Recall Of Hyundai Motor Group’s EVs Due to ICCU Defects

Hyundai Motor Group ICCU defect
Recall preparations detected
Vehicles subject to recall

Even today, when automobile manufacturing technology has advanced, design and assembly defects are frequently discovered in new cars, leading to recalls. In particular, the proportion of defects in electronic systems is noticeable, and various risks lurk, ranging from restrictions on information display to safety accidents.

In particular, cases of integrated charging control unit (ICCU) defects in Hyundai Motor Group’s electric vehicles consistently rose in South Korea. Since July of last year, free repair services have been provided, but public opinion demanding a recall has increased as it has not been a fundamental solution. And not long ago, Hyundai Motor Group finally decided to carry out a recall.

Reasons why recall is inevitable

Starting on March 10th, posts began appearing on the online bulletin board of electric car clubs saying, “Hyundai  seems to be preparing to recall ICCU defects.” Concerning this, Hyundai has stopped providing discount benefits for older electric vehicles. On March 11th, a screenshot of a text message presumably sent by a Hyundai salesperson was uploaded.

The text included a notice that “an ICCU-related recall will be implemented soon, and owners of affected vehicles will be contacted sequentially.” Afterward, photos presumed to be Hyundai’s internal documents were uploaded, making the ICCU recall a reality. Although the word ‘recall’ is not directly mentioned, the remark that “non-compliance may result in fines” is persuasive.

Five models of Hyundai and Genesis were subjected to recall, the Kia EV6 remains silent

According to the document, five Hyundai and Genesis electric vehicle models were mentioned as subject to recall. The vehicles subject to Hyundai’s recall are as follows: 71,517 units of IONIQ 5 produced from September 10, 2020, to February 29, 2024, and 21,589 units of IONIQ 6 produced from January 28, 2022, to March 4, 2024. The recently launched IONIQ 5 facelift model does not seem to be related to the ICCU defect due to its timing. Kona Electric was not included in the recall as it was unrelated to the ICCU defect.

The vehicles subject to Genesis’ recall are as follows: GV60 10,304 units produced from March 5, 2021, to March 5, 2024, GV70 electrified model 5,296 units produced from February 11, 2022, to March 4, 2024, and finally, G80 electrified model 6 units produced in 2021 5,112 units produced from February 8 to February 29, 2024. So, the total number of vehicles subject to Hyundai and Genesis recalls is 114,098. Kia has not confirmed the notice yet but is expected to follow the same procedure soon.

Relief for Car Owners

In the meantime, problems presumed to be ICCU defects have been reported in South Korea and overseas. According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 30 cases were reported in which the remaining driving distance was reduced, or the vehicle turned off with a ‘popping’ sound after a warning message was displayed in the infotainment system of the 2022 Ioniq 5. If the Kia EV6 recall is added in the future, the total number is expected to increase to about 136,000 units.

Netizens who heard the news reacted: “Hyundai Motor Group is finally heading in the right direction.” “It’s surprising that there is a recall before the US.” “If this doesn’t fix it, their image will fall to the bottom.” “Will the problem of slow charging interruptions be resolved now?” “I hope the notice comes quickly.” “It is a natural response based on common sense, but I wonder if there is such a sense of relief.”