Thinking about buying a used Hyundai Ioniq 5 (2021) in New Zealand? We've documented 11 known faults for this model spanning electrical, cooling, and suspension. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
11
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$600–$2,800
Typical repair
3
Systems covered
Known Hyundai Ioniq 5 faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01ICCU failure - 12V charging loss and sudden loss of drive (multiple recalls)
CriticalOccasionalElectrical $3,500–$7,000 to fix
The Ioniq 5's Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU), which charges the 12V battery from the main pack, can fail from overvoltage and thermal stress - the 12V battery then goes flat, warnings appear and the car can lose motive power, sometimes while driving. This triggered a global campaign: in Australia a 2023 service campaign then two 2024 recalls (REC-005942 and REC-006224) covering effectively every Ioniq 5 sold, with equivalent NZ recalls, plus further recalls in 2025 as the first fix proved incomplete. The remedy is a software update and, where needed, ICCU/fuse and 12V battery replacement - free under recall, but a failed ICCU out of any campaign costs thousands and parts have had long backorders. This is the single most important check on a used Ioniq 5.
Symptoms to notice
'Check electric vehicle system' warning followed by reduced power
12V battery repeatedly flat / car dead overnight
Popping noise then loss of drive while driving
AC charging failing to start or repeatedly cycling
What to check
Get the VIN checked by a Hyundai dealer for all outstanding ICCU recalls and whether the ICCU has already been replaced (a replaced unit is arguably a plus). Ask to see the 12V battery voltage on the cluster or with a meter after the car has sat overnight. Check the service history for repeated 12V battery replacements - a classic ICCU-failure fingerprint.
Where to look: ICCU under the rear seat/floor area; 12V auxiliary battery under the bonnet
Ask the seller
“Have all ICCU recalls and software updates been completed on this VIN?”
“Has the ICCU or the 12V battery ever been replaced - how many times?”
“Has the car ever lost power or failed to start?”
02Charge port door faults and infotainment/software glitches
MinorOccasionalElectrical $200–$1,200 to fix
Common lesser Ioniq 5 complaints are the electric charge port door sticking, failing to open or sitting partially latched (an annoyance that can strand you at a charger), and infotainment gremlins - frozen or black screens, dropped CarPlay/Android Auto connections and flaky auto-presenting door handles/keyless entry. Most are fixed by software updates or a charge-door actuator replacement, and 2022-2023 builds are more affected than later cars. Individually cheap, but they signal whether a car has been kept up to date with dealer software campaigns.
Symptoms to notice
Charge port door refusing to open or close fully
Infotainment screen freezing or going black
CarPlay/Android Auto dropping out
Flush door handles not presenting or keyless entry dead
What to check
Open and close the charge port door several times from the button and the app. Pair a phone and run CarPlay/Android Auto during the test drive. Walk up with the key in your pocket and confirm the handles present and the car unlocks first time. Ask for evidence of completed software update campaigns.
Where to look: Charge port door on right rear quarter; infotainment screen in dash; flush handles on all doors
Ask the seller
“Any trouble with the charge port door opening?”
“Have all software update campaigns been done?”
“Any infotainment freezes or keyless entry failures?”
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9 more documented faults on the Hyundai Ioniq 5
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 11 documented faults for the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the recurring problem areas are electrical, cooling, and suspension. A Hyundai Ioniq 5 with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Hyundai Ioniq 5?
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We've catalogued 11 known faults for the Hyundai Ioniq 5, covering electrical, cooling, and suspension. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Hyundai Ioniq 5?
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Most single repairs on the Hyundai Ioniq 5 fall between $600–$2,800 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 11 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Hyundai Ioniq 5?
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Yes. A Hyundai Ioniq 5 inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.