— Hyundai is recalling more than 10,500 model year 2017-2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrids and 2018 Ioniq Plug-In Hybrids at risk of fires from the rear seats.
The automaker says the main relays inside the power relay assemblies may have bad connections between the contacts that will cause electrical resistance. The rear seats are above the relay assemblies, so overheating assemblies can mean overheated seats.
The same fire risk caused Kia to recall its Niro hybrids a few weeks ago, and it was an incident with a Niro in Korea that caused Hyundai to learn of the dangers.
The automaker performed tests but couldn't replicate the problem. Engineers focused their investigation on the supplier but the problem still couldn't be replicated, but additional tests indicated the heat damage was caused by a loose connection in the power relay assembly located under the rear seat.
Hyundai also determined the main relay came from a previous supplier that used different specifications for the components. In comparison, the main relays from the current supplier use higher specifications for terminal contact pressure.
A driver may get warning of an overheating condition if they see a warning light while driving or if they lose the ability to start the vehicle.
Hyundai says no crashes or injuries have been reported, but to keep it that way Hyundai dealers will need to inspect the relay assemblies for heat damage.
The main relays will be replaced if no heat damage is found. But the entire power relay assemblies will be replaced if technicians see evidence of heat damage.
The 2017-2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid and 2018 Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid recall is expected to begin November 30, 2018, but owners with questions may call 855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 178.
