Hyundai and Kia will recall about 170,000 electric cars in Korea, the most since launch. The recall is due to a software factor affecting Hyundai’s IONIQ, Genesis and Kia electric cars. Meanwhile, an NHTSA investigation is open in the United States.
Update 3/21/24: NHTSA has officially announced that Hyundai and Kia are recalling more than 147,000 cars in the US.
South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced the recall on Thursday. Twelve vehicles from Hyundai, Kia, Stellantis Korea and Tesla Korea had defects.
Hyundai and Kia accounted for the lion’s share of the recall, with around 170,000 electric vehicles affected. These include 113,916 Hyundai models, the IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, Genesis GV60, GV70 and Electrified G80.
Kia is recalling 56,016 EV6 models, while 136 Tesla Model 3s will be updated due to pedestrian warning sounds. Meanwhile, several hundred Jeep Cherokees and Wranglers have also been recalled.
Hyundai and Kia electric vehicles had a software factor in the ICCU that could limit battery charging. This can lead to charging problems or probably a loss of power while driving.
Hyundai and Kia will perform a software update once they get the recalled models. If there is still a faulty code, they will update the ICCU.
In the United States, the NHTSA opened an investigation on June 8, 2023, into several reports of ICCU loss of strength in the 2022-2023 Hyundai IONIQ five NY models. The 2022 Kia EV6 is also under investigation following court cases similar to a loss of power. .
While the 2023 IONIQ 6 is under investigation, several court cases have been filed with NHTSA due to billing issues.
Hyundai Motor Group said in a statement (via Reuters): “Hyundai Motor and Kia will take steps to avoid any inconvenience to consumers and will continue to prioritize the protection of our consumers and their vehicles. » The recall in Korea is expected to begin on March 18.
The news comes after Hyundai introduced a new commercial program in its home market, offering new discounts to inspire drivers to switch to vehicles.
Despite this primary recall, Hyundai is making progress in the EV market. Last year, Hyundai was the fourth best-selling electric vehicle in the U. S. U. S. Including Kia, Hyundai Motor has overtaken Ford and GM for the second position in the U. S. electric vehicle market. U. S. Department of Homeland Security, Tesla.
Hyundai is one of many automakers facing software issues. For example, GM just lifted the suspension of sales of the Chevrolet Blazer EV this week after about 3 months due to a software quality issue.
After a two-year software delay, Porsche finally unveiled its all-electric Macan EV in January.
Hyundai is expected to launch its first three-row electric SUV, the IONIQ 9, later this year, which could boost sales in the United States, its largest market.
South Korea has also unveiled a new EV subsidy scheme that benefits domestic automakers such as Hyundai and Kia, while penalizing China’s less expensive batteries.
Hyundai aims to be among the top three most sensible EV makers until 2030, but will want to get back on track as the recall could derail its momentum this year. The automaker plans to open its first battery and electric vehicle plant in the U. S. U. S. Electric Vehicle Tax Credits through the end of 2024, allowing cars made at the plant to qualify for the $7,500 electric vehicle tax credit.
Source: Korean Business Daily
Peter Johnson covers the automotive industry’s step-by-step transformation to electric vehicles. He is a seasoned investor, money writer, and electric vehicle enthusiast. His enthusiasm for electric vehicles, primarily Tesla, is one of the main reasons he pursued a career in investing. If he doesn’t tell you about his latest discoveries in the 10K, you can spot him enjoying the outdoors or exercising.