2021 Hyundai Ioniq hybrid 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 hybrid problems
The Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid 2021 is a popular choice among car buyers due to its eco-friendly nature and fuel efficiency. However, like any vehicle, it has its fair share of issues reported by owners. Here are some of the most common problems with the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid 2021 based on complaints from owners:
- Coolant leak: There has been a recall for early Ioniqs built between 4 October 2016 and 31 March 2017 related to coolant that might leak into the electric power control unit. This can result in engine overheating and potential damage to the electrical system. If you suspect your car might be affected by this recall, contact your local Hyundai dealer for further assistance.
- Risk of power relay fire: Some examples of the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid 2021 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.
- Intermittent engine problems: Some owners of the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid 2021 have reported intermittent engine problems, such as the engine orange light coming on without warning and the car lurching as if an invisible force is putting on the brakes gently. These problems can be caused by issues with the hybrid engines not communicating properly with each other, as well as unknown faults (codes 047200 and 047100).
- Speaker problems: On rare occasions, some owners have reported that the speakers in their Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid 2021 will suddenly stop working, with sound from media, radio, and car SatNav not working, although the onscreen system seems fine. This issue can be resolved by leaving the car for a couple of hours and starting it up again.
While these issues can be concerning, it's important to note that the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid 2021 has a splendid reliability record and finished seventh out of 32 manufacturers in the most recent What Car? Reliability Survey. Additionally, all issues should be covered by the five-year manufacturer's warranty, so defects shouldn't be a major issue for owners.
Is Hyundai Ioniq hybrid a good car?
If you're looking for an alternative to the Toyota Prius then the Hyundai Ioniq is a good car well worth considering. The Hyundai has a more responsive gearbox that makes it a touch nicer to drive, while the Prius counters with slightly better fuel economy.
Why is Hyundai discontinuing Ioniq Hybrid?
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.
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.
How long does the Ioniq Hybrid battery last?
Many Ioniq owners have reported that their vehicle's batteries have continued to work normally after about eight years and 100,000 miles.
2021 Hyundai Ioniq hybrid complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2021 Hyundai Ioniq hybrid.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
Negative 2021 Hyundai Ioniq hybrid car reviews
Positive 2021 Hyundai Ioniq hybrid car reviews
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I've been driving my Ioniq since July 2018 and I absolutely love it! With 37,000 miles on it, I've been able to average an impressive 56 mpg over the past 20 months. However, I have noticed that the mileage drops by about 15 to 20 percent when the average temperature is in the mid-thirties or lower. But that's understandable. I really appreciate the blind spot outside mirror since I can't see out of my left eye.
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I've been wanting a more economical vehicle for a few years now, but I couldn't find one that I liked the style and ride of. Then I came across the Hyundai Ioniq line and was really impressed. After doing a lot of research and talking to several Hyundai dealers, I finally made a deal for a white Ioniq Limited with the Ultimate package. I've had the Ioniq for almost a month now and I'm really happy with it. I'm averaging 50 MPG, which I think is great for a brand new vehicle. On one road trip, it even managed 62 MPG! With a hybrid, you need to learn to drive differently to achieve good MPG, but it's worth it. Some people say the seats aren't comfortable, but I'm 210 pounds and I think they're just fine. I also think the handling and braking are good - not like a sports car, but still good. I'm in my mid-70s, but the road noise seems about normal for a vehicle of this class. The Ioniq is solid going over railroad tracks and bumps. It has most of the creature comforts of vehicles that cost twice as much. There are three things I wish it had: rain-sensing wipers, a power passenger seat, and a hood that didn't need a rod to hold it up. With the front seats in the position I would normally have them, there's ample room in the rear seat for passengers. And of course, it's loaded with all the safety and tech stuff, like lane-keeping and departure warning, backup warning and camera, rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot alert, adaptive cruise, dynamic bending headlights, navigation, Android Auto, Bluelink, Infinity Audio, and memory driver's seat. The rear luggage area has plenty of room for four passengers' luggage, and because it's a hatchback, it has more room than a sedan of this size with a trunk. There's also some storage space under the luggage area floor. The Ioniq comes with an emergency puncture repair kit, but I ordered a space-saver spare kit which fits nicely under the luggage compartment floor. The dealer experience, Crain Hyundai of Conway AR, was the best. I told them what I wanted and they got it.There was no pressure to buy an extended warranty or accessories and it was delivered with a full tank of fuel.
