Hyundai and Kia have each filed separate safety recalls with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration covering a combined 14 electric vehicles whose high-voltage battery cells may contain misaligned electrodes capable of causing a fire whether the car is parked or in motion. In a letter to the NHTSA on July 9, Hyundai said the recall is due to misaligned electrodes in the battery cell that could cause an internal short circuit and lead to a fire. Hyundai says six IONIQ 5 models from the 2023 and 2024 model years are affected, while Kia’s recall covers seven 2022, 2024 EV6 models and one 2024 EV9 SUV.
What triggered the recalls
The investigation into the misaligned electrode condition crossed over to North American examples of the IONIQ 5, EV6, and EV9 in June 2026, after Hyundai and Kia were notified by their South Korean subsidiaries about battery-related fires in the South Korean market.
After launching an investigation last month, Hyundai found a limited number of U.S. vehicles equipped with defective battery modules produced by its supplier, SK On, during a specific production period. According to documents filed with the NHTSA, the supplier, SK On Co, blames a quality deviation for the problem.
When a battery-electric vehicle is driven or charged on DC, a severe battery manufacturing defect like electrode misalignment can precipitate a short circuit. This anomaly builds localized heat, creating a risk of thermal runaway.
When a traction battery enters thermal runaway, the subsequent vehicle fire poses a serious safety hazard to occupants, other road users, and emergency responders.
Which vehicles are affected
Hyundai’s recall targets six IONIQ 5 EVs from the 2023, 2024 model years. Kia’s list covers seven EV6 models from 2022, 2024, plus a single 2024 EV9. The recalls are filed under NHTSA campaign IDs 26V431 for Kia and 26V432 for Hyundai.
Hyundai is not aware of any incidents, crashes, fires, or injuries in the U.S. related to the issue. Both the IONIQ 5 and the EV6 are built on Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP electric platform, and shared battery supply chains mean that potential manufacturing deviations can echo across both brands.
The situation draws comparisons to earlier electrode-related battery defect recalls seen elsewhere in the U.S. market, including those involving the original Chevrolet Bolt EV, which also highlighted the importance of battery cell quality control in mass-market EVs.
What owners should do now
Owners can continue using their vehicles, but Hyundai recommends keeping the battery level under 80 percent when charging. As a precaution, Hyundai also advised owners to park outside and away from buildings until the issue is fixed.
Owners can take their vehicles to the closest Hyundai dealer, where a technician will replace the battery system assembly (BSA), with the service free of charge. Hyundai has not yet detailed its full repair procedure with NHTSA, but Kia will replace the entire high-voltage battery pack with one containing properly aligned battery cells. Given that the issue is essentially identical and stems from the same supplier, Hyundai is expected to follow the same approach.
Notification timelines and contacts
Hyundai will send owner notification letters on August 31, 2026. Hyundai’s recall number is 305, and owners can contact Hyundai customer service at 855-371-9460. Kia will mail out notification letters on August 7, 2026. Kia’s contact service number is 1-800-333-4542, and the recall number is SC375.
VINs involved in the Hyundai recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 3, 2026, while VINs involved in the Kia recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 17, 2026. Owners of both brands can also contact the NHTSA vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
The twin recalls add to a broader pattern of EV battery safety scrutiny across the industry. The Hyundai Motor Group’s response spans multiple models and nameplates, and the outcome will be closely watched by safety regulators, other automakers sourcing cells from shared suppliers, and buyers of Hyundai Motor Group vehicles across the luxury and mainstream segments alike.
