A significant recall has been initiated for Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis electric vehicles in South Korea due to potential power loss issues, although the implications for Australian markets remain unclear.
Nearly 170,000 electric vehicles from the Hyundai Motor Group are affected by a software glitch in their charging system, as reported by South Korean news agency Yonhap.
The recall encompasses various models, including Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 lines, along with the Genesis GV60, Electrified GV70, and Electrified G80. Additionally, 56,016 Kia EV6s are part of the recall. If extended to other markets, up to 500,000 vehicles could be impacted.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport highlighted the potential consequences of the error, which may lead to difficulties in vehicle start-up and battery depletion, ultimately resulting in power loss.
Hyundai Motor Group intends to address the issue by issuing a software update and, if necessary, replacing the integrated charging control unit (ICCU) for affected models.
In Australia, Hyundai has launched a local service campaign targeting 3049 Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 vehicles. However, this initiative is distinct from the South Korean recall and has not yet progressed to a formal recall status.
The company has addressed charging-related faults through software updates and, in some cases, ICCU replacements, with only a small fraction of affected vehicles requiring the latter.
A spokesperson for Hyundai and Genesis brands in Australia confirmed ongoing communication with the parent company to assess any potential impact on vehicles sold in Australia.
Similarly, Kia Australia has reached out to its headquarters for clarification on the matter. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available from Hyundai and Kia.
Meanwhile, in the United States, regulators are investigating similar concerns. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) initiated an inquiry last year following customer complaints of power-related issues in the Ioniq 5 and EV6 models.
While voluntary service campaigns were conducted by the South Korean brands to inspect and address ICCU concerns, no formal recall has been issued in the US as of now.