2021 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 2021 Hyundai Ioniq electric problems
The Hyundai Ioniq Electric 2021 has been praised for its excellent value for money, impressive economy, and aerodynamics. However, there are some common problems that owners have reported.
- Coolant Leak: There has been a recall for early Ioniqs built between 4 October 2016 and 31 March 2017 due to coolant that might leak into the electric power control unit. Owners should contact their local Hyundai dealer if they believe their car might be affected by this issue.
- Risk of Power Relay Fire: Some examples of the Ioniq Electric may suffer from a faulty power relay that could, in extreme circumstances, catch fire. Hyundai dealers are to replace the power relay and inspect the power cable and relay assembly for any damage and replace if necessary.
- Partial Loss of Power: Owners of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric SUV in the US have complained of completely or partially losing propulsive power, raising safety concerns. The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received 30 complaints from owners who said their vehicles have lost power completely or partially, often after hearing a loud popping noise. The problem is a power surge that damages transistors and prevents the 12-volt battery in vehicles from charging.
- Navigation System Update Issues: Some owners have reported that when they update the navigation system, the GPS set-up then refuses to work, requiring a reset of the electronic control unit while the car's battery is disconnected.
- Charging Problems: Some owners have reported issues with charging the Ioniq Electric. This could be due to a blown fuse causing actuator failure, a tripped circuit due to a circuit overload, or damage to the charge cable from repeated driving over it.
- Headlight Replacement Difficulty: Replacing the headlights in the Ioniq Electric is extremely difficult, which could be a problem for owners.
- Software Issues: Some owners have reported software issues with the Ioniq Electric, such as the Bluelink software causing a parasitic drain that can kill the 12-volt battery overnight.
- Theft: There have been reports of theft of Hyundais and Kias soaring 2,500% in some cities, with Hyundai initially folding its arms and doing nothing to address the issue.
Overall, while the Hyundai Ioniq Electric 2021 has many positive qualities, it is important for potential buyers to be aware of these common problems and consider them when making their purchasing decision.
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.
What is the battery issue in Hyundai Ioniq hybrid?
The automaker says the 12-volt battery drain has been caused by two different unrelated issues. The main one is "overactive unauthorized Bluelink use by 3rd party apps that is waking up the car too often." Basically, unauthorized third-party Bluelink apps are requesting information too frequently from the Ioniq 5.
2021 Hyundai Ioniq electric complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2021 Hyundai Ioniq electric.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
Positive 2021 Hyundai Ioniq electric car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2021 Hyundai Ioniq electric problems:
Would you recommend this car with all the people having problems ...
Jun 19, 2023 ... (https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hyundai/ioniq-5/2023/reliability) ..; but as said it is only based on a short availability of the car ( ...
Thinking of purchasing 2019 Ioniq Electric - Hyundai IONIQ Forum
Oct 30, 2023 ... My 2021 version has had issues with the reduction gear. ... 3) Coolant error (low coolant) - common problem with a recall in place for the 38kwh
2021 Hyundai IONIQ Problems, Issues & Complaints | Lemberg Law
Aug 22, 2023 ... From electrical system issues to trouble with the service brakes, there have been a lot of defects that affect safety. Additionally, the engine ...
Electrical System FREAK OUT | Hyundai IONIQ Forum
Feb 8, 2023 ... Your car's not having weird problems, it's having known problems with known solutions. Cheers! Kitchener, ON Canada His: Polar White 2019 Ioniq ...
Hyundai ioniq 2021 plugin hybrid. First, it said key not detected now ...
Mar 12, 2024 ... ... issues with these parts, leading to a flat 12V battery. Common Battery Problems and Solutions: A broader look at Hyundai IONIQ battery issues ...
Other years of Hyundai Ioniq electric
Are you having problems with your 2021 Hyundai Ioniq electric?
Rosendo Heidenreich 2025-07-06
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?
Ansley Ortiz 2025-05-16
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!
Brycen Wunsch 2025-03-22
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.
