Hyundai NZ recalls 724 Kona Electrics due to fire risk

New Zealand now joins a global recall of some 77,000 Hyundai Kona Electric vehicles in the model years 2017-2020 because of a battery issue which may pose a potential fire risk.

Hyundai is doing the safety recall globally to address a condition with the high-voltage battery system, in particular Kona Electrics produced at its factory in Korea between September 29, 2017 and  March 20, 2020.

The issue was covered by EVs and Beyond

earlier this month with Hyundai New Zealand at that stage still to learn if this country was affected by the recall.

Hyundai is doing the safety recall in New Zealand to address a condition with the high-voltage battery management system (BMS) in certain Hyundai Kona Electric vehicles produced for sale in the New Zealand market, a  spokesperson says.

“The battery system in the subject vehicles could be defective and/or contain faulty software. These defects could increase the risk of an electrical short circuit.

“Kona Electric owners have already been contacted and notified of the recall and follow up calls will be made this week to book their vehicle in to a Hyundai dealership for inspection and for the BMC software to be updated. In isolated cases, replacement of the lithium-ion battery may be required.”

Hyundai says it is initiating this action to ensure the safety and compliance of its vehicles and the continued satisfaction of Hyundai customers.

About 724 Kona Electrics are involved in the recall here which also affects about 77,000 globally.