Hyundai Ioniq Complaints

179 consumer complaints on file.

#11772541October 20, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Component that failed: The charging inlet locking actuator (Hyundai: "charging connector lock/unlock actuator") on my 2019 Hyundai IONIQ Plug-In Hybrid. It locks the connector to the inlet. The failed actuator is STILL INSTALLED and available for inspection at a dealership. Safety risk: Hyundai TSB #18-BE-018 requires technicians to disconnect the high-voltage safety plug, wait 5 minutes for capacitor discharge, and wear insulated gloves because the area contains "high voltage components." A locked actuator forces owners to pry at an energized connector—shock hazard. A partially engaged connection risks arcing and fire. Charging failure also depletes the traction battery, cutting power available for merging and evasive maneuvers. Incident: Without warning, the connector would not release. It took ~30 minutes to free the charger. I nearly had to drive with the charger connected, feeding the cord through my driver's window. No warning lamps appeared before or during the failure. Confirmed by dealer: Yes. Diagnosed by [XXX] Hyundai on XXX, invoice XXX. Inspections: Dealer only. No police report, insurance claim, or known HMA engineering inspection. Manufacturer knowledge: Hyundai issued TSB #18-BE-018 in Nov 2018, while 2019 models were being sold, acknowledging IONIQ PHEVs "may experience a charging connector lock/unlock actuator malfunction," with warranty coding (Op Code 91999R00; Nature Cause I14 ZZ3). Hyundai said my VIN fell outside the recall population under undisclosed criteria, and covers the part only 5yr/60k, not the 10yr/100k Hybrid System Warranty. Requested action: (1) Evaluate whether this is a safety defect under 49 U.S.C. Ch. 301. (2) Obtain Hyundai's claim volume for Op Code 91999R00/I14 ZZ3 by model year, plant, build range, plus injury/fire reports. (3) Confirm whether a recall covers this component and publish its scope. (4) Assess whether Hyundai's exclusion of my VIN was adequately supported. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771228October 14, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Backup camera quality has greatly degraded. Can barely make out what is behind you with camera. Afraid will hit something.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768813October 4, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
After the Dealership, Michigan City Hyundai (MCH), performed part of the needed repairs, I became aware of what could/would have been a fire hazard (as evidenced by brownish/black heat spots, on the metal cover of the hybrid battery, under the rear seat. To maintain its recall-denial, MCH blames the hybrid starter generator (HSG) for the damage to the hybrid battery. The noted heat-spots prove otherwise - the power relay assembly (the subject of one of the recalls related to my car), and its malfunction and consequent generation of excessive heat, is what caused severe damage to the hybrid battery. The other failed component (hybrid system generator - HSG) is directly related to the hybrid clutch actuator (HCA), which is the subject of the 2nd recall affecting my car. The malfunction of the HCA is what damaged the HSG. The NHTSA database shows no open recall affecting my car VIN, is because dealer IL093 (who sold me the car around April 2025), logged both recall remedies as applied in Hyundai's internal database. The selling dealer (IL093), which claims to have completed the Power Relay Assembly and Hydraulic Clutch Actuator recalls on my vehicle, was under the ownership of Leader Automotive Group during the timeline of the alleged repairs and my April 2025 purchase. Leader Automotive Group was sued and penalized $20 million by the FTC and the State of Illinois for systematic consumer fraud, deceptive practices, and concealing voided manufacturer warranties. Because the physical components have now suffered the exact catastrophic failures these recalls were designed to prevent, there is a high probability that dealer IL093 fraudulently logged these recall remedies as completed without physically performing the work. I request that the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation immediately audit IL093's repair logs for this VIN in light of the FTC enforcement action.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766142September 22, 2026
ENGINE
The engine coolant can leak into the exhaust because air a known design flaw. When the the engine turns on after being in electric mode the coolant pump starts and pushes it out the exhaust causing a sudden over heating of the engine. This causes the car to stall and can be very dangerous at freeway speeds.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761449September 1, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
The Auto Hold and EPB orange warning lights have been a recurring problem with our 2022 Hyundai Ioniq. We first noticed the car exhibit a jerky/jolting hesitation after accelerating from a complete stop which was reported to the dealership with confirmed paperwork at ~52K miles. The Auto Hold and EPB orange warning lights have been documented via photographs and video on been active at mileage ~58K and 72K, but the dealership could not reproduce (or scan the codes?) the warning light signature or jerking motion. Additionally, the car indicated that is was trying to either activate or deactivate the Auto Hold function even when the car was in motion and is never turned utilized by any driver of the vehicle. Even though this problem was described as hazardous and may cause the brakes to lock leading to an accident. Finally at ~88K miles the dealership was capable of properly diagnosing the problem and replaced the left rear caliper with CPB motor.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761458September 1, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
