Hyundai Motor Group will launch a large-scale electric vehicle recall. It is the largest voluntary recall in three years since the automaker entered the market with an electric vehicle-only platform (E-GMP) in 2021. Hyundai and Kia will replace faulty integrated charging control units (ICCUs) in some of their EV models through this recall. The recall is expected to reach 170,000 vehicles in Korea. At the same time, Hyundai Motor Group will also recall them in major EV markets such as North America and Europe. In both Korean and overseas markets, the number of recalled vehicles is expected to hit 500,000.
The recall has been confirmed for electric vehicle models equipped with ICCUs including the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and the Genesis GV60. The models to be recalled will be announced by the Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport this week. Apart from Hyundai, Kia is also planning to recall vehicles using the same components. Kia’s EV6 and other models use ICCUs from the same manufacturer as the IONIQ 5.
An ICCU is responsible for managing electric vehicles’ power and controlling batteries. If there is a problem with an ICCU, the electric car may not start, its battery may be discharged, and it may not be possible to fully charge the battery. In the meantime, there have been many reports of ICCU failures in Korean electric cars among members of internet car communities in Korea.
Hyundai and Kia are also aware of the ICCU problem. Last year, they provided free repairs to update related software and replace the faulty ICCU. However, after more than half a year of free repairs, they have decided to issue a voluntary recall as reports continued.
Hyundai and Kia plan to issue a software update once they receive the recalled models. They will also replace the ICCU if a faulty code is found in the vehicles.
A separate investigation was underway in the United States regarding the recall. The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducted its own investigation following a complaint that the IONIQ 5 loses power while running. “It was determined that the power loss was caused by the ICCU,” the NHTSA said in its preliminary report on the case, “We found that the transistor could be damaged due to overcurrent within the ICCU.” Hyundai Motor Group’s decision to recall the models is likely a proactive move ahead of regulatory decisions in North America and Europe, some experts say.
Some auto industry observers believe that the large-scale recall may lead to the further deterioration of the already sluggish EV market. “The Korean electric vehicle market has seen slower growth than global electric vehicle markets such as that of Europe,” said an auto industry insider. “The recall may kindle a drop in demand for electric vehicles.”