Hyundai Motor Ioniq 9 Sparks Controversy Over Rear Lamp Molding Deformation…'Plastic Sinks Deeply'

*This content was translated by AI.

Hyundai Motor's large electric SUV the Ioniq 9 has recently been embroiled in quality issues where the rear spoiler or rear lamp molding deforms and appears wavy among owners. As new car deliveries have officially begun, reports of related damage cases and symptoms shared primarily through owner-only communities have surged, sharply increasing consumer concerns and criticisms about the durability that does not match a brand flagship model.

In fact, this plastic molding deformation was confirmed through direct reporting. Upon inspecting Ioniq 9 vehicles at large parking lots near Seoul and Gyeonggi Province, all 10 cars checked showed the same phenomenon without exception. The parking lot conditions were open-air roadside parking. Observations revealed that after exposure to high-temperature direct sunlight or heat, parts would stick down or become distorted in appearance. The problem is that this deformation has even led to gaps forming between the vehicle's roof panel and adjacent sections. Vehicles personally inspected by the reporter showed a sunken appearance rather than bulging. Even after squinting and looking multiple times, the same condition was visible. In some cases, reporters even used golf clubs as props to photograph and confirm the deformed areas. The deformation was clearly visible to the naked eye.

While not confirmed during reporting, some enthusiast community forums have received reports describing the phenomenon as "bulging." This issue is not merely a case of assembly defects. Generally, such phenomena were not observed at the time of initial launch; however, Ioniq 9 units experiencing heat deformation appear to have failed to withstand this summer's record-breaking heatwaves. Nevertheless, attributing it solely to extreme heat is questionable, as other plastic parts on the Ioniq 9 did not exhibit similar issues.

The rear spoiler section of the Ioniq 9 or the assembly part connecting to the rear lamp is a core component determining the vehicle's rear appearance. Weight is increasingly placed on the possibility that this is not an individual defect but rather insufficient heat resistance or inherent flaws in the material itself. Particularly, despite being a premium electric vehicle with a high price tag, there is growing criticism over inadequate thermal stability verification of exterior plastic materials.Following earlier controversies regarding interior trim issues, the emergence of core exterior material deformation disputes has led consumers to file complaints at official A/S centers while continuing to demand countermeasures.

Interviews with several Ioniq 9 owners revealed that service centers did not directly mention defects or countermeasures regarding the deformed parts of this model but reported the issue to a Hi-Tech Center. Furthermore, since no replacement or improved parts have been released, even if direct exchange of heat-deformed components were attempted, the probability of the same phenomenon recurring remains very high at present.

Currently, Hyundai Motor has not officially announced any measures such as formal defect recognition, recalls, or free repair campaigns regarding this issue. However, since early new car quality is directly linked to brand trust, voices are growing calling for swift and accurate cause identification and technical verification measures at the manufacturer level. Industry sources believe that comprehensive cause analysis—including concentrated radiant heat in high-temperature summer environments and insufficient testing validation during material selection processes—must be conducted promptly to alleviate consumer anxiety.

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*This content was translated by AI.