Big Trouble for Hyundai and Kia: Why 170,000 Electric Vehicles Are Being Recalled

Recalling 170,000 vehicles due to ICCU defect
Recall also announced in the U.S.
Same recall, different details

Complaints from electric vehicle owners toward Hyundai and Kia are increasing. Recently, Hyundai and Kia announced a voluntary recall of 170,000 electric vehicles due to defects in the Integrated Charge Control Unit (ICCU). It can be said to be the largest recall of electric vehicles ever.

It was hoped that the ICCU defect issue would be resolved, but consumer complaints did not go away. The recall notices in South Korea and the U.S. contained some differences, but the core content was the same. The main point was that a defect in the ICCU would make it impossible to charge the low-voltage battery, which could lead to a decrease in output.

Fuse issue is one of the causes
Design deficiency is the leading cause

However, there were significant differences in the details of the recall. The U.S. recall notice contained detailed information about the cause of the defect. According to the U.S. recall notice, an issue with the ICCU fuse due to an electrical load was cited as the cause. The 12V low-voltage battery cannot be charged if the fuse is open.

Overcurrent, high voltage, and heat load generated during battery charging and driving were also raised as causes. The details of the recall actions were also different. In South Korea’s recall notice, the cause of the defect is stated to be inadequate ICCU software design. The recall content is about taking action through software updates and exchanging parts depending on the inspection situation. So what about the U.S. notice?

Detailed cause and solution
Even the maintenance method is included

To solve the heat load mentioned earlier as the cause, it was proposed that the water pump operation threshold value be modified. Detailed measures, such as reducing the maximum voltage at the end of charging, are included to prevent overcurrent that occurs when charging ends. In addition, the model name, photo, and maintenance method part were also included.

Due to these differences in recall notices between South Korea and the U.S., many South Korean consumers expressed that relevant information should be provided in South Korea as the recall is being carried out due to a defect. As many consumers suffered damage due to defects, many opinions agreed with the right-to-know claim.

Complaints about the late recall also exploded
Strict compensation system in the U.S.

This is not the first time recalls in South Korea and the United States have been different. Even though it is a Korean manufacturer, after the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a recall order, the South Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced a recall with the same information more than once. This is said to be due to the U.S. compensation system.

In the U.S., where the class action lawsuit system has been established, consumers may be subject to massive compensation if damage occurs due to a defect. Therefore, in the U.S., many companies quickly take recall actions to reduce losses before facing lawsuits. Compared to the U.S. laws that emphasize consumer protection and corporate ethics and responsibility, South Korea has relatively few related laws and systems. As consumer anxiety is growing due to the increasing number of defects, even the related response shows differences and disappointment.