The Auto Hold and EPB orange warning lights have emerged for the second time on this vehicle after fixing an initial Auto Hold/EPB problem at mileage ~88-89K (tracking number assigned by NHTSA for this issue was 11761449). The mechanic stated this feature can malfunction in the error mode leading to unprompted braking in a previous conversation. After taking it into the dealership for review, it was revealed that a different wheel's braking machinery was compromised and needed to now be replaced making it the second repair of the same part on first the left rear now the right rear wheels. The first occurrence of the second warning light emerged ~94K. Of note, we purchased another Ioniq and have just experienced the same issue for the second times in that vehicle at mileage ~31K and ~34K, so it appears to be a common defect in this automobile.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761462September 1, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
The Auto Hold and EPB orange warning lights emerged while commuting to work, which are associated with the brakes. The problem was diagnosed by the dealer because the other car we own is also an Ioniq and we have had two different Auto Hold problems noted with that automobile (NHTSA tracking numbers 11761449 and 11761458), therefore we sadly have experience detailing this defect. There were no issues with the car prior to the Auto Hold/EPB warning lights appearing. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership and the part has been replaced.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760846August 31, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was driving my two young daughters (ages [XXX] and [XXX]) to school, in clear conditions, when we suddenly heard a static-like noise. Instantly, the car's check engine light and check EV battery light came on, and I realized I could no longer accelerate. I immediately pulled off to a safe shoulder and turned the car off and then back on. The car would not move. I exited the vehicle and THANKFULLY left my car door open. I walked around the vehicle and immediately called my husband for help. Within seconds, my [XXX] daughter, who was sitting directly behind me in the rear driver's seat, told me she saw smoke. I went to open her door and realized it was locked. My key fob and door lock would not unlock her door. I reached through my seat to open her door and instantly saw the smoke coming from a vent just to the left of her legs. I unbuckled her and pulled her out, and climbed through the vehicle to get my [XXX] unbuckled and safely out of the vehicle. I cannot stress enough how grateful I am that my car door was left open because I don't believe I would have been able to break the glass to get my daughters out. The could have easily died. Within a minute of the smoke starting from my daughter's vent, the flames began from the same vent. I got both daughters away from the vehicle asap. While trying to grab what I could from the vehicle, my fires on my right hand were caught in the fire. The vehicle became fully engulfed in fire and was a total loss. Two volunteer fire departments responded. I have both the fire incident report as well as the police incident report. The police report only mentioned one daughter but witnesses can attest that I had to get BOTH daughters out. Following the incident, I went to the doctor to receive care for my burns and received a chest x-ray due to smoke inhalation. My [XXX] daughter has been traumatized and keeps thinking something is wrong with her. She told me her bottom felt very warm just before I pulled her out. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMA
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11751771July 21, 2026
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The vehicle has suffered a catastrophic failure of the hybrid drive motor rotor, transmission, and engine clutch, resulting in a $14,993 repair quote. This is a direct consequence of a failed remedy for NHTSA Recall 18V260 (Hyundai Campaign 176).In February 2020, a dealer performed an 'inspection/cap' remedy under Campaign 176. However, this did not permanently fix the manufacturing burrs on the hydraulic clutch actuator housing. Over time, the inner oil seals degraded exactly as warned in the original defect report. Hydraulic fluid leaked into the electric stepper motor, causing an electrical short circuit that destroyed the entire hybrid powertrain. The vehicle lost propulsion and threw a severe Hybrid Warning Light on the dashboard. This represents a complete failure of a mandated safety recall remedy, introducing an active electrical short circuit and a severe vehicle fire hazard.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11750854July 16, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
