2020 Hyundai Ioniq electric problems
The Hyundai Ioniq is a compact five-door liftback manufactured and marketed by Hyundai. The nameplate Ioniq is a portmanteau of ion and unique. It is marketed as the first Hyundai automobile to be offered without a standard internal combustion engine, but rather sold in hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and all-electric variants.
The Ioniq Hybrid debuted in South Korea in January 2016, with all three variants debuting at 2016 Geneva and New York auto shows. The hybrid variant launched in its home market in February 2016, followed by the electric model in July 2016. The plug-in hybrid version followed in February 2017.
From its first model year (2017) through the 2019 model year, the Ioniq Electric had been the EPA's most efficient vehicle with a rated fuel economy of 136 miles per gallon gasoline equivalent (24.8 kWh/100 mi; 15.4 kWh/100 km). The Ioniq Blue Hybrid version has been rated at 4.1 L/100 km (58 mpg‑US), making it the most fuel-efficient hybrid vehicle to be mass-produced.
Following its discontinuation in South Korea in 2021, production of the Ioniq ended in July 2022 in favour of battery electric lineup of Ioniq-badged models starting from the Ioniq 5 hatchback and Ioniq 6 sedan with Ioniq 7 to follow.
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Common 2020 Hyundai Ioniq electric problems
The Hyundai Ioniq Electric, introduced in 2016, is a full-battery-powered version of the Ioniq family hatchback that also offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain options.
One common problem with the Hyundai Ioniq Electric is a coolant leak that could potentially affect models built between 4 October 2016 and 31 March 2017. This issue is related to coolant that might leak into the electric power control unit. Owners of affected vehicles should contact their local Hyundai dealer to check if their vehicle is part of the recall and to have the problem addressed.
Another issue that some Ioniq Electric owners have experienced is a faulty power relay that could potentially catch fire in extreme circumstances. Hyundai dealers are replacing the power relay and inspecting the power cable and relay assembly for any damage, replacing them if necessary.
When updating the navigation system in the Ioniq Electric, some owners have reported issues with the GPS set-up, which may refuse to work after the update. This problem requires a reset of the electronic control unit while the car's battery is disconnected.
Additionally, there have been reports of problems with the charging system in the Ioniq Electric. Some owners have experienced issues with charging cables, including the cable failing to lock as it should, which can prevent the charging cycle from starting. This issue could be caused by actuator failure due to a blown fuse.
Another problem that some Ioniq Electric owners have experienced is a parasitic drain caused by Hyundai's Bluelink software, which can kill the car's 12-volt battery overnight when the car is out of cell range. This issue can result in the car not starting when the owner presses the button.
Lastly, in 2024, Hyundai and Kia recalled a combined 147,110 vehicles, including the Ioniq Electric, due to charging unit problems. The battery charging unit in the Ioniq and other vehicles may not function properly, which could eventually cause a driver to lose power while operating the car, increasing the risk of an accident.
Overall, while the Hyundai Ioniq Electric has a strong reliability record, it is essential to be aware of these common problems and address them promptly to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the vehicle.
Are Hyundai Ioniq electric reliable?
As owners have indicated, the IONIQ is an extremely reliable car, but as with any second-hand model, you do have to be on the look-out for common issues. Here, we're going to focus on the Electric version.
Why was the Hyundai Ioniq electric discontinued?
Is the IONIQ still being built? No, in July 2022, production of the original Hyundai IONIQ ended at the Ulsan plant in South Korea. Why was the original IONIQ discontinued? The worldwide discontinuation of IONIQ represents a long-planned decision by Hyundai to meet changing consumer demands in the automotive sector.
How long will a Hyundai Ioniq battery last?
Your Hyundai IONIQ 6 battery will ordinarily last between 3 to 5 years, but that can fluctuate massively depending on type of battery, weather conditions battery size, and driving habits. Even still, just because your battery isn't totally dead, doesn't mean it's operating properly.
Why won t my Hyundai Ioniq 2020 start?
