Upon further investigation, further down the charging lot was another Hyundai IONIQ 5 with a guy sitting in it trying to figure out what to do with a friend. After fast charging, the 2024 IONIQ 5, the owner could not start the vehicle because the software was showing that the charger was still connected.
I decided not to use the fast charger, even though I don’t have a Hyundai electric vehicle. It turns out the same towing guy has been called five times in the fast few days to tow Hyundai. vehicles only.
What Kinds of IONIQ Charging Problems Are There?
The IONIQ Charging problems happened on separate chargers where other make vehicles, such as Chevy Bolt charged without error.
I phoned the charging provider support, and he said there are known issues with the Hyundai IONIQ for charging as well as the Audi Q-tron. Th
The owner of the 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 is an engineer and tried resetting the software for the the entire car, which he had done previously, which did not work. He removed the various fuses associated with the charger, which changed the lights. However, the lights around the charging port remained on indicating that the charger was still attached, even though it was not.
The first Hyundai white (pictured) 2022 IONIQ 5 that was left overnight because it could not be charged or started. The owners rented a car, came back, tried using the trickle charger to see if it would reset the vehicle and it did not. They also reportedly disconnected the 12-Volt battery to see if would reset the software. The 2022 IONIQ 5 was towed to the local dealership.
The five tows of Hyundai vehicles in the same area within a few days is surely an alarming warning sign. The charging company has disabled the charging station. However since there are reported problems in other locations it could be how the software is reacting to the fast charging.
The problem appears to be that the charging cable connected function remains on even though the charging cable has been disconnected. The vehicle warning shows “unplug electric vehicle to start,’ when the vehicle is not connected to a charger.
A separate issue is that Hyundqi IONIQ vehicles stop charging in the middle of charging due to heat issues.
“Unfortunately, the software does not take into account when the port returns to an preferred temperature and therefore does not automatically restart and complete the charge,” reported an Reddit user.
As I type this I am sitting at my local Hyundai dealership where I am discussing the issue with the Service Manager. Amazingly enough, when I mentioned the issue he appeared surprised to hear of the problem. Unclear whether I believe this or not. Regardless, I am working with him to figure out how to officially report the problem to the company. At this point (I’ve only been here for a few minutes), they seem to be unaware of a way to officially report the issue. This seems grossly odd.
In an effort to see how widespread the problem is, and apparently it is a wide and global issue, I found a post which suggests a Jan 2023 update may correct the issue. Unfortunately, I have this update installed and do not see any relief. I am sharing this as it may help others.
For anyone experiencing this issue, PLEASE report it to your local dealer. If people are not reporting the problem the company will never do anything to fix it. Be sure to explain that you are concerned about the fact that the port feels hot at the time the charging stops. If this becomes a “safety” discussion maybe they will do something about it sooner.”
In the meantime, since the issue happened on a DC fast charger, the best bet would be avoid the the 50 amp fast chargers for now. Also to check to make sure the BlueLink app and charging provider amp show that the cable is disconnected.
If any problems arise have the vehicle towed to a dealer. Hyundai warranties and BlueLink service provides free towing for five years. You can also ask for a loaner vehicle.
If towing is required, lift all four wheels off the ground and tow the vehicle. If you must tow the vehicle using only two wheels, lift the front wheels off the ground and tow the vehicle.
If you tow the vehicle while the rear wheels are touching the ground, the vehicle motor may generate electricity and the motor components may be damaged or a fire may
occur.
I read the Hyundai IONIQ User’s manual and there is a way to manually disconnect a charger from the port through the “Emergency Charge Connector Release” for when the charging cable will not release. “Open the tailgate and pull the emergency cable” in the trunk area.
So far there are no reports that a manual disconnect solves the problem.
With over 60,000 Hyundai IONIQ 5 vehicles on the road in the US we hope that Hyundai USA will over an simple easy solution.
In the meantime, if you have found a solution to the problem or experienced it with a Hyundai IONIQ or Kia vehicle, please post your experience in comments below.
Update 4/15/2024: We have heard back from Hyundai media relations, they are investing the situation and will getting back to us.