Hyundai and Kia Motors to recall 170,000 EVs in South Korea

Hyundai and its subsidiary Kia conducting a recall of 170,000 electric vehicles (EVs) in South Korea for a potential software error and lead to car stoppage.

South Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport on Thursday announced that the issue occurred in 232,000 cars across 12 models sold by Hyundai Motor, Kia, Stellantis, and Tesla Korea.

From 232,000 cars, Hyundai Motor and Kia electric cars accounted for 169,932 units affected by software errors in the integrated charging control unit (ICCU).

The ICCU powers the electric vehicle’s batteries and the error could prevent the unit from charging the low-voltage 12-volt battery, which may cause cars to stop while driving.

Hyundai Motor’s affected models are IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, Genesis GV60, GV70, and Electrified GV80 a total of 113,916 units. Kia on the other hand accounts for 56,016 units for Kia EV6.

Hyundai IONIQ 6 (Image Credit: Hyundai)

The recall is slated to start on March 18 and affected model owners will be notified gradually.

Furthermore, 61,131 units of Hyundai Motor’s Avante will attend corrective measures starting from March 19 due to an insufficient headlight durability issue. This causes the headlight to be fixed in the upward position.

126 Kia Ray cars received a safety standard non-compliance judgment because the airbag warning message wasn’t displaying on the sun visor. Kia will have to implement corrective measures starting March 20.

The affected car owners will have to bring their cars to a designated service center as the software error cannot be resolved through an over-the-air software update. Hyundai and Kia service centers will inspect the vehicles and fix the issue through manual software installation.

(source – KED)