The 2017 Ioniq Electric is generally reliable for an early EV, but suffers from drivetrain/inverter failures, 12V battery drama, and charging system faults that can leave you stranded. Most problems cluster around the high-voltage propulsion components rather than typical wear items.
Inverter/EPCU Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Loss of power while driving, vehicle enters limp mode or shuts down, Check engine light with P0A08 or P0A09 codes (DC-DC converter failure), Inability to start or charge after driving, Clicking/buzzing noise from under hood near firewall
Fix: Replace entire EPCU (Electric Power Control Unit) assembly which includes inverter and DC-DC converter. Factory part only, 6-8 hours labor including high-voltage isolation procedures and software calibration. Extended warranty or recall may cover some units.
Estimated cost: $3,500-6,000
12V Battery Premature Failure
Common · medium severity
Symptoms: Vehicle won't enter READY mode despite full traction battery, Clicking at startup, no dash lights, Random electrical faults, infotainment resets, Fails within 2-4 years regardless of mileage
Fix: Replace 12V auxiliary battery. Hyundai uses undersized AGM battery that drains quickly when vehicle sits. Must use exact AGM replacement, not standard flooded battery. 0.5 hours labor, located in trunk area.
Estimated cost: $250-400
On-Board Charger Module (OBCM) Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Vehicle won't charge from Level 2 EVSE (Level 1/120V may still work intermittently), Charging indicator blinks or shows fault immediately when plugged in, Burning smell from front of vehicle during attempted charging, P1C5B or related charging fault codes
Fix: Replace on-board charger module assembly under hood. Covered by recall for some VINs (subject to NHTSA 20V-854). Independent replacement requires high-voltage certification, 4-6 hours labor including system discharge and leak testing.
Estimated cost: $2,000-3,500
Electric Drive Motor Bearing Noise
Rare · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Whining or grinding noise that increases with vehicle speed, not wheel speed, Vibration felt through floor at highway speeds, Noise present in all drive modes, worse under acceleration, May eventually throw motor position sensor codes
Fix: Drive motor bearing replacement requires motor removal and rebuild, or complete motor assembly replacement. Specialized EV shop or dealer-only repair. 10-14 hours labor for motor R&R, plus bearing/seal work if rebuilding. Most shops replace entire unit.
Estimated cost: $4,000-7,500
Reduction Gear Oil Leak
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Small puddle of gear oil under front of vehicle after parking, Visible oil seepage around motor/reducer junction, Low oil level visible in reduction gear sight glass, May cause whining noise if level drops significantly
Fix: Replace reduction gear output seal or motor input seal depending on leak location. Requires motor removal for proper seal access. 6-8 hours labor. Use only Hyundai SP-IV RR gear oil for refill (approx 1 liter).
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
High Voltage Battery Relay Clicking/Contactor Failure
Rare · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Rapid clicking from under rear seat when attempting to start, Intermittent READY mode engagement, multiple attempts needed, Battery management system fault codes (P0A1F, P0A7F), Vehicle enters turtle mode or loses power randomly
Fix: Replace battery management system contactors/relays inside HV battery pack. Requires pack removal or opening, high-voltage lockout procedures. Dealer or EV-certified shop only. 8-12 hours labor depending on whether full pack comes out.
Estimated cost: $1,500-3,000
Owner tips
Keep 12V battery on trickle charger if vehicle sits more than a week — prevents cascade failures in high-voltage system
Use Level 2 charging at home rather than repeated DC fast charging to extend OBCM and battery life
Check reduction gear oil level every 15,000 miles through sight glass — catches seal leaks early
If inverter starts clicking or vehicle hesitates under acceleration, stop driving immediately to prevent stranding
Solid used EV choice if under 60k miles with documented inverter/OBCM recall completion, but budget $1,500 for inevitable 12V battery and charging system surprises — powertrain warranty coverage is critical.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Unlock any single procedure for $3 — or become the founding sponsor and we generate every common job on this Ioniq Electric, with your name on each one.
Fitment notes: Auxiliary 12V battery; located in cargo area; powers accessories and vehicle systems
As an Amazon Associate, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Every control module on the 2017-2019 Hyundai Ioniq Electric — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
Electric Motor Control Unit (MCU)2.5 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.8 hr▸ programming details
📍 Under hood, center firewall area mounted to motor assembly
🔧 Hyundai GDS
⚠️ High-voltage system; requires HV safety lockout and insulated tools. VIN and battery pairing required.
Motor Driven Power Steering Control Unit (MDPS)1.5 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.5 hr▸ programming details
📍 Steering column, under dashboard
🔧 Hyundai GDS
⚠️ Steering angle sensor calibration required after replacement.
⚠️ Sensor calibration may be required after replacement.
Telematics Control Unit / Blue Link Module (TCU)0.6 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.5 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind headliner, center roof area
🔧 Hyundai GDS
⚠️ Requires Blue Link subscription activation. VIN and account pairing needed.
Rear View Camera Module (RVC)0.5 hr R&Rno coding
📍 Integrated into rear liftgate handle
⚠️ Plug-and-play. Camera calibration lines displayed by AVN head unit.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Receiver (TPMS)0.5 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind lower center dashboard
🔧 TPMS relearn tool or Hyundai GDS
⚠️ Sensor IDs must be learned after replacement or tire rotation.
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Ioniq electric vehicles. An unstable electrical ground may cause the vehicle to enter a fail-safe mode with reduced acceleration and power. In certain conditions while in fail-safe mode, the vehicle may accelerate after the gas pedal is released.
Consequence: Unexpected acceleration following gas pedal release can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the EPCU (Electric Power Control Unit) software and repair the ground wiring, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 9, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 215.
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM · 17V532000
2017-08-28
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Ioniq Electric Vehicles. Manufacturing defects within the Electronic Power Control Unit (EPCU) may allow coolant to contact the unit's circuit board.
Consequence: If coolant contacts the EPCU, a stall may result, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the EPCU, as necessary, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk are expected were mailed October 26, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact Hyundai Customer Service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 166.
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
150MPGe
Highway
122MPGe
Combined
136MPGe
Fuel
Electricity
Capability & size
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Wiper blades
First generation Ioniq Electric (AE); all Ioniq variants (Electric, Hybrid, PHEV) share same wiper specifications
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Electric Electric and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.