Hyundai Ioniq is available in three versions: hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric. All of them have garnered rave reviews from car enthusiasts. But before you pre-book this car in haste, you should know about the main problems with this car. An in-depth analysis of these problems and how much it takes to fix them will help you in the long run. Before we dive deep, here’s a short answer.
The most common problems in Hyundai Ioniq are engine problems such as sudden loss of power and short circuit within the battery. In the hybrid version, the transmission sometimes shows hard shifting and can act jerky. Other problems include software update issues, malfunctioning electrical equipment, and sudden acceleration loss. Finally, there was a recall to rectify the loss of acceleration problem.
This was only a summary of what we’ve prepared for you in this article. In the subsequent paragraphs, we will elaborate on 6 of the most common problems a Hyundai Ioniq might run into. Are you intrigued yet? Read on!
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1. Transmission Problems
Hyundai Ioniq owners have reported a diverse set of problems in their transmissions. These issues include but are not limited to hard shifting, slipping during a gear change, or shift flares. A noticeable lag when the car is being shifted into a lower gear and the transmission acting ‘jerky’ while the car is transitioning into the Sports Mode are some of the other reported problems.
Drivers are most likely to notice transmission problems in Hyundai Ioniq cars with a DCT. Many of these can be traced to some generic causes, such as low transmission fluid, clogged transmission filter, or a faulty clutch motor.
If you’re witnessing these problems in an Ioniq that uses DCT, the chances are that one side of the dual-clutch transmission isn’t disconnecting properly. This problem could also arise if your car has a bent actuator. If you are using the paddle shifter to down-shift the gear, you will feel jerking during gear shifting. In Hyundai Ioniq, paddle shifting only works in Sports Mode – therefore, if you’re using it in any other mode, the transmission might act jerky.
As of now, there have been no recalls for Hyundai Ioniq on accounts of a faulty transmission. Small-scale transmission problems can be fixed quickly, and a thorough car service coupled with fluid change should do the trick. It will only set you back by around $350-$400. However, if the transmission is beyond repair, get ready for a hefty bill – since it might cost you about $3000-$4000!
Issues with maps and navigation systems have become a common bane in the latest Hyundai Ioniq models, especially the Ioniq 5. Customers narrate that once they download the latest maps and GPS software update, it stops showing maps, and the system keeps showing some error. Some users have also reported that their Ioniq came without having maps and navigation pre-installed.
This problem can be rectified by undertaking a hard reset using a PC while your car’s battery is disconnected. If the problem persists, take your car to a dealership and see if they can help you with this issue.
Fortunately, this problem can be solved without any cost. If the hard reset method works, you should be able to download the latest software update without any issue. However, it is crucial that before buying your car, you check whether the maps and navigations are running perfectly or not.
The dealership will most likely download the latest updates, and you should be good to go. If nothing works, call Hyundai Customer Care for further instructions.
3. Electrical Equipment Malfunctioning
The Hyundai Ioniq, despite being a reliable EV, has seen a few electrical equipment problems. This includes an internal short circuit within the lithium-ion battery (which increases the fire risk), the battery not charging, and the charger showing the warning ‘Fault’ while plugged in.
Another significant problem in Hyundai Ioniq is that the headlights are irreplaceable. You might not be a fan of those halogen lights, but you’ll have to stick with them since you cannot replace them with other headlights.
Hyundai Ioniq has generally been a reliable car, but due to the internal short circuit in the battery, it was recalled by the automaker. Around 82,000 vehicles of the 2019-2020 Hyundai Ioniq were recalled to rectify this issue.
If your battery is not charging, it could be due to low voltage in your home’s (or wherever you’re plugging your battery into) outlet, or bad wiring. The Hyundai Ioniq needs 240V to get adequately charged. If the voltage is insufficient, you might see a warning saying ‘Fault’ on the charger.
These problems can cost you from barely anything to a fortune, depending on the actual cause of the problem. Hyundai offers a lifetime warranty on its battery – so if the warranty is intact, you should be good. However, if your warranty is now void and the battery shows some signs of trouble, it might cost you around $3000.
