Hyundai and Kia will recall round 170,000 EVs in Korea, the biggest since they launched. The recall is over a software program difficulty impacting Hyundai’s IONIQ, Genesis, and Kia EVs. In the meantime, there’s an open NHTSA investigation within the US.
Hyundai and Kia recall 170,000 electrical automobiles
Replace 3/21/24: The NHTSA formally introduced Hyundai and Kia are recalling over 147,000 EVs within the US.
The South Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport introduced the recall on Thursday. Twelve fashions from Hyundai, Kia, Stellantis Korea, and Tesla Korea have been discovered to have defects.
Hyundai and Kia accounted for a lot of the recall, with round 170,000 EVs impacted. Of them, 113,916 Hyundai fashions, together with the IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, Genesis GV60, GV70, and Electrified G80.
Kia is recalling 56,016 EV6 fashions, whereas 136 Tesla Mannequin 3’s can be up to date because of pedestrian warning sounds. In the meantime, a number of hundred Jeep Cherokee and Wranglers have been additionally recalled.
The Hyundai and Kia EVs have been discovered to have a software program glitch within the ICCU that would have an effect on energy to the battery. This could trigger charging points or probably a lack of energy whereas driving.
Hyundai and Kia will difficulty a software program replace as soon as they obtain the recalled fashions. If there’s nonetheless a defective code, they’ll exchange the ICCU.
Within the US, the NHTSA opened an investigation on June 8, 2023, over a number of experiences of lack of ICCU energy in NY 2022-2023 Hyundai IONIQ 5 fashions. The 2022 Kia EV6 can also be being investigated over lack of energy complaints.
Though the 2023 IONIQ 6 just isn’t being investigated, a number of complaints have been filed with the NHTSA because of charging points.
Hyundai Motor Group mentioned in a press release (by way of Reuters), “Hyundai Motor and Kia will take immediate actions to stop buyer inconvenience and can proceed to prioritize the security of our prospects and their automobiles.” The recall in Korea is about to start on March 18.
The information comes after Hyundai launched a brand new trade-in program in its residence market, providing new reductions to encourage drivers to modify to electrical automobiles.
Electrek’s Take
Regardless of the numerous recall, Hyundai is plowing forward within the EV market. Final yr, Hyundai was the fourth best-selling EV model within the US. Together with Kia, Hyundai Motor topped Ford and GM for second place within the US EV market, trailing solely Tesla.
Hyundai is considered one of many automakers with software program points. For instance, GM simply lifted the Chevy Blazer EV stop-sale this week after practically three months over a software program high quality difficulty.
After a two-year delay over software program, Porsche lastly unveiled its all-electric Macan EV in January.
Hyundai is anticipated to launch its first three-row electrical SUV, the IONIQ 9, later this yr, which might assist enhance gross sales within the US, its largest market.
South Korea additionally launched a brand new EV subsidy plan that advantages home automakers like Hyundai and Kia whereas penalizing cheaper batteries from China.
Hyundai goals to be a top-three EV maker by 2030, nevertheless it might want to get again on monitor because the recall might derail its momentum this yr. The automaker is planning to open its first EV and battery plant within the US by the top of 2024, which is anticipated to allow automobiles constructed on the facility to qualify for the $7,500 EV tax credit score.
Supply: The Korean Financial Every day