Afton Willms 2025-01-07
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.
Derick Corwin 2024-09-13
I recently purchased the base model Ioniq Electric SE, which I find to be a very practical vehicle for those looking to make the switch from gasoline to electric. Although it may not be as cushy as my previous Honda Clarity EV, which had a very short range, the Ioniq is still a comfortable ride. I did have some initial challenges with finding a comfortable driving position, but I was able to solve this with a cushion on the seat and driver's armrest. The Ioniq provides a mostly quiet and smooth ride, although it can be a bit fussy on uneven surfaces. The interior is simple yet stylish, with handsome gray herringbone seats and recycled materials on the dash and interior door panels. Overall, I highly recommend the Ioniq for those looking for an economic and eco-friendly vehicle.The fit and finish of the Ioniq is excellent, with no rattles anywhere even after 15 months of driving. The six-speaker sound system is decent when listening to satellite and terrestrial radio stations and somewhat better when streaming through my phone via Android Auto. Cargo space is more than ample – it’s much larger than in the Bolt – and there is additional storage under a false floor in the hatch area. The Ioniq offers a tie-down net for cargo, which is necessary since stuff tends to move around on turns. I purchased a collapsible fabric box with Velcro on the bottom to carry groceries, and it has worked very well. The base model comes with smart cruise control, which is perfectly tuned. I’m a nervous driver, but when the cruise control is engaged, it follows curves and maintains following distance so well I am generally relaxed using it. That was not the case with the darty smart cruise control on the Clarity. The Ioniq in SE trim also comes with collision avoidance features, which tend to be unobtrusive. On more than one occasion the Clarity stomped on the brakes when someone made a lane change that was safe but it thought was too close. One of my favorite smart features on the Ioniq is a sleeper – the car will chime when the vehicle immediately ahead pulls away after a stop. This is helpful if you ever use your phone in traffic jams. The air conditioning system is extremely stout, and while it has automatic climate control, it is not divided between driver and passenger. Fuel efficiency is the Ioniq’s greatest strength. Hyundai estimates that the Ioniq will get about 4.4 miles per kilowatt hour, already among the highest estimates of any EV. However, it is easy to get more than 5 miles per kilowatt hour driving the Ioniq and sometimes 6+, even during highway driving. As a result, my range is typically around 205 miles during the winter and early spring, and 215 miles during the summer.The Ioniq has been a great investment for me. Not only does it have a range of 200 miles, which is 20% to 25% higher than Hyundai’s estimate of 170 miles, but it also competes with Tesla 3 for about $12,000 less. I charge the Ioniq in my garage through a standard 110 volt outlet, which adds about five miles of range per hour. I usually charge when the range drops to around 50 miles, and usually, the range will be 130 miles or more if I plug it in at night and need it the next day. This is more than sufficient for my needs, and I only need to charge it twice a week, even though I drive about 10,000 miles per year. However, there are a few things that could be improved. The charging port is located on the rear driver’s side, which can be challenging to get a charging cord to stretch that far, sometimes requiring backing in to public charging spaces. The lane keeping assist feature is overbearing when engaged, often sounding off even if you’re still in the lane but just favoring one side of it over the other. It also emits loud beeps that cannot be muted. Once I turned this feature off, the driving experience was much happier. The car also lacks a heat pump (which is standard on the Limited trim), meaning that any heat generated by the climate control is tepid at best and can cut 20+ miles from the range. I usually rely on the heated seats during the winter, as they don’t cause any range loss. I have had one anomaly to date: The accessory battery died after I had charged the car to about 95%. This required a jump start to revive the car. However, this issue disappeared after charging the car’s main battery back up to 100%, and it has not returned. With the federal and California rebates applied to the purchase of my Ioniq, it clocked in at just over $24,500. That’s probably about $2,000 to $3,000 more than what a compact with a combustion engine and equivalent features would cost.However, I must say that this is an incredibly attractive and well-assembled EV, and it's an absolute bargain! I'm confident that I'll be driving it for many years to come.