4. Losing Power While Travelling Uphill
Ioniq owners have reported that their car loses power while going uphill. This problem is more prominent when the hybrid Ioniq is out of battery charge. At this point, the traction battery doesn’t seem to provide enough juice to the car, and the car starts going downwards on an uphill.
In fully electronic Ioniqs, this problem stems from either a weak or uncharged battery. If the battery is working perfectly for hybrids, a clogged fuel filter might be the culprit. A clogged filter doesn’t allow the engine to get the required gasoline it needs to tread uphill.
This problem has relatively simple solutions. You could use the Sports Mode, which provides better acceleration and a sportier drive. Getting your fuel filter cleaned properly should also show good results. However, if the problem is with the battery, it might set you back by around $2000-$4000, depending upon the extent of the problem.
5. Sharp Reduction in Power and Acceleration
Some users have reported that their Hyundai Ioniq suddenly lost all power – it felt like their car had suddenly been turned off. A sudden loss of acceleration and power could result in the driver losing control of the car, or worse – a crash.
This problem is due to a manufacturing fault in around 1% or 2,679 units of the Hyundai Ioniq Electric (2016-2019). This defect happens when the fail-safe mode of the car automatically engages, leading to a sudden loss of acceleration and overall power.
This problem occurs along with the onset of the ‘EV Ready light’, which you will see popping up on your car’s dashboard. However, the sudden slowing of the car is the actual cause of concern. If you’re faced with a similar problem, check with your local dealership whether a recall was issued for your car model or not.
What’s the Worst Year for a Hyundai Ioniq?
Hyundai Ioniqs are among the most reliable cars, with solid ratings from car reviewers. Their battery can reportedly last for around 20 years, and the car itself will last you around 150,000 miles, give or take. These are impressive figures for a hybrid or a purely electric vehicle. Therefore, it’s safe to say that these are reliable cars. However, some models of the Ioniq lose out to others due to some recurring issues.
The worst years for the Hyundai Ioniq are the 2017-2018 years. This is quite expected since the initial models of any new car have much room for improvement. The early models (2017-2018) experienced several problems, such as a low fuel economy of 57 mpg, engine problems, and sudden loss of power, among others.
The best year for the Hyundai Ioniq is the latest one, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq, also known as Ioniq 5. A noteworthy change is that Hyundai has now discontinued the Hyundai Ioniq Electric, and from now on, the electric version of the Hyundai Ioniq will be called Ioniq 5.
The Ioniq 5 won the ‘Car of The Year 2021’ accolade at the Auto Express Car Awards. The use of environmentally friendly materials such as eco-processed leather and recycled nylon yarn has given it an eco-friendly outlook. The latest model also comes with a facelift that has given it a unique exterior and interior design, fast charging, and an impressive EPA Range of 303 miles.
All in all, the best model of Hyundai Ioniq depends on your preferences. Depending on whether you’re aiming for a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, or a purely electric car, the choice of Hyundai Ioniq is somewhat subjective.
If you’re looking for the best hybrid version of the Hyundai Ioniq, then the 2019 model has the best features. The 2019 Hyundai Ioniq hybrid is the most fuel-efficient hybrid car on the market, and it beats Toyota Prius by around two mpg. It averages around 58 mpg with a total cruise range of 700 miles.
Closing Thoughts
In conclusion, the Hyundai Ioniq, while celebrated for its innovation and design, is not without its share of challenges. We’ve highlighted the significant issues that users have reported, from engine troubles to transmission glitches. Remember, being informed about potential setbacks not only prepares you for potential maintenance needs but also ensures that you make an informed purchase decision. If you’re considering the Ioniq, weigh these concerns against the many benefits the car offers, and always stay updated with the latest recalls and solutions. Safe driving!
References
- https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/hyundai/ioniq-hybrid-4-door-hatchback/2017
- https://car-recalls.eu/recall/hyundai-ioniq-2020-battery-fire/
- https://www.carcomplaints.com/Hyundai/Ioniq_Hybrid/
- https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a38544177/2022-hyundai-ioniq-5-drive/
His interests in cars, motorcycles, and machines led him to the University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore where he is currently a mechanical engineering sophomore.
His future aims include the development of an energy-efficient prototype vehicle for the Shell Eco-Marathon competition and getting a Master’s Degree in Automotive Engineering from Germany.