VEHICLE SAFETY HAZARD: ACTIVE HIGH-VOLTAGE ISOLATION FAULT (DTC P0AA6) WITH DECEPTIVE DEALER/MANUFACTURER BYPASS & CONCEALMENT. On April 15, 2026, the dealer scanned my 2021 Ioniq EV and uncovered DTC P0AA6 (Hybrid/EV Battery Voltage System Isolation Fault), which denotes a catastrophic high-voltage leak into the chassis. This is a severe safety hazard posing immediate risks of fatal electrocution to occupants, EV battery thermal runaway (fire), or sudden total loss of propulsion at highway speeds. Instead of grounding this dangerous vehicle, the dealership concealed the diagnostic code, withheld the physical invoice, and released the vehicle back to me on April 28, falsely claiming it was "fixed to 100%." They forced me to drive an actively compromised high-voltage system. On May 7, the defect immediately returned while driving. I confronted the dealer on May 8 for merely resetting the car's computer to bypass the safety warning, which is an extremely dangerous fire hazard. The manufacturer has refused to replace the defective EV battery under warranty, or provide alternative transportation. This vehicle has now been grounded and decaying in an open lot for over 95 days. This is a severe systemic manufacturing defect and fraudulent maintenance practice that requires an immediate NHTSA safety investigation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11746265June 24, 2026
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start with several unknown warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the message "Starting Engine to Avoid Battery Discharge" was displayed. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the 12-volt lithium battery had melted and expanded and needed to be replaced, along with the power relay assembly and fuse. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The contacted stated that the vehicle was previously serviced and inspected under NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V459000 (HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM) and 18V704000 (HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recalls. The failure mileage was 135,262.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744771June 17, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
Engine Code: P090A01 The Hyundai IONIQ Blue lost reverse and while driving I experienced loss of power only to regain then lose then regain (a bucking motion). The drive significantly declined. Fortunately, I was able to get back home without injury. Vehicle towed to dealership where it currently sits.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740138May 26, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and while passing a nearby vehicle on the left lane or while a street sign was nearby on the right side, the vehicle would independently apply the brakes without the brake pedal being depressed. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed; however, the failure was not identified. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 300.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740246May 26, 2026
SEAT BELTS
Installing a car seat and the belt buckle failed. The plastic part split and no longer holds the belt together. This was under regular pressure with standard leverage that the car seat design calls for. Nothing was ever on top of the buckle and it is not damaged in any other way at all other than the failure. They refused to replace it via warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737631May 13, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am writing to dispute the denial of my paint defect warranty claim formally and to demand that Hyundai Motor America reconsider its decision. My 2018 Hyundai Ioniq (Silver, VIN: [XXX] ) is exhibiting significant paint bubbling — the identical defect that Hyundai has already acknowledged and accepted responsibility for in white-painted vehicles across multiple model years. Timeline of Events • I first contacted Hyundai Customer Care by phone, and was directed to visit an authorized dealership. • On May 8, 2025, I visited Tustin Hyundai, where Dealer Coordinator Alex Cervantes documented the paint bubbling by photographing the affected areas and submitted the claim to Hyundai Motor America on my behalf. Dealer Reference #: XXX. • On May 11, 2025, Alex called and mentioned that Hyundai has denied my claim. Basis of My Complaint Hyundai has publicly acknowledged that paint bubbling and delamination affecting certain 2017–2018 model-year vehicles constitute a manufacturing defect, not owner negligence or environmental damage. In response, Hyundai issued Warranty Extension TXXW and subsequently the broader Z05 extension (10 years/unlimited miles), covering affected vehicles with white paint. The paint defect on my silver 2018 Ioniq is identical in nature and presentation to the defect that Hyundai has already accepted responsibility for. The bubbling is occurring on body panels — not due to collision damage, improper maintenance, or environmental factors — and is consistent with the delamination pattern described in Hyundai's own Technical Service Bulletins. Denying my claim solely based on paint color, while acknowledging the same underlying manufacturing defect in other colors, is inconsistent and Hyundai not accepting responsibilty. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737339May 12, 2026
STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
