NHTSA opens probe into Hyundai Ioniq 5 after reports alleging power loss

Hyundai spokesperson Michael Stewart said the automaker is “fully cooperating” with the investigation.

“To address the concern, Hyundai is launching a service campaign in July that will update the affected vehicle’s software and replace the ICCU if necessary,” Stewart said in a statement. “We value our cooperative relationship with NHTSA and have engaged in frequent, open and transparent dialogue with the agency on this topic.”

The Ioniq 5 is the first dedicated electric offering from Hyundai, replacing the now discontinued Ioniq EV in the lineup. So far this year, Hyundai has sold more than 10,500 of the popular compact crossover, according to Automotive News data.

In one complaint submitted to NHTSA, the vehicle unexpectedly slowed to 20 mph after traveling at 40 mph.

“No matter how hard I pressed on the accelerator, it did not go over … 20 mph,” the complainant said of the Feb. 3 incident. “The dashboard also said speed limited to 20 mph. I had to pull over on the side of the road. Turn off the ignition. Then turned it back on. Then the car resumed to operate as normal. Luckily there were no other cars around so I could safely pull over.”

Another report involved a driver who was using the vehicle’s advanced driver-assistance system and traveling at 75 mph on a major highway when the vehicle “became completely unresponsive.”

“The car stopped accelerating, and I was unable to resume driving. I was forced to coast to a stop on the side of the highway,” the complainant said of the Jan. 18 incident. “I had my daughter with me and were I not able to safely maneuver between the semi trucks, we could have been killed or seriosuly [sic] injured in a high speed crash.”

Most NHTSA investigations start as preliminary evaluations, in which agency engineers request information from the manufacturer, including data on complaints, injuries and warranty claims. The manufacturer also can present its view regarding the alleged defect and may issue a recall.

After the evaluation, NHTSA will either close the investigation or move into the next phase. If a safety-related defect exists, according to NHTSA, the agency may send a “recall request” letter to the manufacturer.