Hyundai recalling 82,000 EVs due to potential fire risk

Hyundai has reportedly issued a voluntary recall of three EV models – the Kona (75,680), Ioniq (5715) and Elec City bus (305) – after South Korea’s Transport Ministry said a series of fires there involving Kona vehicles had most likely been caused by short circuits in defective high-voltage battery cells.

A total 81,701 units of the three cars — 26,699 units in Korea and 55,002 units in other countries, will be recalled, The Korea Herald reports, adding the models involved were built between November 2017 and March 2020.

Hyundai Australia confirms it will recall most of about 1000 Kona Electric and 755 Ioniq electric cars sold there and replace their battery packs and battery management systems, while Hyundai New Zealand is reported as saying it’s awaiting official confirmation and then will advise customers of any next steps.

We are aware of the news that has come out of Korea, however are waiting for official communication from Hyundai Motor Company with regards to this recall and the number of EVs affected here in New Zealand,” Hyundai NZ says.

“Safety of our customers is paramount, so as soon as we have a list of affected vehicles we will contact those customers to advise next steps.”

However, the recall doesn’t involve Hyundai’s hybrid or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles.          

The South Korea recall starts around March 29 and in other countries from April.

“Hyundai Motor Company Australia is aware of the recent Kona EV recall announced in Korea and will be taking a similar action in Australia,” the company says, The Driven.io reports.

“We have informed the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications (DIRD) about the recall and will communicate the details to affected customers shortly.”

The recall is expected to cost more than US$900,000.

An earlier Kona Electric recall was reported in EVs and Beyond.