In a move that underscores the growing pains of the electric vehicle (EV) revolution, Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis have announced a sweeping recall of nearly every single e-GMP EV in America. This recall, which mirrors a similar action in South Korea, affects a staggering 147,110 vehicles manufactured between 2021 and 2024. The culprit? A faulty component in the integrated charging control unit (ICCU) responsible for charging the 12-volt battery, which, if depleted, could cause the vehicle to stall.
The recall includes a wide range of popular models such as the Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and 6, and Genesis GV60, as well as the M3 platform-based Electrified Genesis GV70 and G80. The issue was first spotted in warranty returns in October 2022, with Hyundai noting heat damage on the low-voltage converter field effect transistors of the ICCU assemblies. This prompted an investigation that eventually led to the recall decision after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) began its own probe into the matter in April 2023.
The potential for a vehicle to experience a stall while in motion poses a significant safety risk. Fortunately, the impacted vehicles have been engineered to switch to a ‘fail-safe’ driving mode, granting drivers a period to safely maneuver to the side of the road before the vehicle halts completely. Despite this reassuring feature, it does not fully alleviate the inconvenience and potential hazards associated with being stranded in such a situation.
The recall extends beyond domestic borders, affecting Hyundai and Kia on a global scale, encompassing a staggering total of over 600,000 vehicles. In South Korea alone, 169,932 vehicles have been recalled for the same issue. The sheer magnitude of this recall underscores the intricacies and hurdles associated with EV technology, as well as the stringent standards to which these vehicles are subjected.
In the United States, the recall procedure is slated to commence on May 14. Owners will receive notifications and guidance to bring their vehicles to an authorized dealer for thorough inspection. Updates to the ICCU software will be implemented to prevent overcurrents and diminish voltage spikes during high-voltage battery charging. If deemed necessary, the ICCU fuse will also be replaced, all at zero cost to the customer.
While the recall poses a notable setback for the automakers, it serves as a poignant reminder of the criticality of continuous monitoring and quality assurance in the automotive sector. With the increasing prevalence of EVs, both manufacturers and regulatory bodies must uphold a vigilant stance to ensure the safety and dependability of these vehicles.
Although the recall signifies a hurdle for Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis, it also underscores the brands’ dedication to customer safety and their prompt action-taking when challenges emerge. As the EV market continues to burgeon, such proactive initiatives will be pivotal in upholding consumer trust and facilitating a seamless transition towards an increasingly electrified future.
