Table 1 shows one common service brakes related problems of the 2025 Hyundai Kona.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Service Brakes problems |
I have a 2025 Hyundai Kona limited. On [xxx], around the afternoon on sunnyvale, California, while exiting [xxx] headed to lake tahoe, the liftgate bolt that attaches to the body had buckled mechanically as the system did not back away when a flashlight that came out of a travel bag was blocking the way to have it closed. The car computer thinks the liftgate is open even though the lock is secured. The car computer allows to drive without seatbelts secured or closures ajar for a few seconds at low speed but then it automatically with little warning engages the electronic handbrake while driving. I was driving on a highway in a middle lane when the car engaged without my consent the electronic handbrake locking the wheels and I almost got rear ended and killed by a semitruck. I had to floor the gas pedal and steer to a shoulder to request a tow. Since it was a long weekend before presidents day, I had the car taken to the nearest dealer in modesto California. Their service department invented a lie that due to a side crash, which was a failure of the collision mitigation system that happened months ago, is the cause and that it is my fault even though the driver admitted responsibility but it is an unrelated issue. There should be a way of overriding the car computer so it does not engage the electronic hand brake on the middle of the highway, specially at night as this creates a road hazard that can lead to death. I replicate the issue with a rental, a Hyundai tucson, they use the same gas strut and bolt that in my opinion has a very narrow gage. As you can see in the picture, the passenger side bolt is fine, the driver side is buckled. The side accident that happened on may 2025 was on the passenger side but the liftgate is fine; at any rate both sides should be deformed not just one if that were to be the case but it is not. Dealer and Hyundai attempting to sideline the issue to avoid a warranty and recall in my opinion. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
Mushy brake pedal after 1000 miles this just started yesterday, seemingly out of nowhere. When I push the brake pedal it's mushier than it used to be. If I push hard, I get more resistance at first but then it slowly sinks toward the floor as a I continue to press. If I push softer then it just sinks toward the floor. I still have plenty of stopping power. If I push the pedal repeatedly then it builds up more resistance ("pump the brakes") but then the resistance calms down and it becomes mushy again.
Component or system: the brake system, specifically what appears to be a false abs activation or ieb (integrated electronic brake) system malfunction. The component is available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: while braking at speeds between 25-40 mph, typically on dry pavement and more frequently on downhill grades, the brake pedal exhibits a chugging sensation, erratic stopping behavior, and pedal softening consistent with unintended abs activation or ieb malfunction. This occurs on dry roads where abs activation is neither warranted nor expected, creating unpredictable braking response and extended stopping distances. The defect has occurred 24 documented times since [xxx], and existed prior to that date. Dealer confirmation: yes. During a ride-along at edmond Hyundai on [xxx], a technician directly witnessed and confirmed the occurrence. Despite this confirmation, it was not documented on the repair order. Two prior repair attempts returned cannot-reproduce results: March 2, 2026 at bob howard Hyundai and March 10, 2026 at edmond Hyundai. Additional repair/inspection attempts: on April 7, 2026, norman Hyundai opened and closed a repair order without the consumer's knowledge and refused to provide a copy despite an explicit request. On may 23, 2026, a scheduled appointment at bob howard Hyundai was missed; a reschedule request was subsequently ignored by the dealership. Hma case no. [xxx] is active. Warning lamps or prior symptoms: no warning lamps have illuminated. The defect presents exclusively as a physical sensation—pedal/brake chugging, softening, and erratic stopping during normal dry-pavement braking. The issue has been present since delivery on [xxx]. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).