Hyundai and Kia have issued a recall of over 208,000 electric vehicles due to a potential power loss issue, posing serious risks for drivers. This recall involves more than 145,000 Hyundai and Genesis vehicles, including popular models like the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reported concerns over the Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU), which plays a pivotal role in charging the 12-volt battery. A malfunction here could cause the battery to discharge completely, leading to insufficient power for the vehicle, and increasing the chances of accidents on the road. Hyundai confirmed the alarming situation after numerous owners reported experiencing sudden power drops during driving, often on busy highways.
Specific models affected by this recall include:
- 2022-2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5
- 2023-2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6
- 2023-2024 Genesis G80
- 2023-2025 Genesis GV60
- 2023-2025 Genesis GV70
- 2022-2024 Kia EV6
The exact cause of the problem lies within the transistors of the ICCU. NHTSA officials have indicated these components may become damaged, halting the 12-volt battery's charging process. If drivers overlook warnings indicative of battery discharge, the risk of complete power loss escalates, rendering the vehicle unsafe to operate.
Dealers are prepared to take corrective action. Owners with affected vehicles should expect notifications via mail starting December and throughout January. The service will involve inspecting the ICCU and replacing any faulty units or fuses, alongside software updates to restore normal operation. This is important as many vehicles may have already been recalled earlier for similar issues but will now require additional fixes.
The extent of this issue is significant, as it not only pertains to the Hyundai brand but extends to its affiliated company, Kia. Documentation revealed nearly 63,000 Kia EV6 vehicles from 2022 through 2024 are included. This coordinated recall reflects the close relationship between Hyundai and Kia as sister companies, which share platforms and technology.
Many vehicle owners have shared their troubling experiences with these power losses. One reported, “I was driving on the highway and a message appeared saying ‘check electrical system.’ The power completely bottomed out, making it impossible to exceed 25 mph.” Such incidents underline the urgency behind this recall, prompting action from both manufacturers to mitigate potential dangers on the road.
The NHTSA previously opened investigations in early 2023 after similar complaints surfaced, leading to initial recalls. Despite efforts to rectify the problem, it appears the fixes were insufficient. Now, Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis have expanded the scope of the recall to include these newer models as well.
To summarize, if you own one of these electric vehicles, it’s important to stay informed and act quickly to have your vehicle examined and repaired if needed. This recall is particularly intended to protect drivers from the unpredictable nature of power loss during operation, which could easily lead to serious accidents.
For additional details, vehicle owners can consult with their local dealers or refer directly to the NHTSA's information about the recall.
