Recall Alert: Hyundai Ioniq EVs Suffer From Acceleration Problems
When the Hyundai Ioniq Electric came on stage, everyone thought it would be a great addition to the ever-growing selection of EVs on the market. However, once the excitement wore off, consumers and critics shared more disdain for the hatchback than praise. Now, there’s even a recall to add to the problem list for this electric car.
It seems the Hyundai Ioniq Electric suffers from acceleration issues. Despite Hyundai’s best intentions, the Ioniq Electric is only inspiring yawns, and the latest recall is only the latest nail in the EVs coffin. Here’s what you need to know if you own a Hyundai Ioniq Electric yourself.
The Hyundai Ioniq Electric, at a glance
The 2021 Hyundai Ioniq Electric is the cute little hatchback intended as a great all-electric introduction. Edmunds took a first look earlier this year and gave it an overall 7.8 out of 10. You can buy this EV in two trims, the SE and the Limited, for an affordable $33,245 to $38,815.
The Hyundai Ioniq Electric is powered by a 100-kW electric motor that uses its 38.3-kWh battery pack. For a compact EV, the 134 horsepower and 218 lb-ft of torque are pretty impressive. Additionally, the Ioniq Electric earned an EPA-estimated 170 miles on a full charge.
At first glance, the Ioniq Electric seemed to be destined for success. However, success isn’t in the cards for the hatchback, and this latest recall might seal the deal.
The Ioniq EV’s recall involving acceleration problems
The Hyundai Ioniq Electric has been around since 2016. The latest recall, issued by the NHTSA, says about 1% or a total of 2,679 units of the Ioniq Electric built between January 2016 and June 2019 have a defect. This Ioniq EV can suffer from a problem that causes its “fail-safe” mode to engage which driving, ultimately reducing acceleration and overall power.
According to the NHTSA, the “EV Ready” light comes on during this malfunction, but the unintended slowing is the real concern. A sudden lull in power could result in a crash scenario, as Auto Revolution suggests.
The recall is specific to the CAN, or the Controller Area Network, in some Hyundai Ioniq Electric models. There is a communication error that occurs, creating an unstable electrical ground. The fix, which is free to Ioniq Electric owners, is a pretty simple software update to address the misfire in CAN communication. If you own an Ioniq Electric and have questions about this recall, you can call 1-855-371-9460. The official recall number is 215, for reference. You can also reach out and connect with the NHTSA by calling 1-888-327-4236.
The Ioniq Electric gets put out to pasture
While you’ll be able to seek a remedy for your Hyundai Ioniq Electric’s recall, you won’t be able to buy a new one. Hyundai announced earlier in 2021 that it would be discontinuing its Ioniq EV. Additionally, there are several reasons critics say the EV hatchback belongs out to pasture.
The Hyundai Ioniq Electric didn’t have a lot going for it, including its yawn-worthy performance. The handling wasn’t inspiring, and many reviews didn’t find it comfortable. The in-cabin tech was ok, but marginal compared to its competitors. Furthermore, in many ways, Hyundai’s own Kona Electric outplaced the EV version of the Ioniq altogether.
If you’re a proud Hyundai Ioniq Electric owner, you don’t have to worry about this latest recall. It seems a simple fix is just a phone call away. However, suppose you were thinking about buying an Ioniq Electric. In that case, you’ll have to find yourself a pre-owned model since a new all-electric hatchback won’t be available after this model year.