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The Ioniq SEL has a smooth but intentionally designed hybrid acceleration, which may feel spongy and sluggish unless you press the pedal aggressively. However, the sport mode can mitigate this issue by providing an on-the-fly shift on/off while in 'D' (drive gear). Although the cockpit is low to the ground, it is not too low, but folks with back injuries may have difficulty. The tech package is amazing for the price point, offering advanced cruise control, lane assist, radar-guided collision detection, follow distance from the cars in front of you, back up camera, passing car detection, and other features. The stock audio system is exceptional and tuned to the cab, with slightly bass-heavy sound. Alternatively, you can opt for the Infinity 8-speaker as an option in the Limited. The Apple CarPlay integration is a great feature. The split HVAC is also great, and you can switch to driver-side only for greater fuel efficiency. The driver and front passenger have ample legroom. Although the car is sedan-average-looking, it looks way better than the Prius. The ride is very car-like compared to an SUV, and it feels smooth as glass on a nice road. I recommend purchasing WeatherTech fitted all-weather floor and cargo mats, and custom alloy spoke wheels to dress it up a little.
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I really appreciate the value that the SEL model offers. While I owned a 2017 Prius and enjoyed it, I have to say that the Ioniq is a great car overall. The hybrid gauge layout and braking regeneration are better, and the car has a fun, sporty feel to it. However, I did notice that the suspension is a bit rough and there is quite a bit of road noise, especially on the rough roads in Los Angeles. Despite these minor issues, I was able to purchase the Ioniq for 5k less than the Prius, which is very impressive. The only other thing I wish it had were fog lights, but that's a minor detail. Overall, I'm averaging roughly 47 mpg city and am very happy with my purchase.
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I think this is a great value for money option among hybrid models. It has enough space for four people, their bags, and even a dog. I really appreciate the improvements made to this model and I feel more stable on the highway compared to the first model I bought back in 2017. I did experience the same noise issue mentioned in another review, but I found a solution by adding paper between the hook of the back seat and its counterpart built to the steel chassis. Although it was a bit tedious, it wasn't a major issue and I'm happy with my choice.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2021 Hyundai Ioniq hybrid problems:
Recurring engine problems with Ioniq Hybrid 68 | Hyundai IONIQ ...
Jan 9, 2020 ... ... 2021 not a problem with it at all over the three year lease period. But since Feb 2022 the engine light has come on 9 times now and been ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 hybrid
Are you having problems with your 2021 Hyundai Ioniq hybrid?
Maxine Heller 2025-08-29
I had a bad experience with my Ioniq 2019 due to repetitive suspension issues, column shaft replacement, and transmission replacement. Unfortunately, this is the third time my car has had to go in for a warranty issue. The first issue occurred in October 2019 with less than 6K miles and in less than 6 months, where there was a defective right rear shock that was replaced. The second issue occurred in March 2020 during the second service, where there was a defective speaker that was replaced. During my third visit in February 2021, there were three more issues identified with 21K miles. The steering wheel column/shaft was replaced and the transmission will need to be replaced due to a grinding noise upon deceleration. There was also the same suspension issue in the rear back with a popping noise coming from the rear right, which the technicians and service team have not been able to identify the problem. I am disappointed with my purchase, as I bought a new car to avoid stress, discomfort, and worries about my family's safety. I do not believe that these issues are normal for a car with less than 2 years of use and less than 22K miles.
Alfonzo Flatley 2025-07-27
Despite experiencing three major malfunctions within the first three months of owning my brand new vehicle, I am pleased to report that I have not had any further issues since reaching 19,500 miles. I continue to achieve impressive gas mileage of 55-60 mpg in warm weather and 40-45 mpg in cold weather. While I am concerned about the lack of a spare tire, I am confident in the reliability of my vehicle. It is unfortunate that I had a negative experience with Hyundai's customer service during the first few months of ownership, but I am satisfied with the performance of my car overall.
