Overview of the Recall

In a significant development, automotive giants Hyundai and Kia have announced a recall affecting more than 208,000 electric vehicles (EVs) across Canada and the US. This recall is aimed at addressing a critical issue related to a loss of driving power, which could lead to an increased risk of accidents—a concern that has caused alarm among both drivers and safety regulators.

Details from the NHTSA

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed on Friday that, for the second time in 2023, both companies are pulling back a large number of their vehicles due to similar mechanical problems.

Affected Models

In total, Hyundai has recalled 145,235 EVs in the United States, including popular models like the 2022 through 2024 Ioniq 5, the 2023 to 2025 Ioniq 6, as well as the GV60, GV70, and G80 produced in 2023 and 2024. In Canada, this recall affects 34,529 units manufactured between March and November of this year.

Kia isn't far behind, with nearly 63,000 vehicles, specifically the Kia EV6 models from 2022 to 2024, being recalled in the US. However, detailed information about the Kia recall in Canada has yet to be disclosed.

Cause of the Issue

The source of the issue lies in the vehicles' integrated charging control units. According to the NHTSA's statement, these units may become damaged and fail to adequately charge the 12-volt battery, potentially causing a complete loss of driving power. As a precaution, Hyundai and Kia are proactively addressing this concern to avoid any tragic incidents.

Previous Recalls and Safety

This is not the first time Hyundai, Kia, and their luxury brand Genesis have faced such challenges. In March, these automakers had already issued a recall for 147,110 electric vehicles due to similar problems regarding malfunctioning charging units.

Fortunately, there have been no reported incidents of accidents, injuries, fatalities, or fires linked to this particular issue in the US or Canada, according to Hyundai.

Next Steps for Vehicle Owners

Owners of the affected vehicles will be notified via mail regarding the necessary steps to take. This will typically involve scheduling an appointment with a local dealership to inspect and, if necessary, replace the faulty charging unit and its fuse. A software update for the charging controls will also be administered to ensure optimal performance.

Conclusion

As the world transitions increasingly towards electric mobility, keeping your vehicle updated and safe has never been more crucial. If you're affected by this recall, make sure to act promptly and contact your dealership for assistance. Stay safe on the roads!