Safety Recall: Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 Electric Vehicles Affected
In a shocking turn of events, a small number of Ioniq 5 crossovers have been hit with a safety recall due to improperly heat-treated driveshafts. This issue also affects the Ioniq 6, which had an impressive sales record of 12,999 units in 2023, compared to the 33,918 examples of the Ioniq 5. Even the luxurious GV60 from the Genesis brand is not exempt from this recall.
A total of 1,165 electric vehicles are being recalled, with 46 units of the Genesis, 913 units of the zero-emission sedan, and 206 units of the Ioniq 5 affected. These vehicles were produced for the 2023 model year between January 26, 2023, and March 25, 2023. It has been discovered that the rear inner driveshaft, which shares the same part number (49560-GI000) across all three vehicles, was improperly heat-treated due to out-of-spec tooling used by Hyundai WIA, the supplier.
The supplier has determined that the quenching oil supply hose was damaged, leading to oil contamination on the induction coil used for heating the driveshaft. This contamination prevented the proper induction and heat treatment, resulting in the driveshaft’s susceptibility to fracturing under load. Despite this issue, Hyundai Motor America has not received any reports of incidents related to this concern in the US.
To address this safety concern, Hyundai WIA properly connected the quenching oil supply hose on January 20, 2023. Additionally, an additional end-of-line inspection test was implemented on November 3, 2023. Dealers will be notified of this recall by March 25, and owners will receive notification by mail regarding the faulty driveshafts. In the meantime, it is advised to check the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website and consult with the nearest dealer to inquire about parts availability for the upcoming service appointment.
The Ioniq 5, priced at $41,800 in the US market, boasts an impressive EPA-rated driving range of up to 303 miles (488 kilometers) and offers up to 320 horsepower for the dual-motor option. Excitingly, the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq N, set to arrive soon, will feature a staggering 641 horsepower for 10 seconds at a time in N Grin Boost mode. This performance-oriented version may also introduce rear wiper and washer features that could be included in lower-spec versions of the electric crossover.
As a direct competitor to Tesla’s Model 3, the Ioniq 6 is slightly longer and starts at $42,450. With a full charge of its high-voltage battery, the Ioniq 6 can travel up to 361 miles (581 kilometers), surpassing the Model 3 Highland, which starts at $38,990 and offers a maximum range of 341 miles (548 kilometers).
Unlike the Electrified GV70, which is manufactured in Alabama, the GV60 is produced in South Korea. This premium-oriented crossover, with its luxurious interior, is priced at $52,000 for the 2024 model year.
