The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N comes packed with a vast selection of driving modes and advanced features, all tailored to enhance its reputation as a thrilling, high-performance electric vehicle. However, one of these features has encountered a significant issue, prompting Hyundai to issue a recall affecting over 1,500 units of the Ioniq 5 N across the United States. According to a recall notice released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the problem is linked to the vehicle’s Left-Foot Braking mode.
As the name suggests, Left-Foot Braking mode enables drivers to simultaneously press the accelerator and brake pedals, a function that is particularly beneficial in high-performance driving scenarios, especially on racetracks. Despite its intended purpose, a flaw has been discovered in the Integrated Electronic Brake (IEB) control software. Under certain conditions, the software can trigger the depressurization of the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), leading to diminished braking effectiveness. This malfunction poses a heightened risk of accidents, especially in high-speed driving conditions where optimal braking performance is crucial.
The recall specifically affects 1,508 units of the Ioniq 5 N, all of which were produced between December 18, 2023, and December 10, 2024. To address this issue, Hyundai has announced that it will begin notifying both dealerships and affected vehicle owners on April 7. In the meantime, the company is advising owners to refrain from using the Left-Foot Braking mode until the necessary software updates are applied. Dealerships have been instructed to update the IEB and Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) software to resolve the defect and restore proper braking functionality.
This marks the first recall directly involving the Ioniq 5 N in the U.S., though the standard version of the Ioniq 5 has faced recall issues in the past. In November of the previous year, Hyundai Motor Group recalled over 145,000 electric vehicles, including models such as the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, Genesis G80 Electrified, Genesis GV70 Electrified, and Genesis GV60. The reason for that recall stemmed from a fault in the integrated charging control unit, which could suffer damage and ultimately prevent the 12-volt battery from charging. This issue led to a gradual depletion of battery power, creating potential operational failures.
As electric vehicle technology continues to advance, automakers like Hyundai are tasked with addressing unforeseen software and hardware challenges to ensure both safety and performance. The recall of the Ioniq 5 N highlights the complexities involved in developing high-performance electric cars and underscores the importance of rigorous testing and timely corrective measures.