After recalling its Kona Electric and NEXO (hydrogen fuel cell) in South Korea, we are now learning that both Hyundai models are being recalled in the U.S. as well.
Official NHTSA campaign #20V748000, confirmed that a total of 8,176 cars are potentially affected by the “Integrated Electronic Brake System Malfunction.” Silver lining? Only about 1% are expected to have a defect.
The recall includes around 7,704 Hyundai Kona Electric vehicles produced from August 27, 2018 through November 5, 2020. It also includes about 472 Hyundai NEXO vehicles produced from August 8, 2018 through April 1, 2020.
According to the automaker, “the Integrated Electronic Brake (IEB) system may detect an abnormal sensor signal and as a result, may significantly reduce braking performance.” With reduced braking power, the distance required to stop the vehicle could potentially increase furthering the risk of a crash.
Luckily all that is required to resolve the issues is an IEB software update. However, neither model is capable of receiving over-the-air software updates, so owners must take their vehicles to their local Hyundai service center. A task that wouldn’t normally seems so daunting, but with the on-going global pandemic, even the simplest task seems like a burden.
The recall is expected to begin in January 22, 2021.