Consumer Reports finds 2‑10% of Hyundai and Kia electric cars lose power due to a faulty Integrated Charging Control Unit. Discover the risks and how to fix them – read more now!
Consumer Reports has raised fresh alarms about a recurring problem in several Hyundai, Kia and Genesis electric models: a loss of power while driving caused by a malfunctioning Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU).
What is the ICCU?
The ICCU is a small but critical component that steps down high‑voltage electricity from the main battery to the 12‑volt system that powers everything from the infotainment screen to safety electronics. In essence, it works like the alternator and starter in a gasoline car, keeping auxiliary systems alive even when the car is on the road.
Scale of the problem
In a survey of more than 380,000 EV owners, Consumer Reports found that between 2 % and 10 % of Hyundai and Kia electric vehicles have experienced ICCU‑related failures – a rate that dwarfs the sub‑1 % figures reported for comparable models from other brands. Owners described sudden drops in power that sometimes bring the vehicle to a halt, even though the main battery still contains ample charge.
Technical root cause
According to InsideEVs, the fault originates in a transistor inside the ICCU that can break down under voltage spikes during the 12‑volt battery’s charge cycle. When this happens, the control module either shuts down or operates only briefly, causing ancillary systems to fail and, in extreme cases, triggering a temporary loss of propulsion.
How manufacturers are responding
- Hyundai says it is working with parts suppliers to expedite delivery of replacement ICCUs and will reimburse owners for out‑of‑pocket repair costs.
- Kia reports that the necessary components are already in stock and repairs are being performed at dealerships.
- Genesis has not issued a public statement, according to Consumer Reports.
What the fix involves
Dealers typically diagnose the issue by scanning for error codes. If a fault is logged, they replace the ICCU, the associated fuse and apply a specialized cooling fluid at no charge. If no code is found, a software update to the vehicle’s control logic is performed.
Impact on reliability rankings
Steven Elek, head of automotive data analysis at Consumer Reports, notes that a single component causing repeated failures is not unusual, but the longevity of the problem has dented model scores. For example, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 once outperformed the Tesla Model Y in certain tests, yet its ICCU issue lowered its overall reliability rating enough to miss Consumer Reports’ recommended‑vehicle list.
What owners should do
If you drive a Hyundai, Kia or Genesis EV built after 2020, schedule a service appointment to have the ICCU inspected, especially if you notice unexplained power dips, erratic infotainment behavior, or warning lights related to the 12‑volt system. Keeping software up to date can also help prevent the failure.
Stay informed, act early, and keep your electric vehicle running smoothly.