ElectricalMedium
12V battery drain issues on early production cars
- Typically appears
- 20,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Check the 12V battery health and ask about any history of failed starts
2021 Hyundai Ioniq 5 problems
A 2021 Hyundai Ioniq 5 is now 5 years old, so an average example has covered around 67,500 miles. This is the first model year of the generation · early-build cars carry the highest share of teething faults and the most recall activity, so check the service history for completed recall work. Check the state safety inspection and service history alongside the documented faults below, which are sorted by whether a 2021 car has usually reached the mileage where they appear.
Compiled & reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team
Quick answer
The 2021 Hyundai Ioniq 5 is 5 years old, so an average example has covered roughly 67,500 miles. At that mileage 5 of the documented faults are already due, so check those first.
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Build the inspection planFaults a 2021 example has usually reached
Documented onset mileage is at or below the ~68k miles an average 2021 car has covered.
SuspensionMedium
Rear suspension knocking from worn bushes
- Typically appears
- 40,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Check for knocking noises over speed bumps at the rear
High Voltage SystemHigh
Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) failure preventing AC charging or displaying a 'Check EV System' warning.
- Typically appears
- 15,000-40,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Plug the vehicle into a forecourt AC wallbox. Ensure it initiates and sustains a charge for at least 60 seconds without dashboard error messages.
Exterior ElectricalMedium
Motorised charge port door mechanism fails to open, gets stuck, or makes grinding noises during operation.
- Typically appears
- 20,000-50,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Press the charge port door button on the key fob and the physical button on the car. Verify it opens smoothly and closes completely flush.
BodyworkMedium
Flush exterior door handles fail to present automatically when the vehicle is unlocked.
- Typically appears
- 30,000-60,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Lock the car, wait 10 seconds, and unlock it using the key fob. Confirm that all four electronic door handles pop out simultaneously and retract fully when locked.
Faults that appear at any mileage
Age, electronics and build-related issues that are not mileage-driven.
ElectricalMedium
Infotainment and instrument cluster software glitches requiring updates
- Typically appears
- Age-related
- What to inspect
- Check the car has the latest software update and test all screens for freezing
InteriorLow
Dashboard and door trim rattles on rough roads
- Typically appears
- Age-related
- What to inspect
- Drive over rough surfaces and listen for interior rattles
BodyworkLow
Panoramic sunroof wind noise and seal issues
- Typically appears
- Age-related
- What to inspect
- Check for wind noise around the sunroof at motorway speed if fitted
Inspecting a 2021 Hyundai Ioniq 5?
Turn this car's known weak points into a step-by-step viewing plan · what to inspect, what a bad result means and what to ask the seller.
Build my inspection planHyundai Ioniq 5 · frequently asked questions
Is the Ioniq 5 reliable?
Yes, it has a strong reliability record, with most issues being minor software glitches.
Should I check the 12V battery?
Yes, early cars had some 12V drain issues, so checking its health is a sensible precaution.
Is battery degradation a concern?
Battery health is generally strong under the manufacturer warranty, but a health check report is still worthwhile.
Are there any structural concerns?
None significant, though checking for panoramic sunroof wind noise is worthwhile if fitted.
What are the servicing requirements for the high-voltage battery coolant?
The Ioniq 5 uses a specialised low-conductivity coolant for the high-voltage battery system. This must be replaced every 40,000 miles or 3 years, whichever comes first. It is a costly service procedure requiring diagnostic tools to bleed the system, so check the service history to ensure this has been completed on schedule.
Does the Ioniq 5 suffer from accelerated or uneven tyre wear?
Yes, due to the vehicle's kerb weight of over two tonnes and instant electric torque, rear tyre wear can be rapid, particularly on dual-motor AWD variants. Inspect the inner edges of the rear tyres carefully, as factory camber settings can cause the inner shoulders to scrub out significantly faster than the outer tread.
Other Ioniq 5 model years
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