The most common reasons a Hyundai Ioniq won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
2020 Hyundai Ioniq electric car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Hyundai Ioniq electric problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2020 Hyundai Ioniq electric vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2020 Hyundai Ioniq electric complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq electric.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-21
- VIN: KMHC85LJ2LU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-08-01
- VIN: KMHC85LJ5LU
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 8-1-2020 HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA LETTER RECEIVED THAT ORIGINAL WINDOW STICKER HAD INCORRECT INFORMATION AND IS NOT EQUIPPED WITH BLIND SPOT AND REAR CROSS TRAFFIC COLLISION AVOIDANCE ASSIST SYSTEMS; HOWEVER THESE VEHCLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH BLIND SPOT AND REAR CROSS TRAFFIC COLLISION WARNING SYSTEMS. HOW MANY OTHER BUYERS WERE MISLED BY THE WINDOW STICKER AND SOLD A CAR WITH MORE EXTENSIVE SAFETY EQUIPMENT THAN WHAT THEY ACTUALLY RECEIVED? SHOULD HYUNDAI RECALL THE VEHICLE TO INSTALL THE DEVICES AS ADVERTISED AND SOLD OR REIMBURSE THE BUYERS FOR THE DIFFERENCE AND THE LESSER VALUE CAR SOLD? MY CAR WAS STATIONARY AND NO MALFUNCTION KNOWN YET, BUT LACK OF ASSIST FUNCTION MAKES THE CAR LESS SAFE THAN REPRESENTED WHEN SOLD TO ME. THE DEFICIENCY, ERROR NOTICE LETTER IS NOT DATED AND DOES NOT OFFER TO CORRECT THE MISREPRESENTATION OR REFUND THE COST OF INSTALLING THIS SYSTEM, AND DOES NOT OFFER TO INSTALL IT AFTER THEIR ERROR.
2020 Hyundai Ioniq electric recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq electric.
- Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
- Park Out Side: 1
- Park Out Side: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY
- Summary: 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.
- Remedy: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the interim action is complete. Hyundai will notify owners, and as an interim action, owners have the option to follow provided instructions to perform a battery update through the vehicle's infotainment system or request a Hyundai dealer to provide the update. Once parts are available, dealers will inspect the Battery System Assembly (BSA), and replace it if necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owners were notified of the safety risk, and the interim action, with a letter mailed April 9, 2021. Final owner notification letters were mailed June 17, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 200.
Positive 2020 Hyundai Ioniq electric car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2020 Hyundai Ioniq electric problems:
Thinking of purchasing 2019 Ioniq Electric - Hyundai IONIQ Forum
Oct 30, 2023 ... Based on my own experience and from what I read on the various forums I frequent, these are extremely reliable cars. The only problem was the ...
2020 Hyundai Ioniq Reliability - Consumer Reports
Owner Reported Trouble Spots · EV Battery · Drive System · Noises And Leaks · Engine Electrical · Electric Motor · Electrical Accessories · Transmission Major · Brakes.
Serious issue with Battery Management System at 80000km on ...
Nov 23, 2023 ... Our beloved 2020 Ioniq Electric has a bit under 81000km on the odometer and has now been in the shop at the dealer for two weeks and counting ...
Original Ioniq EV owners, any issues you've had? : r/electricvehicles
Sep 30, 2023 ... Original Ioniq EV owners, any issues you've had? ... 2020 limited with 30k miles. Battery was ... Hyundai and the pump was done on trip 3. I ...
2020 Hyundai Ioniq Electric Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Electric? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 ...
Other years of Hyundai Ioniq electric
Are you having problems with your 2020 Hyundai Ioniq electric?
Donavon Marquardt 2025-10-09
I switched from a Mercedes ML diesel to this car, and I must say, it's better in every way. I'm happy that it has the same stereo as my previous car - a multi-speaker Harmon Kardon with sub. It's adequately peppy, quiet, and comfortable. Charging it at home is a breeze, and the supplied 120v charger is all I need to replenish my daily commute. Even when I have to travel to the next town over, which is 30 minutes away on the highway, I don't have to worry about range. I don't even need the 220v at home. Unlike my Mercedes, this car doesn't attract attention, and I can go about my life without any of that irritating human interaction. It's peace and serenity in a car.
