2019 Hyundai Nexo

The 2019 Hyundai Nexo is a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) powered by a hydrogen fuel cell stack that produces electricity to power an electric motor. It has a single electric motor that produces 161 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque. There are no other engine or transmission options for the 2019 Nexo. Owners often praise the Nexo for its comfortable ride, quiet cabin, and impressive range for a fuel cell vehicle. Common complaints include the limited hydrogen refueling infrastructure, the higher purchase price compared to battery electric vehicles, and the somewhat bland interior design.

Electric Motor

• Electric Motor
  • Electric Motor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported complete failure of the electric motor, resulting in the vehicle becoming immobile. Symptoms include a loss of power, error messages on the dashboard, and the inability to start the vehicle.
    • Solution: Replacement of the electric motor is required.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $8,000 - $12,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Reduced Performance or Range
    • Description/Symptoms: Gradual decline in acceleration, top speed, or overall range. Can be attributed to degradation of motor efficiency over time.
    • Solution: Diagnosis by a qualified technician is needed to determine the cause. May involve motor repair, replacement, or software recalibration.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $10,000+ (depending on severity and repair needed)
    • Recalls: None Found

Fuel Cell System

• Fuel Cell Stack Degradation
  • Reduced Performance and Efficiency
    • Description/Symptoms: Gradual decline in the fuel cell’s ability to generate electricity, leading to decreased range and increased hydrogen consumption. Error codes related to the fuel cell system may also appear.
    • Solution: A fuel cell stack replacement might be needed, although some issues can be addressed with software updates or component replacements within the fuel cell system.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $15,000 - $25,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Hydrogen Leakage
    • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported detecting a hydrogen smell inside or outside the vehicle, indicating a potential leak. This can be a serious safety hazard.
    • Solution: Immediate inspection and repair by a certified Hyundai technician is crucial. This might involve replacing hydrogen lines, seals, or other components of the fuel cell system.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5,000+ (depending on the severity and location of the leak)
    • Recalls: None Found

Battery System (High Voltage)

• High Voltage Battery
  • Reduced Range
    • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported faster than expected battery degradation, resulting in a loss of range.
    • Solution: Diagnostics and potentially battery module replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $10,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Charging System
  • Inability to Charge/Slow Charging
    • Description/Symptoms: Issues with the onboard charger, charging port, or related components can prevent the vehicle from charging properly or result in significantly slower charging times.
    • Solution: Diagnosis and repair of the charging system components. This could involve replacing the onboard charger, charging port, or wiring.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Software Glitches
  • Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
    • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system can freeze, crash, or become unresponsive. This can affect navigation, audio, and other vehicle functions.
    • Solution: Software updates are often released to address these issues. In some cases, the infotainment system might need to be replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $2,000+ (infotainment system replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Driver Assistance Systems Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: Problems with features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, or blind-spot monitoring.
    • Solution: Calibration and/or replacement of sensor modules
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

No Issues Found

Exterior

• Door Handle Failure
  • Inability to Open Door
    • Description/Symptoms: The exterior door handles may fail to operate, preventing the door from opening. This is sometimes related to the locking mechanism or the door handle itself.
    • Solution: Replacement of the door handle and/or the door locking mechanism.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Infotainment Screen Delamination
  • Bubbling/Separation of Screen Layers
    • Description/Symptoms: The screen can start to delaminate, causing bubbling or separation of the layers. This affects visibility and usability.
    • Solution: Replacement of the infotainment screen.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2019 Hyundai Nexo, while innovative, has demonstrated several notable issues. The most serious and costly problems relate to the electric motor and the fuel cell system, with failures potentially costing thousands of dollars to repair. Electrical glitches and infotainment system issues are also common. While these issues are not necessarily universal, potential buyers should be aware of them and thoroughly inspect any used Nexo before purchase, particularly focusing on the fuel cell system’s health and the functionality of the electrical components. Addressing these issues can range from a few hundred dollars for minor repairs to tens of thousands of dollars for major component replacements like the fuel cell stack or electric motor.