2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Recalls & Complaints

Incident: May 26, 2026 · Filed: October 4, 2026

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.

Incident: August 20, 2026 · Filed: August 31, 2026

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 INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Incident: July 14, 2026 · Filed: July 21, 2026

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.

Incident: May 13, 2026 · Filed: June 24, 2026

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.

Incident: December 19, 2025 · Filed: December 26, 2025

January 2022. The car was brought to dealership because the transmission was slipping in 3rd gear. Service light was on. On my way the problem fixed itself. I explained that it happened only in the extreme cold here in michigan. They documented for warranty. Said it may be due to clutch overheating on slippery roads. IT WAS NOT. The cars was not used for 2 winters as we were in Florida. Dec. 2025 it happened again and expressed my concerns that if this happened in traffic it could be dangerous. Both the dealership and Hyundai washed there hands of it even though I was assured that it would be covered and addressed it it happened again. The service light came on but the problem fixed itself . I do not believe this is a mechanical issue, it sure would have failed by now. Software/electronic.

Incident: August 29, 2025 · Filed: September 6, 2025

Engine failure occurred on interstate. Car was jerking and smoke coming from the hood and exhaust while engine was giving out. Hyundai dealership confirmed something blew up within the engine and blew a hole out the side of it. Check engine light came on about 2 weeks prior notified Hyundai dealership as soon as this happened and they stated I had to wait 2 weeks to have the vehicle checked out.

Incident: July 3, 2025 · Filed: July 8, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid. The contact stated while at a complete stop at a red traffic light, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the power relay assembly (PRA) located underneath the rear seat had failed and needed to be replaced; however, the part was not available. The vehicle was not repaired, but the mechanic overrode the computer system. The mechanic related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V459000 (Hybrid Propulsion System). The contact stated that the VIN was previously included in the recall; however, the recall was marked as complete after the vehicle passed the inspection test. The contact stated while driving 20-25 MPH, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be repaired under the recall. The vehicle was then towed to a second dealer, Keyes Hyundai of Mission Hills(10240 Sepulveda Blvd, Mission Hills, CA 91345), where it was diagnosed that the power relay assembly (PRA) located underneath the rear seat and the 12-Volt battery had failed and needed to be replaced; however, the part was on backorder. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that a goodwill discount could be provided at the dealer's discretion. A case was filed. The contact stated that after the manufacturer contacted the dealer, the dealer doubled the cost of the repair and provided a goodwill discount. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The failure mileage was approximately 153,000.

Incident: July 7, 2025 · Filed: July 7, 2025

I own a 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid VIN: [XXX] that is covered under Recall 232 (NHTSA 22V-459) related to a defective Power Relay Assembly that poses a fire risk. I brought this issue to Hyundai 3 years ago and was told my vehicle was serviced. That turned out to be false. Recently, my car stalled on the road due to the exact electrical issue covered in Recall 232. I had it diagnosed by an independent mechanic, who confirmed it’s tied to the recall. I had the vehicle towed to a Hyundai dealership to have it repaired, but they: •Refused to prioritize the recall inspection •Attempted to charge me $230 for diagnostics •Told me it would take a week or more just to inspect the vehicle •Denied the urgency of the recall, despite the known fire hazard I informed the dealership service manager Tom Swire I was recording, and he still refused to put his denial in writing. I have the recording. Due to their refusal, I was forced to tow the vehicle to a second dealership at my own expense. Hyundai Corporate has opened a case file, but told me I must wait 2–3 days just to speak with a case manager despite this being a federally mandated safety recall tied to real-world safety fire risk. I am requesting NHTSA review this case and hold Hyundai and its dealership accountable for failing to honor Recall 232 within a reasonable and safe timeframe. I am also seeking reimbursement for towing and other out-of-pocket costs caused by their mishandling of this urgent safety issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Incident: June 1, 2025 · Filed: June 9, 2025

THE 12V ION BATTERY SYSTEM PART NUMBER 37507-G2120 (ICCU) BATTERY FAILED WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING GAS ENGINE TO TURN OFF, WHICH CANCELS POWER BRAKING AND STEERING, MAKING VEHICLE IMPOSSIBLE TO CONTROL. READ MANY REPORTS ON REDDIT AND IONIQ FORUMS OF THIS HAPPENING. NO. IT IS UNOPERABLE THERE WAS NO WARNING WHAT SO EVER. NO LIGHT, NO SYMBOL, NOTHING. WAS TRAVELING 40 MPH ON A BUSY ROAD WITH FAMILY, DURING A LANE CHANGE THIS HAPPEND AND THE VEHICLE TURNED OFF COMPLETELY. I COULD NOT CONTROL VEHICLE, AND WENT INTO A DITCH. IN THE PROCESS WE WERE NEARLY SIDE SWIPED BY A LARGE PICK UP TRUCK WHOM ALSO WENT IN DITCH. THE 12V BATTERY WAS DEAD COMPLETELY, WOULD NOT START THE GAS ENGINE. JUST WAS DEAD. IM LUCKY TO BE HERE TELLING OUR EXPERIENCE.

Incident: April 30, 2025 · Filed: May 2, 2025

I have had issues with the car losing speed and start to flutter. The last time it did this it locked up my steering wheel and engine cut off this has been an ongoing issue with this car only had it less than a year and the dealership cannot remedy the issue there is some kind of electrical issue because all lights come on car has less than 50k moles on it this is my 5 visit to the dealership with no resolution have contacted the manufacturer