The study was done because 30 customers complained about losing power while using an Ioniq. Hyundai and the Office of Defects Investigation say that the Integrated Control Charging Unit (ICCU) is the cause of the trouble. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric car is being looked into by the NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). The study was done because thirty people said their Ioniq 5s lost power while moving. Currently, the probe only applies to Ioniq 5s cars made in 2022. The NHTSA says that many customer reports involve a loud popping sound from inside the car, followed by a warning on the dashboard and a sudden loss of power ranging from a small drop to a total loss. The ODI talked to several owners, who said that the power went out and happened at different times after the warning message. According to NHTSA records, Hyundai said the failure was caused by the Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU), which is in charge of powering the primary vehicle and low-voltage 12V accessory batteries. Hyundai’s first study found that the problem could be caused by an ICCU over-current, which can damage the transistors in the 12V battery system and make it hard for the battery to charge. Hyundai said, “We value our cooperation with NHTSA and have been in regular, open, and honest communication with the agency.” In July, the company plans to run a service program that will include software updates and, if necessary, ICCU replacements. Even though the investigation is ongoing, it is unclear if the NHTSA will start a total recall. Even though an ODI probe could lead to a memory, the NHTSA considers investigations and recalls two different things. The NHTSA’s recalls page has more information for car owners worried their car may be part of a recall.