Adam Larkin 2025-10-08
Since 2002, I've been driving a hybrid to help the environment and save money. My commute is quite long, approximately 130 miles each way. When it was time to replace my Civic Hybrid, which had 270,000 miles on it, we went looking for a PHEV. We test drove the Clarity and the Volt, but then the dealer showed us the Ioniq EV. It was a better ride and felt roomier than both of them. I love the directional headlights, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and other features that all came standard with the limited edition. The only possible setback was the range, which is 124 miles. However, my husband loved the car and usually drives locally, covering 8,000 to 10,000 miles per year. We made the decision to take his 2010 Camry hybrid for my long commute, and he drives the 2019 Ioniq. It was the first one sold in CT! How cool is that? Now he never has to deal with oil changes or gas stations, and EVs require very little service. Additionally, living in a green state means that many charging stations are free. I just wish Hyundai marketed these cars better. Most people don't even know they exist.
Sid O'Keefe 2025-09-29
I bought a new 2020 car a year ago and have driven 16,000 Kms on it. Here in BC (Canada), I received a total of $14,000 in government and 'Scrapit' rebates, so I paid only $34K for the lower model. There was a lot to learn about the car, but I spent hours reading the book and now I'm enjoying it. The car has snappy acceleration and handles very well. I took it to Pelmwash way in Oyama at 6000 km and had a blast on the windy road. I love the 3 levels of regen, which can be set for each of the driving modes, eco, normal and sport. There is also a 'hold' setting for stop and go, like in a drive-through, so once you stop, you can let go of the brake. It's cheap to run too. In the summer, I was getting about 12KW /100 Km and in winter, 16. I figure the first 15000 Km cost me $325 for power. The car can steer itself, but I found it too choppy and uncomfortable, so I turned it off. The feature I REALLY love is the adaptive cruise control. You can set the speed, and if the car in front slows or even stops, the car will do the same. The seats are firm but hug your body nicely. The car must have the brakes on to shift, so you can't just switch to drive after backing out of the driveway without braking. This feature could be dangerous for us old drivers, so I don't care for it.I hope you're doing well! I noticed that you didn't get the phone app, but an aftermarket fob was added so you could remote start and prewarm (cool) the car. Just a heads up, the car won't start if it's plugged in, but you can start the car from inside while it's plugged in, it just won't engage a gear. The new fob allows you to 'walk away' and lock the car while it's running (heating or cooling). Upon returning, you must use the new fob to unlock. By the way, I absolutely love the sporty style of this car. The back seats fold down for more storage, and the backup camera is awesome (when clean). Personally, I don't care for a touch screen in a car (any car). They're difficult to operate when moving if the road is bumpy at all, and they're a built-in distraction, requiring you to take your eyes off the road. I would much rather have buttons, dials, and sliders. I have not had one second of buyer's remorse with this purchase and have been waiting for over 20 years to buy a well-made fully electric car. I owned a Volt previously and loved the car but hated using any gas. Now I am ICE-free and free of the price gouging of big oil and their cartels. My fuel money stays right here in BC. This may not be the right vehicle for you, but there are many to choose from. Please hesitate no further, go and find one that works for you. You won't regret it. By the way, congratulations on retiring debt-free! It's a great feeling, isn't it?
Kevon Armstrong 2025-07-28
I'm so glad you shared your experience with the Nissan Leaf 2015 CPO and the Hyundai Ionic EV! It sounds like you've had quite the journey with EV cars, but the Ionic EV seems to have exceeded all your expectations. It's great to hear that it's the opposite of all the negative things people usually associate with EV cars, and that it always over delivers on range. The fact that it charges so quickly and is comfortable for tall adults is definitely a plus. And it's wonderful that the Ionic EV comes with a lifetime EV battery warranty for the original owner, and that the battery is fully serviceable. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and recommendation on the Hyundai Ionic Hybrids models. Keep up the great work, Hyundai!
Kareem Daugherty 2025-07-26
I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying your new car! It sounds like you've been able to find charging stations easily and the range anxiety is no longer an issue. The car's regen level and ABS seem to be working well for you too. It's great that the car has a charger station locator and door handle lights, those are nice touches. While the interior materials may not be top of the line, it's good to hear that the infotainment system is adequate and the Android Auto connectivity works well. Thank you for sharing your positive experience with the Hyundai, and I hope you continue to enjoy it!