NHTSA investigates Hyundai Ioniq 5 total power loss issue that could affect over 33,000 drivers

The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened a preliminary evaluation to determine the scope and severity of a problem that's been afflicting Hyundai Ioniq 5 owners. According to a report by the NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation [PDF], 30 Ioniq 5 owners have reported hearing a loud pop and experiencing a sudden, unexpected loss of power to the electric drive train immediately after the noise.

While no crashes, fires, or injuries have been caused by the issue, the problem seems to be an over-current event in the Integrated Control Charging Unit (ICCU) that causes damage to transistors in the DC-to-DC converter that provides power to the 12-volt battery. An issue in the 12-volt power circuitry could easily cause loss of power, because the low-voltage battery is responsible for closing the circuit that allows the high-voltage drive system to come online.

Hyundai reportedly issued a statement promising to send out a software update to correct the problem in July and replace faulty components if necessary. Failing a software solution, a fix via a physical recall could be fairly trivial to apply, unlike a high-voltage battery recall that could leave owners waiting weeks for a fix.

Electric vehicles have previously proven to suffer from more recalls than their ICE-powered counterparts, although the Hyundai Ioniq 5 received a comparatively positive reliability outlook from the likes of Consumer Reports. That said, recalls are a normal part the automotive industry, and Hyundai is showing a willingness to do the right thing by cooperating with the NHTSA instead of trying to bury the issue.

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