Hyundai announces global recall of its hydrogen-powered Nexo SUV due to fire risk, Australian vehicles likely to be impacted

Hyundai is telling owners of its hydrogen-powered Nexo SUVs in the US to park them outdoors amid concerns a valve leak could lead to fires.

The Korean automaker has recalled nearly 1600 cars built between 2019 and 2024 in the US to fix the issue, which is caused by a pressure relief device that can break and cause a hydrogen leak.

A recall is likely to impact Hyundai’s Australian fleet of 34 Nexos, which the brand currently distributes under leasing arrangements.

No incidents have been reported outside of South Korea.

Hydrogen vehicles have been no stranger to scrutiny, with their critics arguing they divert valuable resources and investment away from battery electric technology, especially in passenger cars.

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles use hydrogen to make electricity that charges a small battery that then powers electric motors. The only tailpipe emission is water.

Hyundai – alongside Toyota – is a major investor in hydrogen vehicles, having leased its first fleet of 20 Nexo SUVs in Australia to the ACT government in 2021.

The ACT government has since renewed its lease, while the QLD government has also leased a further fleet of five vehicles.

GM has engaged with Hyundai to develop their own hydrogen technology, which Hyundai believes can make strides in the commercial and private sector, largely due to its quick refuelling capacity and range potential.

The current Nexo SUV, which debuted in 2018, has a claimed range of 666km.

Hyundai is set to introduce the next-generation Nexo next year, which has already been spotted testing under heavy camouflage.

It is rumoured to have a range of somewhere north of 800km, while Hyundai Australia's COO, John Kett, confirmed that the model would make it to Australia.

“We’ll have a chance to see the next-generation Nexo and it looks incredible. We’ll definitely be getting that and we’ll talk about that more when we’re ready to talk about it,” he said to CarsGuide back in June.