Hyundai and Kia Recall Over 147,000 EVs Due to Charging Software Glitch

What’s Going On With Hyundai and Kia EVs?

If you drive an electric vehicle (EV) from Hyundai or Kia, here’s something you’ll want to know. Both automakers have just announced a recall affecting over 147,000 electric vehicles, and the reason might surprise you — it’s not a battery issue or a mechanical fault. It’s a charging software glitch.

Yep, that’s right. Not a blown tire, not faulty brakes — but a problem in how the car’s software talks to the battery while charging. Sounds techy and complicated? Don’t worry. We’ll break it down for you in plain English.

What’s the Problem Exactly?

At the heart of the recall is an issue with the Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU). This software bug can prevent the battery from charging properly and in some cases, it might even stop the car from starting altogether. Imagine plugging your phone in at night only to wake up with 2% battery. Frustrating, right?

Now imagine that happening to your car — only you’ve got a commute ahead, kids to drop off, or groceries to grab.

Kia and Hyundai said the glitch could affect how the car’s battery charges and interacts with other systems. As a result, if the ICCU malfunctions, the vehicle may lose power, refuse to start, or fail to keep a charge at all.

Which Vehicles Are Affected?

This isn’t just a handful of cars. Over 147,000 vehicles are being shipped back to dealerships for software updates. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Hyundai Ioniq 5
• Hyundai Ioniq 6
• Kia EV6

All of these vehicles are part of Hyundai Motor Group’s latest all-electric lineup. They showcase the future of driving, but unfortunately, even the future glitches sometimes.

If you own one of these models, it’s a good idea to check in with your dealership.

How Serious Is This?

The good news? There haven’t been any reports of accidents or injuries related to this software issue — so far. And both car companies are stepping up to fix the problem as quickly as possible. However, software that causes your EV to completely lose system power mid-commute? That’s more than just annoying — it can be downright dangerous.

Why Software Glitches in EVs Matter

We’ve gotten used to software updates on our phones and computers. But a glitch in your car’s software has bigger consequences. It’s not just about streaming music or checking your navigation — it can affect whether your car turns on at all.

In electric vehicles, much of the driving experience is controlled by software — from charging to braking to climate control. So when a bug crops up, it’s not as easy as turning your car off and on again.

What Are Hyundai and Kia Doing About It?

To fix the issue, Kia and Hyundai are asking EV owners to bring their vehicles in for a free software update. That’s right — no cost to you. Here’s what they’re doing:

• They’ll perform a complete check of the ICCU system.
• An update to the charging control software will be installed.
• In some rare cases, hardware components like the ICCU fuse may be replaced.

If you’re a current EV owner from either brand, expect an official mail notice soon. Or better yet, check with your dealership now to schedule an update. Prevention is key — don’t wait to see if your car won’t start.

Will This Affect EV Sales or Trust?

That’s a fair question. Hyundai and Kia have been pushing hard into the EV market, gaining fans with models like the sleek Ioniq 5 and sporty Kia EV6. But as EVs become more tech-heavy, recalls like this could become more common.

Does it mean you should stop considering an EV? Not at all. Think of this like a software patch for a computer. It’s a minor glitch — not a mark against electric vehicles as a whole.

However, it does remind us of how important software is to modern driving. It’s no longer just about horsepower or gas mileage. EV owners now have to think about firmware, charging algorithms, and system updates.

Tips for EV Owners: How to Stay Ahead

Whether you’re a new EV driver or thinking of making the switch, here are a few helpful tips:

• Register your vehicle with the manufacturer’s site to get recall alerts faster.
• Download the brand’s official app — many will alert you about software updates or system health checks.
• If something doesn’t feel right — like charging issues or slow start-ups — report it to your dealer.
• Make use of recall lookup tools like NHTSA’s website to check for open recalls on your vehicle.

It’s just like updating your phone, really. Except, instead of better emojis, you’re making sure your ride is road-ready.

What’s Next for Hyundai and Kia?

Both companies have promised better oversight going forward. That means more software quality checks, better AI monitoring systems, and possibly even over-the-air (OTA) updates for future recall fixes. Imagine fixing a glitch in your car the same way your phone auto-updates overnight — now that’s where EV tech is headed.

And despite this speed bump, Hyundai and Kia still remain strong players in the EV world. They’ve made strides in affordability, design, and accessibility — and let’s be honest, fixing a bug is better than dealing with a faulty engine.

Final Thoughts

Software glitches might sound small, but when they hit your car, they become a big deal. Hyundai and Kia’s recall of over 147,000 EVs is a reminder that in today’s world, our vehicles run just as much on code as they do on electricity.

If you drive a Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, or a Kia EV6, don’t panic — just stay informed and take action. A quick visit to your dealership could save you from getting stranded in the future.

And to the rest of us eyeing an electric future? This is just one evolution in the journey. More technology means more updates — but also more opportunities to drive smarter, cleaner, and safer.

So tell us — would a software recall make you think twice about buying an EV? Or is it just par for the course in our digital world?

Let us know in the comments below or share your EV experience — good, bad, or glitchy. We’d love to hear from you.

Stay connected. Stay charged. Stay smart.