Hyundai Motor Company has announced a recall of 1,508 units of its 2025 Ioniq 5 N electric performance SUV due to a safety-related software defect linked to its Left-Foot Braking (LFB) feature. The recall was made official after documents were submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), citing that the flaw may result in reduced braking performance and longer stopping distances.
The issue affects vehicles manufactured between December 18, 2023, and December 10, 2024. Hyundai discovered that under certain driving scenarios, the Integrated Electronic Brake (IEB) system can misinterpret simultaneous brake and throttle inputs when LFB is engaged. This can lead to the unintended depressurization of the anti-lock braking system (ABS), compromising the vehicle’s ability to slow down effectively.
Hyundai first became aware of the problem in June 2024 when a corporate fleet Ioniq 5 N crashed while using the LFB feature during a race practice session. A follow-up investigation allowed Hyundai engineers to replicate the issue in testing, and by early November 2024, they had traced the malfunction to flawed software logic in the vehicle’s braking system.
While the company confirmed that only one crash has been tied to this issue, no injuries, fires, or fatalities have been reported. As a precautionary measure, Hyundai initiated a recall campaign and developed a software update to correct the flaw.
The Ioniq 5 N is Hyundai’s first high-performance electric vehicle under the N brand, offering drivers an aggressive suite of features tailored for track-style driving. Among these is the LFB system, a motorsport-derived function that allows the use of both accelerator and brake pedals simultaneously for improved cornering and reduced reaction time. The implementation of LFB in a production EV was seen as innovative, but this recall underscores the complexity of blending racing-style features with highly integrated EV systems.
Hyundai has revised the software for both the IEB and the Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) to eliminate the risk of ABS depressurization while LFB is in use. The updated software has already been incorporated into production models as of January 15, 2025, meaning units manufactured after that date are unaffected by the recall.
Owners of affected vehicles will receive formal notification via mail by April 7, 2025, and are advised not to use the Left-Foot Braking feature until their vehicle’s software has been updated. Hyundai dealerships will provide the fix at no cost. The company urges customers to schedule their service appointments promptly upon receiving recall notice and to consult Hyundai’s official website or the NHTSA portal to confirm whether their vehicle is included in the recall.
The 2025 Ioniq 5 N has drawn attention for its bold design, dual-motor performance, and unique driver engagement tools, including simulated engine sounds and artificial gearshifts designed to recreate the sensation of driving a traditional gas-powered performance car. With 641 horsepower available in boost mode and a focus on track-readiness, the Ioniq 5 N represents Hyundai’s aggressive push into the EV performance segment.
Despite the recall, automotive analysts view Hyundai’s response as swift and transparent, reinforcing consumer confidence in the brand’s commitment to safety. The issue, while notable, is isolated to a specific software condition under particular driving behaviors and does not affect the general operability or safety of the vehicle under normal use. As more automakers adopt advanced performance features for electric vehicles, this case may serve as a reminder of the challenges involved in merging traditional motorsport functionality with modern EV systems.
Customers seeking additional information are encouraged to contact Hyundai’s customer service hotline or visit their local dealership. Hyundai has reiterated that the safety and satisfaction of its drivers remain a top priority and that they are taking every necessary step to ensure the issue is resolved quickly and effectively.
