Hyundai and Kia Recall Electric SUVs Over Battery Fire Risk

Federal regulators say misaligned battery cells in select Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6/EV9 models can spark a fire even while parked, and Nevada owners should understand their options if that defect causes a loss.

What Triggered the Recall

Hyundai and Kia each filed a separate recall notice after discovering that certain high-voltage battery cells contain electrodes that were not aligned correctly during manufacturing. That misalignment can lead to an internal short circuit, and in a worst case, thermal runaway that starts a fire whether the vehicle is sitting in a driveway or out on the road.

The battery cells came from a single outside supplier, and the automakers traced the flaw to a specific production window rather than a broader design problem. Even so, the fix requires swapping out the entire high-voltage battery assembly rather than a simple software patch.

Which Vehicles Are Affected

The combined recall covers 14 vehicles in total, split across three model lines: a handful of Hyundai Ioniq 5 units built in the 2023 and 2024 run, a slightly larger group of Kia EV6 units spanning the 2022 and 2024 lineup, and a single 2024 Kia EV9. Because the affected batch is so small, owners should check their vehicle identification number directly with a dealer rather than assuming their car is or is not included based on model year alone.

Notification letters are being mailed out over the coming weeks, with Kia owners hearing first and Hyundai owners following in late August. Owners do not need to wait for a letter to arrive before calling a dealer to check eligibility.

• Hyundai Ioniq 5: 2023 and 2024 model years
• Kia EV6: 2022 and 2024 model years
• Kia EV9: 2024 model year

What Owners Should Do Right Now

Both automakers are recommending that affected owners keep their charge level under 80 percent and park outdoors, away from other structures and vehicles, until the repair is complete. Dealers will replace the high-voltage battery pack free of charge once parts and scheduling allow.

Owners who are unsure whether their specific vehicle is on the list should not wait for a mailed notice. A quick call to a Hyundai or Kia dealer, with the vehicle identification number in hand, can confirm eligibility for the free repair right away.

When a Recall Becomes a Legal Claim

A recall notice is not the end of the story if a defective battery has already caused a fire, an injury, or damage to a home or garage before the fix could be made. Nevada product liability law allows an injured owner or bystander to pursue the manufacturer directly, separate from whatever free repair is being offered going forward.

If you or a family member has been hurt, lost property, or suffered any loss connected to this recall or a similar vehicle defect, Litigators for Justice offers a free, confidential consultation to evaluate whether you have a claim beyond the recall itself.

Signs Your EV Battery Could Be a Fire Risk

Owners of affected vehicles should watch for these warning signs while waiting for a repair appointment.

1. Unexpected dashboard or charging warnings: Alerts that appear without an obvious cause can signal a battery-management issue.
2. Unusual smell near the battery pack: A chemical or burning odor should be treated as an emergency, not something to monitor.
3. Swelling under the vehicle floor: Any visible bulge or deformation near the battery housing warrants an immediate inspection.
4. Faster-than-normal range loss: A sudden drop in charge retention can point to internal cell damage.
5. Popping or crackling sounds after charging: Unusual noises once a charge session ends should not be ignored.
6. Your VIN appears on the recall list: Confirm eligibility directly with a dealer rather than waiting for a mailed letter.
7. A dealer service bulletin mentioning the battery pack: Ask specifically about this recall at your next scheduled service visit.

Frequently asked questions

Which Hyundai and Kia models are covered by this recall?

The recall covers 2023-2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 models, 2022 and 2024 Kia EV6 models, and 2024 Kia EV9 models, totaling 14 vehicles nationwide.

What should I do if my EV might be on this list?

Contact a Hyundai or Kia dealer with your vehicle identification number to confirm eligibility, and follow the park-outside and charge-limit guidance in the meantime.

Is the repair really free, and how long will it take?

Yes, the battery pack replacement is covered at no cost, though appointment availability depends on parts supply at your local dealer.

What if my vehicle already caught fire or caused damage before the recall was announced?

A recall does not erase a manufacturer's responsibility for harm that already occurred. If a defective battery caused an injury or property loss, you may have a separate product liability claim worth discussing with an attorney.