Ioniq (1st)
Engine Reliability Ratings
Hyundai Ioniq Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
1.6-I4-PHEV
1.6L 4-cyl / 104 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
GDI KAPPA
1.6L 4-cyl / 104 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
HMC Battery
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Battery & Propulsion Reliability
Hybrid (HEV)
Battery & propulsion complaint analysis for the 2017-2022 Hyundai Ioniq
That's below the typical rate for hybrids in this dataset (median 7.5 per year). Battery & propulsion complaints are lower than peer average for this category.
What kind of battery complaint?
Among the 19 battery-related complaints, here's the type mix. These percentages describe what the complaints are about — not how reliable the vehicle is overall.
Low-voltage battery deaths, common on EVs and hybrids that use a 12V for accessories.
Loss of power, drive unit, inverter, traction motor, DC-DC converter.
Propulsion battery defects, capacity loss, BMS faults, replacement claims.
Hybrid system warnings, eCVT, motor-generator, hybrid transaxle.
Charge port, cable, mobile connector, or session failures.
Battery fires, smoke, thermal runaway. Includes any complaint with fire reported.
Battery & propulsion recalls (3)
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Kona Electric and 2020 Ioniq Electric vehicles. The lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery may short-circuit.
Consequence: An electrical short in the Li-ion battery increases the risk of a fire.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid and 2018 Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The Main Relay within the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) may have inadequate connections between its contacts, causing increased electrical resistance.
Consequence: The increased electrical resistance can overheat the rear seat which is above the PRA, increasing the risk of a fire.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ioniq HEV and Ionic PHV vehicles previously recalled under recall number 18V-704. The Power Relay Assembly (PRA) located underneath the rear seat may overheat.
Consequence: An overheated PRA increases the risk of a fire.
Sample complaint excerpts
12V Auxiliary Battery
- [2017] 12V BATTERY HAS FAILED EVERY YEAR SINCE OWNERSHIP. THE LAST BATTERY WAS BUBBLING AND HAD A HORRIBLE ODOR.
- [2017] FOR APPROX. ONE WEEK THERE WAS AN UNPLEASANT SMELL NOTICED INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHEN DRIVING. IT SEEMED TO BE MORE EVIDENT WHEN THE HEAT/AC SYSTEM WAS OFF AND OUTSIDE AIR WAS COMING IN THROUGH THE VENTS. AT THE END OF THE WEEK, ON THE WEEKEND THE ODOR WAS NOTICED WHEN THE CAR WAS DRIVEN HOME, AND AFTER IT GOT HOME. THE HOOD WAS OPENED AND IT WAS NOTICED THAT THE 12V AUX BATTERY WAS BLOATED ON ONE
- [2021] The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Ioniq EV. The contact stated that on several occasions the vehicle would not start or could not be restarted after being turned off. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who was unable to determine the exact cause of the failure but indicated that the failure was related to the 12V battery system. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dea
Electric Propulsion
- [2017] IF YOU ARE SLOWING DOWN WHILE REGENERATING, THEN NEED TO SPEED UP YOU CAN'T. THE ACTIVE FLAP SYSTEM LIGHT COMES ON AND MAKES THE CAR GO INTO A LIMP MODE. IT CORRECTS ITSELF ABOUT A SECOND OR MORE. HAVING TO SPEED UP FOR THE LIGHT THAT WAS RED AND NOW GREEN CREATED A DANGEROUS SITUATION. I COULDN'T GO.
- [2018] There is a defect with the transmission control module (TCM) and dual-clutch transmission (DCT). This defect prevents the car from properly accelerating from a stop. The defect manifests in the following ways when pressing the accelerator: unresponsive or sluggish acceleration, jerking, shuddering, failure to shift, stalling and complete loss of power. Typically, the TCM defect manifests in two
- [2020] The Hyundai Ioniq was designed with a dual clutch system for the electric motor and gas motor. This was done to disengage and engage either separately when necessary for low power, regen braking, etc. However, this design heavily impacts the behavior of the brakes and safety of the vehicle overall. When the brakes are applied, the ECU will turn off the gas engine to conserve gas in regen braking
High-Voltage Battery
- [2020] Refill Coolant warning light intermittently signals EV battery coolant problem. Hyundai dealer in Fort Wayne, IN, topped off coolant. Andrew service representative was informed of two YouTube videos explaining recall due to defective coolant ASC1 that crystalizes and/or becomes sludgy. Video reported dealer changed old coolant with an upgraded coolant ASC2 number in a Hyundai Ioniq Limited 2020
- [2020] The traction battery on my Ioniq 2020 went bad after 3 months. The diagnostic panel warned me of an electric issue and the range dropped drastically. The dealer changed the battery no questions asked. My vin wasn't part of the recall. I wonder if the recall should have included a broader range of vehicles.
