The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is equipped with left-foot braking technology from the factory. But now it turns out that the technology is killing the brakes.
Braking with the left foot is usually reserved for racing cars. But in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N road car, it's a feature the brand has built into the software.
However, it has proven to be a bigger challenge than expected. And now the US highway safety authorities say that Hyundai must recall more than 1,500 cars.
The cars simply eat their own brakes when the 'left-foot brake' is applied.
Specifically, the software allows the driver of the car to use the accelerator and brake pedals simultaneously. This way, the car can get through corners faster. At least in theory, if you otherwise position your left foot correctly.
But now it turns out that the software can drain the ABS system in the cars, thereby rendering that part of the braking system ineffective.
Brake technical defect increases the risk of accidents
This of course increases the risk of an accident. Therefore, Hyundai has been ordered to recall a total of 1,508 cars with the software. All the cars were built between December 18, 2023 and December 10, 2024.
The cars will be officially recalled from April 7 this year, and until a solution is found, Hyundai is urging owners not to brake with their left foot.
Dealers have already been notified of what to do. Software in several computer modules will need to be updated. But it's not something Hyundai will send out as a so-called 'over the air' update. The brand doesn't explain exactly why.
