2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Safety Report

The 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 presents a mixed safety picture, primarily dominated by significant electrical system concerns despite strong crash test performance in available categories. With 187 total complaints, the most striking pattern is the overwhelming number related to the 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,' accounting for 83 complaints, and combinations involving it, such as 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM' (18 complaints) and 'POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM' (11 complaints). These complaints frequently describe sudden loss of drive power, 'pop' sounds, and the vehicle entering 'turtle mode' or becoming inoperable, often linked to Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) failures. This issue is severe enough to have prompted two separate recalls, both related to the 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY' and the Integrated Charging Co, with the stated consequence of increasing the risk of a crash due to loss of drive power. While NHTSA has not yet provided an overall safety rating for the 2024 IONIQ 5, it has received excellent scores in specific areas: a 5-star rating for Side crash tests and a 5-star rating for Rollover resistance. There are no reported fires, injuries, or deaths among the 187 complaints, though 4 crashes have been reported. The high number of electrical system complaints and the associated recalls indicate a critical reliability issue that directly impacts vehicle operation and, consequently, safety on the road. The consistent nature of the electrical system failures, particularly the ICCU, as detailed in numerous complaints, suggests a widespread design or manufacturing flaw. Despite the recalls, several complaints indicate that the issue can recur even after recall service. This ongoing problem, which can lead to sudden vehicle immobilization, poses a significant safety risk, especially when driving at higher speeds or in heavy traffic. The strong crash test performance in available categories is reassuring for impact protection, but the fundamental operational safety is compromised by the electrical system vulnerabilities.

Our recommendation: Prospective buyers should be aware of the prevalent and critical electrical system issues, particularly ICCU failures, which can lead to sudden loss of power despite strong crash test ratings in other areas. Thoroughly investigate if recall remedies have been applied and if the issue has recurred, and consider an extended warranty for electrical components.