Randy Gleichner 2025-04-01
I am disappointed that both the 2019 SEL and 2020 Limited models required major work before reaching 30,000 miles, despite financing around $64,000. However, I am grateful for the comfortable ride and efficiency of the car. It has taken me to various destinations, including Florida, Wisconsin, Tennessee, the coast, and the mountains. The car is stylish, well-built, and solid. It is also well-appointed and has great features such as a sound system, ApplePlay, and adaptive cruise control. Although I have had some issues with the transmission and fuel injector, I appreciate the great customer service from the dealership. I hope the car lasts through the warranty and financing period. For background, I have owned three hybrids previously and enjoyed them very much. After researching and price shopping, I chose to purchase the 2019 Hyundai Ioniq SEL, which had excellent rebates and came with a 100,000 mile powertrain warranty and a lifetime warranty on the hybrid battery. I brought up my concerns to a service advisor once again, and they kindly agreed to resurface the rotors. After the rotors were resurfaced, I requested that they take the car for a test drive and decelerate from 60 to 40 mph, and let me know what they heard. They performed the test as I described and determined that there was a problem. Although they weren't sure if it was the hybrid system or the transmission, my car was in their shop for two weeks (give or take a day), and the transmission was replaced under warranty. I was pleasantly surprised when Hyundai corporate reached out to me to ensure that I was satisfied with the service that the dealership was providing, and that I was still satisfied with my car. The great service at my Hyundai dealership (Johnson Hyundai in Cary, NC) did their best to bridge the gap between what I was sold and what I received. Although Hyundai declined to offer an extension on the warranty, I received a response from corporate after a lengthy delay in responses on their part. Since I did not respond to them within 48 hours of the receipt of their e-mail, they deemed the case closed. In conclusion, I hope that the little car improves with age, and I am once again satisfied with my purchase. However, I cannot recommend this car to anyone in good faith. It will have to make it to 100,000 miles without so much as a misfire for me to be able to recommend it. The car has great features and the efficiency is the best in the class, but there's a reason that Hyundai priced it so low and offered incentives. Live and learn. Here's hoping that the little car improves with age.However, I have only been able to establish a first-name basis with the service department and dealership managers so far.
Jeromy Prosacco 2025-03-20
After driving 7000 miles, mostly on the freeway, I have noticed that the transmission struggles to find the correct gear on steeper hills or bridges. It is important to note that you may not achieve the advertised mileage at highway speeds of 70mph. While the interior can be noisy in the back seat area, both the interior and exterior are very nice. Unfortunately, there is no jack provided for a flat tire, and you must use a fill kit which can result in a costly bill to replace the tire and pressure sensor. Although the Sirius radio is costly and not worth the price unless you drive constantly, I still prefer it over a CD. It is important to note that it can be costly to have pay-to-play radio that sits in the driveway. Overall, I like this vehicle more than the Prius we had. However, it may take some time to get used to it, especially if you live in an area with hills. I would recommend this vehicle for those who live in flat areas. Good luck with your choice! Best regards, Agnes.
Jovani Jaskolski 2024-11-27
I've been driving my 2020 Ioniq for a year and a half now, and while I've had some issues with the electronics, I still have a soft spot for this car. Unfortunately, my infotainment system and backup camera have each been replaced twice already, and the front proximity sensors also failed. It's been in the shop half a dozen times or so, and I'm currently waiting to hear back from Hyundai about potentially buying it back. Despite these issues, I still think it's a beautiful car that drives well. However, I have noticed that it hasn't quite lived up to the EPA rated 55mpg, hovering around 42mpg instead. This is comparable to what my 2008 Prius was getting when it was 12 years old, which is a bit disappointing. I'm considering a hybrid SUV instead, but I'm hesitant to go with another Hyundai. I've even had trouble finding a dealership willing to take my Ioniq in trade due to its issues. Hopefully, Hyundai will come through and buy it back.