Ioniq (1st)
Data covers 7 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
Every complaint of any kind (brakes, airbags, electrical and the rest) whose VIN names the engine, across all model years. The score above counts only engine, transmission and drivetrain complaints, so its figures for the same engine are smaller. Fire, injury and death figures count complaints that report one.
GDI KAPPA
1.6L 4-cyl / 104 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Hyundai Ioniq Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
1.6-I4-PHEV
1.6L 4-cyl / 104 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
HMC Battery
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Battery & Propulsion Reliability
Hybrid (HEV)
Battery & propulsion complaint analysis for the 2017-2022 Hyundai Ioniq
About 46 battery-related complaints per 100,000 hybrids built. The median across 35 hybrid generations in this database is 46.
What kind of battery complaint?
What the 30 battery-related complaints describe. One complaint can name more than one of these, so the shares add up to more than 100%. They describe what owners complained about, not how often the vehicle fails.
Loss of power, drive unit, inverter, traction motor, DC-DC converter.
Low-voltage battery deaths, common on EVs and hybrids that use a 12V for accessories.
Propulsion battery defects, capacity loss, BMS faults, replacement claims.
Regen brake feel, one-pedal driving, B-mode complaints.
Hybrid system warnings, eCVT, motor-generator, hybrid transaxle.
Battery fires, smoke, thermal runaway. Includes any complaint with fire reported.
Battery & propulsion recalls (3)
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.
Consequence: Unexpected acceleration following gas pedal release can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Sample complaint excerpts
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.
- [2021] VEHICLE SAFETY HAZARD: ACTIVE HIGH-VOLTAGE ISOLATION FAULT (DTC P0AA6) WITH DECEPTIVE DEALER/MANUFACTURER BYPASS & CONCEALMENT. On April 15, 2026, the dealer scanned my 2021 Ioniq EV and uncovered DTC P0AA6 (Hybrid/EV Battery Voltage System Isolation Fault), which denotes a catastrophic high-voltage leak into the chassis. This is a severe safety hazard posing immediate risks of fatal electrocutio
- [2017] The vehicle has suffered a catastrophic failure of the hybrid drive motor rotor, transmission, and engine clutch, resulting in a $14,993 repair quote. This is a direct consequence of a failed remedy for NHTSA Recall 18V260 (Hyundai Campaign 176).In February 2020, a dealer performed an 'inspection/cap' remedy under Campaign 176. However, this did not permanently fix the manufacturing burrs on the h
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
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] I was driving my two young daughters (ages [XXX] and [XXX]) to school, in clear conditions, when we suddenly heard a static-like noise. Instantly, the car's check engine light and check EV battery light came on, and I realized I could no longer accelerate. I immediately pulled off to a safe shoulder and turned the car off and then back on. The car would not move. I exited the vehicle and THANKFU
Regenerative Braking
- [2019] When ABS engages briefly on a wet surface, there is an incomplete transition from regenerative braking to friction brakes, resulting in a hard pedal that does not actually engage the brakes. This is very dangerous and I have experienced this loss of braking force multiple times when stopping in the rain and a tire is on a slippery manhole cover or crosswalk line. Braking force is reduced signifi
- [2019] I HAVE HAD 4 INCIDENTS SO FAR OVER THE LAST MONTH, ALL LASTING UNDER 5 SECONDS. IN EACH CASE, THE REGENERATIVE BRAKING SWITCHES TO A DIFFERENT LEVEL WITHOUT ANY INPUT FROM THE USER. THIS PRESENTS AS WHAT FEELS LIKE A LEVEL 3 (STRONG) BRAKING WHEN NONE WAS ON AND NO FOOT IS NEAR THE BRAKE, OR IF THE REGEN BRAKING WAS TURNED ON (IN ONE CASE TO LEVEL 1), IT SHUTS OFF MOMENTARILY. DURING THESE INCIDEN
- [2020] The regenerative brake system failed to operate as it normally does, and no indicator lights came on on the dashboard. This unexpected loss of braking force nearly caused me to hit the car in front of me. I had recently disengaged cruise control and was approaching a red light. I pressed my foot on the brake pedal and felt no response from the car. I lifted my foot and pressed again two or three
Hybrid Drivetrain
- [2017] After the Dealership, Michigan City Hyundai (MCH), performed part of the needed repairs, I became aware of what could/would have been a fire hazard (as evidenced by brownish/black heat spots, on the metal cover of the hybrid battery, under the rear seat. To maintain its recall-denial, MCH blames the hybrid starter generator (HSG) for the damage to the hybrid battery. The noted heat-spots prove o
- [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
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. The rate divides those complaints by the electrified versions built, from the production counts makers report to NHTSA, and it is not adjusted for age. Death and injury figures count complaints that report one, not the number an owner typed in.
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Hyundai Ioniq, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2017-2022 Hyundai Ioniq
On a used 2017-2022 Hyundai Ioniq, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the electrical system (70), the brakes (40) and the airbags and driver-assist systems (24). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-09. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 70 owner complaints on the 2017-2022 Hyundai Ioniq about the electrical system.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 40 owner complaints on the 2017-2022 Hyundai Ioniq about the brakes.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 24 owner complaints on the 2017-2022 Hyundai Ioniq about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 24 owner complaints on the 2017-2022 Hyundai Ioniq about the engine, all engines combined.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 21 owner complaints on the 2017-2022 Hyundai Ioniq about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
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 2017-2018 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.
Show 2 older recalls
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 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.
All Generations
Alternatives in Compact
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2017-2022 Hyundai Ioniq complaints?
Owners have filed 176 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017-2022 Hyundai Ioniq. The systems they name most often are the electrical system, the brakes and the safety systems.
Is the 2017-2022 Hyundai Ioniq a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 176 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017-2022 Hyundai Ioniq. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2017-2022 Hyundai Ioniq have?
NHTSA has 176 owner complaints on file for the 2017-2022 Hyundai Ioniq as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2017-2022 Hyundai Ioniq?
NHTSA lists 7 recalls covering some 2017-2022 Hyundai Ioniq vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Hyundai Ioniq?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the electrical system, the brakes and the safety systems, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and 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. 176 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-18.