While attempting a slow right turn from a complete stop at an intersection, I heard a loud thunk sound followed by an immediate loss of power steering response. The steering wheel spun freely with little resistance while the front tires did not respond proportionally. I was able to safely pull over. Upon restarting the vehicle it produced an abnormal wheezing sound suggesting additional mechanical stress. At the time of the failure the vehicle had approximately 40,000 miles, which I believe represents a premature failure for a safety-critical steering component. The vehicle was brought to a Hyundai dealership for inspection. The dealer pulled diagnostic fault codes, found none, performed a 20-minute test drive, and returned the vehicle stating they could not find anything wrong. No physical inspection of the steering components was performed. The failure condition — a slow full-lock turn from a complete stop — was never specifically replicated during the dealer's test drive. The problem has not been confirmed or repaired by the dealer. The vehicle is available for inspection. My safety and the safety of other drivers was put at risk by the sudden and unexpected loss of steering control. No warning lights appeared prior to or during the failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733084April 22, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Supplemental to my complaint filed April 18, 2026 regarding Dick's Hillsboro Hyundai (dealer code OR035). The dealership's Service Manager (Robin Farr) provided me with an HMA training report from Hyundai's internal system. Every staff member is listed at "Certified": the baseline tier. No one is above this level. No EV/HEV-specific certification is indicated for any individual. Despite this, the dealership confirmed by phone they could service a 2019 Ioniq PHEV, then performed ICCU/DC-DC converter diagnostics (a hybrid electrical system procedure) and a 12V battery installation in the boot area adjacent to high-voltage components. The vehicle was returned with the hold-down bracket unsecured and retaining bolts missing which was only discovered when my car was assessed by a second Hyundai dealership after I had driven a significant distance. Hyundai's own shop manuals state: "Never allow technician to work on high voltage systems who are not wearing personal protective equipment." Hyundai TSBs for hybrid repairs require insulating gloves rated at 1000V AC/1500V DC. HMA's CPO form (HMACPO0601) requires an "EV/HEV Inspection certified technician" for hybrid-specific work. The ASE xEV Safety Standards state employers "SHALL verify" technician ability to work on HV systems. The dealership's website also claims its service department includes "Master technicians." The HMA training report shows no staff at that level. The Ioniq PHEV boot area contains HV wiring (DC 240V-360V). A loose metal bracket contacting terminals or HV wiring could cause a short circuit, arc, or fire — the type of hazard EV/HEV training exists to prevent.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732091April 18, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Following a 12V auxiliary battery replacement at Dick's Hillsboro Hyundai [XXX] , April 3, 2026), the battery hold-down bracket was left completely unsecured. The retaining bolts were absent, (later found loose in the cargo tray area). The battery terminal cover was also improperly secured. I returned to the dealership within twenty minutes of collecting my vehicle and described the condition directly to Service Manager Robin Farr, who assured me it would be corrected. It was not. On April 6, 2026, Withnell Hyundai in Salem, OR (RO# XXX/X) identified the bracket as completely unsecured with me present, documenting: "found the 12V bracket loose on arrival" and "found that battery hold down was not secured with customer present...bolts were located in cargo tray area." I had driven approximately 50 miles with this condition unknown to me. On a 2019 Hyundai Ioniq PHEV, the 12V battery is located in the boot adjacent to high-voltage traction battery components and wiring. A loose metal bracket free to move during driving presents a genuine risk of electrical arc and fire in an enclosed space: potentially while the vehicle is in motion. Dick's acknowledged the failure in writing and refunded the charges associated with this work. The condition has been corrected by Withnell Hyundai. I am filing this report to create a federal record of a safety-critical installation failure at a certified Hyundai dealership. I contacted Hyundai Motor America (Case #XXX) regarding this matter. Their representative was unable to describe any oversight mechanism ensuring safe repairs at certified Hyundai dealerships. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728257March 31, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The charge controller failed twice and one of the times I was out on a dangerous road where there wasn’t a safe spot to pull over. It was very sketchy.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724369March 14, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES
Electric parking break and auto hold sensor lights on dash, manual indicates malfunction. Hyundai service center has investigated and replaced the faulty sensor but issue still remains.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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