- [2017] The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle started to lose motive power. The contact pulled over and shut off the vehicle but was unable to restart the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V459000 (Hybrid Pro
Hybrid Drivetrain
- [2017] WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY APPROX 65 MPH, 3 WEEKS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, MY CAR POPPED UP THE "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT" "HEV CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM" LIGHT AND THE AC STOPPED WORKING. DEALERSHIP SAID TRACTION CONTROL MOTOR WENT OUT, STILL WAITING ON REPAIR AFTER 27 DAYS.
- [2019] FOR THE SECOND COLD MORNING THIS YEAR MY IONIQ STALLED. I WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY. TEMPERATURE WAS -3F, I PRESS THE POWER BUTTON, CAR TRIED TO START AND STALLED THREE TIMES IN A ROW THEN GOT A CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING MESSAGE. I TURNED THE CAR OFF THEN ON AGAIN AND IT STARTED TO STALL, I DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR TO KEEP A HIGH IDLE FOR A MINUTE. THE CAR RAN NORMAL DURING MY 7 MILE COMMUTE A
- [2019] While my wife and I were driving on the interstate, all dashboard warning lights came on at once, and the car began rumbling at regular intervals as it tried and failed to switch from electric vehicle (EV) mode to hybrid EV (HEV) mode, and the engine wouldn't start. At the same time, the power steering stopped working, the car struggled to go more than 40 MPH, and it started accelerating on its ow
Charging System
- [2017] Just before 3 PM on Sunday, 14MAY, my Hyundai Ioniq had been charging for a few hours as usual and I heard a circuit breaker "pop". I went outside to check on my car, and my car had started smoking. I immediately unplugged the charger and after the smoke cleared, found that both the charger I purchased months ago and the charge port on the Ioniq had melted. This rendered both items unusable. This
- [2022] The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Ioniq. The contact stated that upon parking and exiting the vehicle, he plugged in at the charging port, at which point the vehicle accelerated independently. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assi
Thermal Events
- [2017] Engine failure occurred on interstate. Car was jerking and smoke coming from the hood and exhaust while engine was giving out. Hyundai dealership confirmed something blew up within the engine and blew a hole out the side of it. Check engine light came on about 2 weeks prior notified Hyundai dealership as soon as this happened and they stated I had to wait 2 weeks to have the vehicle checked out.
- [2018] The car engine started to stall, the engine light came on and advised me to shut off engine then I pulled over and smoke immidiatley filled the cabin and outside the hood. My engine could have blown up. Had I not pulled over so quickly my car would have caught fire and I would have died. Yes the Hyundai Folsom inspected the car and listed issue was a hole in the engine block. They stated it was ca
Source: classified from NHTSA complaint and recall data. "Battery-related" includes high-voltage propulsion battery, charging system, hybrid drivetrain, electric propulsion, regenerative braking, 12V auxiliary battery, and thermal-event complaints. Other complaints (suspension, steering, brakes, infotainment) appear in the engine and vehicle-level sections. Rates are absolute counts, not normalized per-VIN — high-volume models naturally produce more raw complaints than low-volume ones. Self-reported death and injury counts are capped per complaint to limit form abuse.
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Hyundai Ioniq regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (7)
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ioniq HEV and Ionic PHV vehicles previously recalled under recall number 18V-704. The Power Relay Assembly (PRA) located underneath the rear seat may overheat.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Ioniq electric vehicles. An unstable electrical ground may cause the vehicle to enter a fail-safe mode with reduced acceleration and power. In certain conditions while in fail-safe mode, the vehicle may accelerate after the gas pedal is released.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Kona Electric and 2020 Ioniq Electric vehicles. The lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery may short-circuit.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019 Ioniq Hybrid and 2020 Elantra vehicles. The right-side rear wheel lug nuts may have been insufficiently tightened, allowing the wheel to detach from the vehicle.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid vehicles. The Hydraulic Clutch Actuator (HCA) inner oil seal may leak, allowing oil to accumulate in the cap area, possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid and 2018 Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The Main Relay within the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) may have inadequate connections between its contacts, causing increased electrical resistance.
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Ioniq Electric Vehicles. Manufacturing defects within the Electronic Power Control Unit (EPCU) may allow coolant to contact the unit's circuit board.
Alternatives in Compact
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2017-2022 Hyundai Ioniq problems?
The 2017-2022 Hyundai Ioniq has accumulated 160 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Electrical System, Brakes, Safety Systems. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Hyundai Ioniq engine is most reliable?
The 2017-2022 Hyundai Ioniq was offered with 4 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 1.6L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2017-2022 Hyundai Ioniq a good used car?
The 2017-2022 Hyundai Ioniq can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 160 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2017-2022 Hyundai Ioniq have?
The 2017-2022 Hyundai Ioniq has 160 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2017-2022 Hyundai Ioniq?
There are 7 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2017-2022 Hyundai Ioniq vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Hyundai Ioniq?
Before buying a used Hyundai Ioniq, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Electrical System, Brakes, Safety Systems, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
Does the Ioniq have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2017-2022 Hyundai Ioniq. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 160 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.