The increasing presence of electric vehicles on Australian roads marks a notable shift in personal transportation.
While these vehicles offer various benefits, ensuring their safety and reliability during operation remains paramount for manufacturers and owners.
A recent announcement from a prominent Australian automotive company requires the attention of individuals who have purchased a specific high-performance electric model.
If you’re the proud owner of a Hyundai Ioniq 5 N—Hyundai’s high-performance electric vehicle (EV) that’s been turning heads on Australian roads—there’s an important update you need to know about.
Hyundai Australia has issued a recall for this model due to a potentially serious issue with its braking system. Here’s what’s happening, what you need to do, and why it matters.
What’s the Problem?
‘Due to a software issue, under certain driving conditions, the Integrated Electronic Brake (IEB) system may affect the hydraulic pressure within the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS),’ according to Hyundai’s official recall notice.
In plain English: the car’s computer might not be talking to the brakes properly, which could reduce braking performance and increase your stopping distance.
‘If this occurs, it could reduce braking performance and lead to longer stopping distances. A reduction in braking performance could increase the risk of an accident causing serious injury or death to vehicle occupants and other road users.’
How Serious Is This Recall?
While recalls are not uncommon in the automotive world, any issue involving brakes is always taken very seriously.
The Ioniq 5 N is a high-powered EV, and reliable braking is absolutely essential for both safety and peace of mind. Hyundai has acted quickly to address the issue, but all affected owners must respond immediately.
What Should You Do If You Own an Ioniq 5 N?
If you own one of these vehicles, don’t panic—but do act promptly. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Contact the Hyundai Customer Care Team: Reach out to the Hyundai Customer Care Team hotline 1800 186 306. The fix involves updating the software for both the IEB and the vehicle control unit (VCU).
2. Over-the-Air Update: In many cases, Hyundai can apply the revised software remotely via an over-the-air (OTA) update, meaning you might not even need to visit the dealership. The update is free of charge.
3. Questions or Concerns? If you’re unsure whether your vehicle is affected, or if you have any questions, you can contact the Hyundai Customer Care Team on 1800 186 306.
How Do Vehicle Recalls Work in Australia?
Australia has strict vehicle safety standards; manufacturers must notify owners and the public when a safety issue is identified.
Recalls are managed through the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and are published on the Product Safety Australia website. If you ever receive a recall notice, it’s important to act quickly—even if your car seems to be running fine.
Why Are Software Recalls Becoming More Common?
Modern vehicles, especially EVs like the Ioniq 5 N, increasingly rely on complex software to manage everything from braking to battery performance.
While this brings many benefits, such as improved efficiency and new features, it also means that software bugs can have real-world safety implications.
The upside is that many issues can now be fixed with a simple software update, often without even leaving your driveway.
What If You Ignore a Recall?
It might be tempting to put off a recall, especially if your car seems to be working fine. But ignoring a recall can have serious consequences.
Not only are you putting yourself and others at risk, but you could also void your warranty or insurance coverage if an accident occurs as a result of the known issue.
Staying Safe on the Road
If you’re over 50 and considering an EV, or you already own one, it’s important to stay informed about recalls and safety updates.
Make sure your contact details are up to date with your car’s manufacturer, and keep an eye out for any official communications.
Have You Been Affected?
Have you received a recall notice for your Hyundai or another vehicle? How was your experience with the recall process? Did you find the over-the-air update easy to manage, or did you have to visit the dealership? Share your experiences in the comments below—your story could help other readers navigate their own recall journeys.
Also read: Major car manufacturer issues vehicle recalls due to fire-related defect
