Before you buy a used Hyundai Ioniq.
Taken only from Testigo's sourced sheets. Use it to question the seller and on the test drive: it does not confirm that any particular car is affected.
The essentials.
- 2 documented, sourced faults across its 3 engines.
- That is not much data: if no other faults show up here, it does not mean it has none.
- 1 of them depends on the equipment or the production date: ask what this car has.
- 4 official recalls on record: ask for the chassis number (VIN) and confirm they have been done.
- According to the data we have, the engines with the fewest documented faults are: 1.6 Hybrid (Hybrid), 1.6 Plug-in Hybrid (Plug-in hybrid).
Typical faults by engine
The period and mileage are those mentioned by each sheet's sources. They are not a maintenance interval and do not predict that any particular car will fail.
All versions
Sheets the catalogue links to all 3 of its engines.
- 12 V battery running flat on the Ioniq and NiroElectrical and electronic systems
- Period mentioned
- 2016–2022
- Mileage mentioned
- The sheet does not mention a mileage.
1.6 Hybrid · 1.6 Plug-in Hybrid
1.6 Hybrid (Hybrid) · 1.6 Plug-in Hybrid (Plug-in hybrid)
We have no faults specific to this engine, only those common to every version.
Ioniq Electric
Electric
- Battery fire risk on the Kona Electric: battery replacementHigh-voltage battery
- Period mentioned
- 2018–2020
- Mileage mentioned
- The sheet does not mention a mileage.
Applies if: Only about 5,700 Ioniq Electrics were in the campaign: confirm by VIN.
Which engine has the fewest documented faults?
| Engine | Documented faults | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1.6 HybridHybridFewest documented | 1 | 3 |
| 1.6 Plug-in HybridPlug-in hybridFewest documented | 1 | 3 |
| Ioniq ElectricElectric | 21 with conditions | 4 |
According to the data we have, the engines with the fewest documented faults are: 1.6 Hybrid (Hybrid), 1.6 Plug-in Hybrid (Plug-in hybrid).
By fuel type, the ones with the fewest documented faults are: Hybrid, Plug-in hybrid.
We only count the sourced sheets we have. An engine with fewer is not guaranteed to be more reliable: it may have been studied less or sold in smaller numbers.
Official recalls: ask before you pay
A recall existing does not mean this car is affected or that it is still outstanding: it depends on the chassis number, the market and the production date.
- Ask the seller for the chassis number (VIN): it has 17 characters, appears in the car's documents and can usually also be seen at the base of the windscreen.
- Ask an official Hyundai dealer, or the brand's official website if it lets you check by chassis number, whether each recall has been done or is still outstanding for that VIN.
- Manufacturer recalls are normally carried out free of charge by the official service network. If one is outstanding, ask for it to be done before you close the sale.
Hyundai electric and hybrid drive recalls (2018–2026)Electric powertrain
How to check it: Check by VIN whether any of the recalls is outstanding (at the dealer or on the DVSA website) and carry out the inspection or replacement it requires.
View full entryHyundai wheel, axle and suspension recalls (2010–2024)Suspension and steering
How to check it: Check by VIN whether any of the recalls is outstanding (at the dealer or on the DVSA website) and carry out the inspection or replacement it requires.
View full entryHyundai electrical, lighting and electronics recalls (2016–2026)Electrical and electronic systems
How to check it: Check by VIN whether any of the recalls is outstanding (at the dealer or on the DVSA website) and carry out the inspection or replacement it requires.
View full entryHyundai engine, transmission and software recalls (2013–2026)Powertrain and engine management
Engines: Ioniq Electric (Electric)
How to check it: Check by VIN whether any of the recalls is outstanding (at the dealer or on the DVSA website) and carry out the inspection or replacement it requires.
View full entryOn the test drive: what to look and listen for
Taken from each sheet's symptoms and checks. You can tick off what you have already looked at: it is saved only in this browser.
0 of 2 checked
Electrical and electronic systems
Look out for: In the morning the car will not start or switch on because the 12 V battery is flat, sometimes even after charging overnight. On the electric versions, the charge port sometimes does not lock and charging is impossible.
Ask them to check: Measure the 12 V battery and its standby drain; ask about software updates; if the connector does not lock, use the emergency release and replace the lock motor.
High-voltage battery
Look out for: No prior warning: fire risk from the high-voltage battery, also when parked or charging.
Ask them to check: Check by VIN that the battery has already been replaced under the campaign; if not, follow Hyundai’s instructions until it is replaced.
Sources
Every fact on this page comes from these Testigo sheets and their original sources. Sources are not checked in real time.
- 12 V battery running flat on the Ioniq and Niro
- Battery fire risk on the Kona Electric: battery replacement
- Hyundai electric and hybrid drive recalls (2018–2026)
- Hyundai wheel, axle and suspension recalls (2010–2024)
- Hyundai electrical, lighting and electronics recalls (2016–2026)
- Hyundai engine, transmission and software recalls (2013–2026)
More Hyundai buying guides
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