Hyundai reportedly ready to recall 77,000 Kona Electrics
Hyundai is reportedly preparing to recall 77,000 Kona Electric cars mainly in Korea, the US and possibly Europe because of a potential risk of a battery fire.
And the company is said to be battling with the battery supplier LG Chem over the cause, Electrek reports.
This follows several Hyundai Kona EV fires prompting investigations, reported in the Korea Times.
It says 13 Kona EVs were reported globally to have caught fire and that Hyundai Motor is calling it a battery issue, citing an investigation by Korea’s transport ministry.
The Korea Times
says Hyundai Motor plans to update the battery management system first and then replace batteries if necessary.
It adds that Hyundai Motor refused to comment on the safety margin it determined and that LG Chem was also unavailable to comment on this issue citing sensitivity.
Different reports are coming to different conclusions, the Korea Times says.
It adds a voluntary recall would affect 25,564 vehicles in Korea, 11,000 in North America, 37,000 in Europe and 3000 in other markets.
reports the recall starts in Korea on October 16 and includes software updates and battery replacements after inspections involving 25,564 Kona EVs built between September 2017 and March 2020, according to Korea’s transport ministry.
The US has also reportedly had a recall issued for the Kona Electric.
Both Australia and New Zealand have not had Kona EV recalls issued at the time of publication.
No cases of Kona EV fires have been reported in New Zealand, and Hyundai New Zealand says it’s in discussions with Hyundai Motor Company regarding this matter “as the safety of our customers is paramount”.
If Hyundai NZ is notified by Hyundai Motor Company of any affected Kona EVs in New Zealand it will be in contact directly with those customers to advise next steps and initiate any recall process.
Hyundai Australia is in a similar situation and is also waiting to hear from Hyundai Motor Company.
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My Kona Electric – purchased new in NZ on 2 November 2018 – was sourced from Ireland apparently.
I am wondering if it is one of those 37,000 Kona EV’s affected by this traction battery recall in Europe ?
So far, we have had five recalls: 1) ACU Diagnostic Logic Improvement 91c101 – carried out at 3,538 km, 2) ECU Software Upgrade 80c091 – carried out at 4,653 km, 3) EV High Voltage Monitoring Logic update – carried out at 25,407 km, 4) EV Kona High Voltage J / Box Fuse Replacement, carried out 25,407 km and 5) EV Kona Cluster Control Logic Improvement carried out 25,407 km. We have had issues with the 12 volt auxiliary battery which was eventually replaced under warranty at 25,682 km. Total kms now 29,983.