Recall 18V704 covers 10,575 2017-2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid vehicles for main relay resistance that can overheat the rear seat. Free repair at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
Hyundai is recalling 10,575 2017-2018 Ioniq Hybrid vehicles because the Main Relay inside the Power Relay Assembly can have inadequate contact connections, which raises electrical resistance. That heat can overheat the rear seat above the assembly and increase fire risk; Hyundai dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The main relay in the Power Relay Assembly is an electrical switch for the hybrid system on the 2017-2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid. It closes its contacts so high-voltage power can move through the hybrid propulsion system when the vehicle needs it. The relay depends on firm contact pressure so current flows cleanly without excess heat.
On affected vehicles, the main relay contacts have a loose connection. That loose contact raises electrical resistance, which means the same current has to move through a poor contact point. Heat can build inside the Power Relay Assembly instead of staying within the designed range. Hyundai says the replacement relay is built by a different supplier and is designed to keep the relay contacts properly connected.
Owners can see the HEV warning light turn on while driving. The vehicle also can fail to start. Those are the warning signs Hyundai identified for this relay problem.
Who's affected?
Both listed model years share the same inverter component in the recall scope.
| 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid | Inverter |
|---|---|
| 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid | Inverter |
| Units affected | 10,575 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific hatchback is included.
What's the safety risk?
Increased electrical resistance can overheat the rear seat area above the Power Relay Assembly and increase the risk of a fire. If the HEV warning light comes on while driving, or the vehicle will not start, stop using it and call a Hyundai dealer for recall instructions. Repair is free at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Hyundai dealer to schedule the free Power Relay Assembly inspection.
- Schedule the main relay or Power Relay Assembly replacement that fixes the overheating risk under the rear seat.
- Bring any Hyundai recall notice. If you do not have one, reference recall number 18V704 when you call.
- Follow Hyundai dealer guidance on driving until the inspection and repair are complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Hyundai technician inspects the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) for damage. If the PRA is not damaged, the technician replaces the main relay. If the PRA is damaged, the technician replaces the full assembly. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. If you've already paid for a related PRA or main relay repair, keep the repair paperwork and ask the service desk or Hyundai customer service how to file under Hyundai's reimbursement plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 5, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 30, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| November 30, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 30, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| February 28, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V704?
Recall 18V704 covers 10,575 2017-2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid vehicles with a Power Relay Assembly main relay defect. Inadequate contact connections can create increased electrical resistance, overheat the rear seat above the assembly, and increase fire risk. Hyundai dealers will inspect and repair the assembly for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V704. If it is, contact a franchised Hyundai dealer and reference Hyundai recall number 178. The dealer will inspect the Power Relay Assembly and replace the main relay or assembly as needed for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Hyundai's remedy states that these repairs are free. A franchised Hyundai dealer will inspect the Power Relay Assembly and replace the needed relay or assembly without charging parts or labor.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. Hyundai reported that inadequate connections in the Power Relay Assembly main relay can increase electrical resistance and overheat the rear seat area above the assembly. The recall repair addresses that fire risk through dealer inspection and replacement of the damaged part.
What if I bought my Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2017-2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid is included, then call a franchised Hyundai dealer with recall number 178 to schedule the repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V704000 |
|---|---|
| Hyundai customer service | 1-855-371-9460 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V704 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V704000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →