US auto safety agencies are investigating the Hyundai IONIQ 5 electric SUV after 30 complaints were filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) over reports of power outages.
Hyundai IONIQ 5 has been investigated for power outage reports
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is investigating the power outage issue on 2022 model year Hyundai IONQ 5 electric SUVs.
The department says many of the consumers have “reported a loud popping sound followed by a warning on their dashboard and immediately feel a loss of driving power ranging from a reduction to a complete loss of driving power.”
Hyundai has since told NHTSA investigators that the blackout issues are related to the Integrated Control Charge Unit (ICCU) that powers the electric vehicle’s batteries.
Initial inspection of the ODI suggests that the transistors can be damaged if the ICCU receives too much current, resulting in an inability to charge the 12V battery.
The department advises that it is initiating the preliminary assessment to determine the scope and severity of the potential issue.
Electric SUV Hyundai IONIQ 5 (Source: Hyundai)
As part of the evaluation, the agency collects data on complaints, and the manufacturer can also submit material.
Hyundai said in a statement Monday that it was fully cooperating with the investigation and said it would launch a service campaign next month that would update the affected vehicles’ software and replace the ICCU if necessary.
The ODI has initiated several interviews confirming various problems with power outages, but none of the reports have been related to accidents or injuries.
Hyundai IONIQ 5 (Source: Hyundai)
The IONIQ 5 is Hyundai’s first all-electric vehicle. Based on the E-GMP platform, the IONIQ 5 offers an EPA value range of up to 303 starting at $41,450.
Hyundai has sold over 10,500 IONIQ 5 models this year (as of May 31, 2023) and is working toward its goal of becoming one of the top three global electric vehicle manufacturers by 2030.
Once the assessment is complete, NHTSA can either close the investigation or proceed to the next phase. The research includes 39,559 IONIQ 5 models. We will keep you updated on the situation as more information is released.
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