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Hyundai Ioniq: 28 kWh HV battery pack capacity degradation in older Ioniq EV

28 kWh HV battery pack capacity degradation in older Ioniq EV is a common electrical fault on the Hyundai Ioniq on the 2016–2022 cars, and we rate it major. Putting it right costs $4,500 to $12,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. Below is what goes wrong, the symptoms to notice on a test drive, where to look, and what to ask the seller before you hand over any money. It is one of 9 documented faults on the Hyundai Ioniq.

Vehicle
Hyundai Ioniq
Years
2016–2022
Fuel
ev
Gearbox
auto
System
Electrical

This page covers the Hyundai Ioniq as a model. Some faults only affect particular engines or build years — enter a plate below to narrow the list to one car.

All Hyundai Ioniq faults9 documented faults on this model

What you are looking at

No photograph available

We do not hold a verified photograph for this fault yet. We would rather show none than show a picture of something else.

What goes wrong

The first-generation Ioniq Electric (AE) used a 28 kWh LG Chem battery pack with an 8-year/160,000 km capacity warranty (80% retention). Real-world data from NZ/AU Ioniq EV owners shows many early examples (pre-2019) losing 20–30% of usable capacity by 80,000–120,000 km, reducing effective range from ~200 km to 140–160 km. Degradation is accelerated by repeated DC fast charging, high ambient temperatures, and storage at full or empty states. Battery capacity can only be properly assessed with a diagnostic tool reading State of Health (SOH).

What you would notice

  • Significantly reduced range compared to rated specification
  • Battery capacity gauge showing fewer bars than when new
  • Faster-than-expected charge times (less energy accepted)
  • Range estimate well below 180 km on a full charge

How to check it

Where to look. High-voltage battery pack, beneath the vehicle floor

  1. Request a battery State of Health (SOH) diagnostic from a Hyundai dealer or EV specialist.

  2. Compare current capacity reading against 28 kWh nominal.

  3. Any SOH below 80% within the warranty period may qualify for replacement.

  4. Check charging history if available.

What it costs to put right

$4,500 to $12,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.

An estimate, in NZD, for the repair as normally carried out. What a specific car costs depends on which part has failed and what it damaged on the way — treat this as the floor for a negotiation, not a quote.

Ask the seller

  • “What is the current battery State of Health percentage?”
  • “How often has the vehicle been DC fast charged?”
  • “Has the vehicle been stored at full or very low charge for extended periods?”

Now check the Hyundai Ioniq you are actually looking at

Everything above is true of the model, and it is free. What it does not tell you is whether THIS car has been looked after: its odometer history and whether the reading has ever gone backwards, whether there is still money owing on it, whether it has been reported stolen, how many owners it has had and what it is really worth today. That comes from the official records for that plate. Enter the plate for the free details, or get the full history and a market valuation from $13.49.

Not sure what you would be paying for? See what a full KickTyres check includes.

Where this comes from

The failure described above is documented in published sources — owner forums, technical service bulletins, recall notices and workshop write-ups — held in our fault database. The inspection instructions and the cost estimate are KickTyres’ own interpretation of them, and it is a starting point for an inspection rather than a manufacturer statement.

Hyundai Ioniq buyer questions

Is 28 kwh hv battery pack capacity degradation in older ioniq ev serious on a Hyundai Ioniq?

We rate it major and common on the Hyundai Ioniq. The first-generation Ioniq Electric (AE) used a 28 kWh LG Chem battery pack with an 8-year/160,000 km capacity warranty (80% retention). Real-world data from NZ/AU Ioniq EV owners shows many early examples (pre-2019) losing 20–30% of usable capacity by 80,000–120,000 km, reducing effective range from ~200 km to 140–160 km. Degradation is accelerated by repeated DC fast charging, high ambient temperatures, and storage at full or empty states. Battery capacity can only be properly assessed with a diagnostic tool reading State of Health (SOH).

How much does it cost to fix on a Hyundai Ioniq?

$4,500 to $12,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That figure is for this job on its own. A car showing the symptoms on this page is usually worth either walking away from or negotiating down by at least the repair figure.

Which Hyundai Ioniq years are affected?

Our research records this fault on the 2016–2022 Hyundai Ioniq. Build dates move around, especially on imported cars, so treat the range as the years to look hardest at rather than a guarantee either way. The official records tell you the exact build and first registration date for the car in front of you.

How do I check for it before I buy?

Request a battery State of Health (SOH) diagnostic from a Hyundai dealer or EV specialist. Compare current capacity reading against 28 kWh nominal. Any SOH below 80% within the warranty period may qualify for replacement. Check charging history if available. Look here: High-voltage battery pack, beneath the vehicle floor