Better safe than sorry. An urgent recall was issued for a specific model after the South Korean multinational automotive manufacturing company, Hyundai, acknowledged its ‘brake failure’ possibility. The urgent recall will also affect American motorists, as Hyundai Motor America recalled approximately 1,589 cars. Affected car owners are advised to take precautions and follow the instructions sent by Hyundai.
The ‘brake failure’ possibility that made Hyundai issue an urgent recall
Hyundai is recalling its 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N due to erroneous brakes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recall intends to address a reported software error that may result in “reduced braking performance,” which could increase the likelihood of a crash. The software error specifically occurs when the left-foot braking feature is activated.
Ioniq 5 N owners are advised not to use the left-foot braking or N e-Shift features until the remedy software is established. The updated software became available for the Ioniq 5 N production on April 2, 2025. The remedy software alleviates the anti-lock braking system (ABS) depressurization risk for the driver when he/she uses left-foot braking and the N e-Shift features. Left-foot braking manages weight transfer while lowering the required time to switch from full acceleration to full braking.
Under certain circumstances, the faulty software may trigger ABS depressurization, which means you cannot access it when needed. This will dramatically decrease stopping distances, catching drivers off guard in an emergency when the safety measure is unavailable. See, it’s not just Tesla recalling its EVs.
What owners of the recalled model should know
Investigations started in June last year after a report of a corporate fleet vehicle involved in a crash earlier in the month. Hyundai was aware of five reports of the condition before filing the recall documentation with the NHTSA. The reports were received between March 17, 2025, and March 19, 2025. Luckily, only one crash related to the issue was reported to Hyundai, but Hyundai stated that it was unaware of any related deaths or fires.
Until Ioniq 5 N owners can bring their cars to dealerships, they must not use left-foot braking under any circumstances. The dealerships will update the affected cars’ control units and integrated electronic brakes free of charge.
If you are uncertain whether your Ioniq 5 N has been affected by the issue, check your mailbox. Hyundai started mailing owner notification letters on April 7 and will continue until June 9, 2025. The reference number for Hyundai’s recall is 275. According to dealership communication from April 11, 2025, they are developing the remedy. Affected owners have two choices:
- Updating the software over the air or,
- Updating the software at preferred retailers via the OBD-II port.
Why the recalled Hyundai car could remain popular
While many fans and owners will be disappointed with the error that resulted in the urgent recall, the Ioniq 5 N might still retain its glorious popularity. Its engaging driving experience and affordable price earned the Motor Authority’s Best Car To Buy 2025 award. In the hands of a professional driver, a modified version also set a class record at the 2024 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Per Hyundai’s data, the EPA-rated estimate is 221 miles (356 kilometers) on a full charge.
By correlation, the rear-drive Ioniq 5 with the larger of the two battery packs can go 318 miles (512 kilometers. Easily the most fun Hyundai that money can buy for the model year 2025, the Ioniq 5 N is the second full-blooded N available in the United States of America, and we believe it is there to stay.
To ensure you have all the fun money can buy, make sure you have your Ioniq 5 N remedied as soon as possible. Always ensure that your car is up to date with its service plan. As we said, rather safe than sorry. For more information, take a look at the Safety Recall 277 from Hyundai.