Hyundai & Kia EV Owners Still in the Hot Seat After Fixes Fail

The same issues persist after the ICCU recall
Symptoms appear post-recall
No viable solution to the problem

Hyundai and Kia Motors have initiated a large-scale recall for their electric vehicles (EVs) in South Korea and the United States. As manufacturers who had previously insisted on free repairs began to implement recall measures, the end of the defect crisis seemed to be in sight. However, the problems have not been fully resolved.

The defect issue with the EVs originated from the ICCU or the Integrated Charging Control Unit. If a problem occurs in the ICCU, which manages low voltage and high voltage, it becomes impossible to charge the 12V low-voltage battery. This results in a discharge and a decrease in output.

Cases of defects after recall due to anxiety

Typical symptoms include activating warning lights such as ‘EV system check’ and ‘Power supply device check’ and a ‘thud’ sound from the rear. When these symptoms occur, the output does not rise normally, leading to speed reduction and other issues, making it impossible to operate the vehicle normally. This problem occurs in almost all EVs from Hyundai and Kia, causing many consumers to voice their concerns.

Hyundai and Kia suggested an ICCU software update and a replacement if the problem does not improve as a solution. However, numerous cases of the same symptoms persisted even after the recall measures. In some cases, defects have occurred after receiving a recall for a previously non-existent problem, causing EV owners to express their anger.

Parts supply takes time
Unable to use the vehicle for 2 weeks

As cases of ICCU defects occurring after the recall measures continue to pour out in online communities, Hyundai and Kia have yet to respond further. The exact cause remains unclear, leading to rampant speculation among consumers. Some suggest it could be a simple defect in some of the replaced ICCUs, but most consumers believe the problem cannot be solved by just a software update and ICCU parts replacement.

The response to the problem has also sparked controversy. Given the large-scale recall involving 170,000 EVs, difficulties have been reported in procuring ICCU parts. One owner, who had to bring his vehicle to the service center due to the same symptoms after the recall, expressed dissatisfaction as he could not use his vehicle for 10 to 14 days due to parts supply.

Consumers take matters into their own hands
Report defects to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport

Free rental car replacement is helping consumers minimize damages, but it is still criticized as an inadequate response. Even this solution is limited, as the insurance coverage for rental cars is only 30 million won (approximately $25,000). Some consumers who experienced the same symptoms post-recall have reported the defect to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport. Despite the ongoing consumer damages, domestic manufacturers have been continuously criticized for their lack of effective response measures.