Police are warning Hyundai and Kia owners about a social media challenge that encourages people to steal these car brands and post videos of their joyrides.
A series of complaints is raising safety concerns about Hyundai’s popular electric SUV.
U.S. owners of the Ioniq 5 electric SUV have complained of completely or partially losing propulsive power, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Many have said the loss of power came after hearing a loud popping noise.
Hyundai said it would offer a software update beginning next month and replace affected components if necessary.
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Signage is displayed outside the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) facility in Montgomery, Alabama, U.S. (Photographer: Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)
The NHTSA said it received 30 complaints about the problem in 2022 models, of which it estimated 39,500 were on U.S. highways, according to a notice posted online.
A preliminary investigation opened by a division within the NHTSA indicates a recharging issue.
The issue is a power surge that damages transistors, preventing vehicles’ 12-volt battery from recharging.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 arrives on stage as a 2022 Utility Vehicle the Year Finalist at the LA Auto Show in Los Angeles. ( FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images) / Getty Images)
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Hyundai spokesperson Ira Gabriel told FOX Business that the company was fully cooperating with the investigation and was launching a service campaign in July to update affected vehicles’ software.
Hyundai said if necessary, it would replace the component involved. It’s called an Integrated Control Charging Unit.
The 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 sits on display at the Chicago Auto Show, Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023, in Chicago. Multiple U.S. owners of Hyundais popular IONIQ 5 electric SUV have complained of completely or partially losing propulsive power. ((AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File) / AP Newsroom)
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Many governments are counting on EVs to replace gasoline-burning vehicles that emit greenhouse gases that cause global warming.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
