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Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid relay can overheat rear seat, fire risk

NHTSA campaign 18V704000 · Reported 2018-10-05 · Hyundai Motor America

critical How serious is it? About this label

Overheating under the rear seat can lead to a fire, which is serious, though Hyundai has not told owners to stop driving or park outside, so drive it normally and book the free repair soon.

What's wrong, in plain English

A switch in the high-voltage electrical box under the rear seat may not make solid contact inside. A poor connection makes the part fight the flow of electricity, and that builds heat. The box sits right under the back seat, so that heat can build up there and start a fire. Hyundai dealers will open up the relay assembly and look for damage. If there is none, they replace the main switch; if there is damage, they replace the whole assembly.

What you should do

1. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to check whether your Ioniq is part of recall 178.
2. Call a Hyundai dealer for an inspection of the power relay assembly, or reach Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.
3. Have the relay or the full assembly replaced; there is no charge.

Affected vehicles (1)

2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid

Who to contact

Hyundai — official Hyundai recall lookup

Customer service: 1-855-371-9460

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

Official notice

Component: HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM: INVERTER
Summary: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid and 2018 Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The Main Relay within the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) may have inadequate connections between its contacts, causing increased electrical resistance.
Safety risk: The increased electrical resistance can overheat the rear seat which is above the PRA, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) for damage. If no damage is found, the main relay will be replaced. If damage is found, the PRA will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 178.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.