 26, 2023. The second-generation Kona Electric that launched for model year 2024 isn't listed.
Is it safe to drive my Kona Electric before the fix?
NHTSA and Hyundai have not issued a do-not-drive or park-outside warning. If your airbag light is off, the system hasn't flagged a fault. If the light is on, your airbags may not work, so get the update as soon as possible and always wear your seat belt.
How long does the repair take and what does it cost?
It's a dealer software update to the airbag control unit, done free. Hyundai hasn't published a labor time, so ask your dealer when you book.
Can the fix be done over the air?
No. NHTSA's record lists this recall as not an over-the-air update. The car has to go to a Hyundai dealer.
When will I get a letter?
Hyundai plans to mail owner letters January 1, 2027. You don't need the letter to check your VIN or to ask a dealer about campaign 311.
Cover photo: 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric Ultimate at a Gilbert, Arizona dealership, by HJUdall via Wikimedia Commons (CC0). Background removed and composited by EVHQ.
How we report: EVHQ checks recall facts against NHTSA's official record and the automaker's Part 573 filing, and we update posts when remedies or dates change. See something wrong? Use our contact page and we'll fix it and note the change.