The Hyundai Kona is a subcompact SUV that made its debut in 2017.
Like any other car, the Kona uses beeps and chimes to alert the driver.
If you’re unsure why your Kona keeps beeping, this article is here to help.
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Why Your Hyundai Kona Keeps Beeping:
The most common causes of a Hyundai Kona beeping are seatbelt warnings when parked, red light camera alerts, navigation alerts, proximity alerts, exterior temperature warnings, faulty door latches, 12V battery low on charge, the hood or trunk is open, and weight on the passenger seat.
Common Reasons Why A Hyundai Kona Beeps
Listed below are the main reasons as to why your Kona might be beeping.
1. Seatbelt Warning When in Park
On some Kona models, the vehicle will beep if you haven’t put your seatbelt on if the car is in Park with the engine running.
Most cars will only beep when you are driving with no seatbelt on, however the Kona is slightly different – it will beep if you are idling in Park with no seatbelt.
2. Red Light Camera Alerts
A very common cause of beeping on the Kona is the warning beep given when approaching a red light camera.
These cameras are used to deter people from running red lights and also to help prosecute light-runners.
Depending on model year you can adjust your alert settings by going to:
Settings> Navigation> Alerts> Camera Alert Distance> pick your preference.
If none are selected, you will not get any alerts.
3. Navigation Alerts
The navigation system uses various beeps to alert the driver.
The volume of these can be muted or adjusted in the settings menu.
Some owners have complained that some of the navigation beeps are pointless such as driving “over” a checkpoint (left turn, right turn, or whatever the next navigation point is).
It is also marked with a little marker on the road on the screen.
4. Proximity Alerts (Parking Distance Warning)
When you are driving and your Kona gets too close to an object, this will trigger a beep to warn you that you are very close to hitting something.
These are known as proximity alerts.
On some models, this sound can be disabled by pressing a button (but you will need to press it every time you get in the car), although the image on the infotainment screen will remain.
Hyundai refers to this system as Parking System Warning and it is activated at slow speeds (under 6 mph) and when reverse is engaged.
The volume of driver assistance warning features can be adjusted although they cannot be muted without turning the vehicle off.
5. Wireless Charging
If you are using wireless charging for your device, this can trigger various beeping noises.
6. Weight On the Passenger Seat
A common cause of mysterious beeping from a Kona is weight on one of the passenger seats.
This could be a laptop, a bag, your pet dog or even a water bottle.
The vehicle will mistake this for a person sitting on the seat without their seatbelt on.
You can either remove the item or simply plug in the seat belt to stop the beeping.
If you have a baby seat plugged into the isofix then this can also trigger a warning unless the standard seat belt is plugged in too.
7. Low Temperature / Frost Warning
On the Hyundai Kona, there is a temperature warning feature that will beep when the outside temperature is 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
This is to remind you to drive carefully as the roads will be slippery and your tires will have less traction.
There is no way to disable this feature as it is considered an essential safety feature.
8. Low 12V Battery
If the 12V battery is starting to die you may hear a warning beep to indicate this, most 12V car batteries last 3-4 years on average. HOwever, having a 12V battery that is low on charge can cause a wide range of electrical issues that may lead to mysterious beeping.
You can get your battery checked by a local mechanic or for free at AutoZone.
You can always check the battery life yourself with a voltmeter, by measuring the voltage across the battery’s terminals.
If it’s under 11V then this is likely whats causing the beeping and you’ll need to replace it.
9. Low Key Fob Battery
If your key fob battery is low then your Kona may beep to warn you of this.
10. Keep Hands on the Steering Wheel Warning
On certain Kona models, a warning beep will be triggered if you take one or more hands off the steering wheel.
The beep is to remind you to use two hands whilst driving as this is much safer.
This is accompanied by a message that should appear on the dashboard however there is no dash icon for this.
11. Low Tire Pressure
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) will send a warning beep if the pressure in the tires is low.
This should be accompanied by a warning on the gauge cluster too.
All tires should be at the same pressure.
Note: Tire pressure will drop in cold and freezing temperatures.
12. Hood Open Or Tunk Open
If you have left the hood or trunk open (or bonnet and boot as they are called in the UK) this will trigger a warning beep.
Simply close the hood/trunk to stop the beeping.
13. Apple Car Play Whilst on the Phone
If you are using Apple Car Play for navigation whilst on the phone with someone, rather than give voice directions during the call, the system will beep instead to let you know of directions that are coming up.
This is so you do not have voice commands whilst on the phone.
14. Dirty Sensors
The Kona has various sensors located on the vehicle for driver assistance features such as lane keep assist and forward collision warning.
If the sensors become dirty, covered with ice or blocked it can trigger unwanted beeping.
Check all the sensors and make sure they are clean and free of debris.
15. Parking Brake
If the parking brake is not released when you begin to drive, a chime will sound warning you that the parking brake is still on.
16. Lane Departure Warning
A common cause of beeping is the Kona lane departure warning.
When activated, a visual and audible Lane Departure Warning will sound and make a beeping noise anytime the vehicle veers out of its lane.
17. Faulty latches or Sticking Door Mechanisms
If you’ve got a door latch that’s sticking this will make the Hyundai think you’ve got a door open or ajar when you haven’t.
This is a common cause of beeping on many car models.
Try giving a good clean to all door mechanisms and lubricating with WD-40, make sure they all open and close properly.
It’s also a good idea to make sure every door, including the trunk and hood, are closed properly before driving.
18. Oil & Fluid Levels
It’s a good idea to check fluid levels are all correct, such as:
- Engine oil
- Coolant
- Power steering fluid
- Brake fluid
- Windshield washer
When one or more of these are low, it can trigger a warning beep.
Related: How Long Do Hyundai Kona Last? (Solved & Explained)
Alternative Suggestions For Beeping Problems
Disconnect the Battery
Disconnecting the battery for a certain length of time resets the Powertrain Control Module (your vehicle’s brain) and other electronic systems.
Disconnect the battery for 60 seconds.
Alternatively, you can try disconnecting for 24 hours.
Check the Dashboard for Warnings
When the beeping occurs can you see any lights or warning messages come on at the same time on the dash?
This can give a big clue as to what’s causing the beeping.
Take it to a Hyundai Dealership
If needed, take your car to the dealership.
Tell them you are NOT paying for a check on what the problem might be.
Ask them if they will check it for free.
Most dealerships and other places do quick/initial diagnosis for no money as they plan to make money for the repair of your vehicle.
Check for Recalls or TSBs:
By entering your vehicle’s VIN number on Hyundai recall page you can determine whether or not there is a recall for your vehicle and if there is you’ll want to get it fixed.
Similarly, a quick google search will help you determine whether there is a Technical Service Bulletin for your Hyundai.
These are less serious but may give a reason why your vehicle is beeping.
A recall is issued by a vehicle manufacturer for issues that are safety-related, while a TSB covers components that may be malfunctioning but don’t compromise the safety of the vehicle.
Related: Hyundai Kona Alarm Going Off? (3 Main Causes)
