Hagens Berman has filed a class-action lawsuit bringing claims on behalf of Hyundai, Kia and Genesis EV owners and lessees nationwide regarding a defect in the vehicles’ integrated charging control unit (ICCU) — the component that converts power from the high-voltage battery to keep the 12-volt battery charged. When the ICCU fails, the 12-volt battery stops receiving charge. As it drains, the vehicle can display multiple warnings, lose power in stages and ultimately lose drive power entirely — including while being driven in traffic.

The lawsuit alleges Hyundai and Kia knew about ICCU failures and the risks associated with them but failed to adequately disclose the alleged defect to consumers before and after they purchased or leased their vehicles. Owners further report that recalls and other attempted remedies have not provided an effective and lasting solution for affected vehicles.

AFFECTED HYUNDAI, KIA AND GENESIS MODELS

According to the complaint, vehicles under investigation include:

2024 Kia EV9
2022–2024 Kia EV6
2022–2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5
2023–2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6
2023–2025 Hyundai Ioniq 9
2023–2025 Genesis GV70 Electrified
2023–2024 Genesis GV80 and GV80 Electrified
2023–2025 Genesis GV60

Not every model above was recalled. The 2024 Kia EV9 and Genesis GV80 were left out of the recalls even though owners and Consumer Reports have reported similar charging, power-loss and electrical problems.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY HYUNDAI, KIA OR GENESIS IS AFFECTED?

If you own or lease one of the vehicles listed above, your vehicle may be affected by the alleged ICCU defect. The lawsuit states that an ICCU failure can cause the vehicle’s 12-volt battery to lose its charge, which may result in:

Battery depletion or premature battery failure
Charging problems
Electrical-system warning messages
Loss of acceleration, inability to maintain speed, or entry into “limp” mode
Complete shutdown
A dead 12-volt battery requiring a jump start or tow
Repeat failures after a recall repair, software update or ICCU replacement

HYUNDAI AND KIA ICCU DEFECT EXPLAINED

The ICCU combines the on-board charger and the low-voltage DC-DC converter into a single unit. It performs the high-to-low voltage conversion needed to charge the high-voltage battery and to supply power to the vehicle’s electronics — including the 12-volt battery. That 12-volt battery powers vehicle startup and parts of the braking system, among other essential functions.

According to the lawsuit, the ICCUs are defective in design and/or manufacture, and when the unit or its associated high-voltage fuse fails, the ICCU no longer supplies sufficient charge to the 12-volt battery — leaving owners with vehicles that “may become inoperable without warning.”

The complaint also alleges that Hyundai and Kia received information concerning ICCU failures before issuing recalls. Hyundai allegedly began analyzing returned ICCU components as early as October 2022 and investigated the potential causes and consequences of ICCU failures.

In March 2024, Kia announced a recall covering certain 2022–2023 EV6 vehicles and certain 2024 EV6 vehicles. Hyundai announced a separate recall covering certain 2022–2024 Ioniq 5 vehicles, 2023–2024 Ioniq 6 vehicles, and certain Genesis GV60 and GV70 Electrified vehicles. The complaint alleges that subsequent recall remedies did not permanently resolve the alleged ICCU defect in all affected vehicles.

WHAT ARE THE CLAIMS AGAINST HYUNDAI AND KIA?

The lawsuit accuses Hyundai and Kia of failing to disclose the ICCU defect and its associated risks, selling and leasing vehicles that contain defective ICCUs and failing to provide an effective remedy for the defect. The lawsuit asserts claims under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and Washington Consumer Protection Act.

HOW CAN A CLASS-ACTION LAWSUIT HELP?

Through a class-action lawsuit, individual consumers can collectively bring claims against large corporations who would otherwise have the upper hand, like Hyundai and Kia, and force them to acknowledge issues like the ICCU defect. A class-action lawsuit seeks to level the playing field, bringing strength to collective action to change corrupt practices and negligent responses to customers. Though these measures do not bring immediate relief, they are a time-tested method of holding companies accountable.

The claims under investigation seek compensation for overpayment at purchase or lease, diminished vehicle value, repair and towing costs and loss of use, as well as an order requiring Hyundai and Kia to provide a repair that actually works.

TOP AUTO LITIGATION FIRM

Hagens Berman is one of the most successful auto litigation law firms in the U.S., having secured settlements and verdicts valued at more than $345 billion for class members, including settlements involving major automakers’ emissions and safety defects. Our firm is presently leading nationwide class-action lawsuits against major automakers for safety defects and negligence. Your potential claim will be handled by attorneys experienced in automotive consumer law.

NO COST TO YOU

In no case will any class member ever be asked to pay any out-of-pocket sum. In the event Hagens Berman or any other firm obtains a settlement that provides benefits to class members, the court will decide a reasonable fee to be awarded to the legal team for the class.