Hyundai Nexo Recall: Watch Out for White Hydrogen Clouds
Published: October 24th, 2024.
If you find yourself driving behind a Hyundai Nexo and it starts puffing out a white cloud, you might think you've wandered into a spy movie. But no, it's not a secret smoke screen—it's likely a hydrogen-powered Nexo with a bit of a gas leak situation. And yes, that cloud is full of flammable hydrogen gas.
Hyundai recently recalled 1,545 Nexos after discovering an issue with a crucial safety component: the Thermally-activated Pressure Relief Device (TPRD). This device is designed to vent hydrogen gas safely if the fuel tank overheats. However, the NHTSA has found that micro-cracks in the TPRD’s glass bulb can cause it to break prematurely. This means that, under normal conditions, a Nexo could release hydrogen gas unexpectedly, leading to a cloud of highly flammable hydrogen trailing behind the vehicle.
While this sounds dramatic, Hyundai and the NHTSA estimate that only about 1% of the affected Nexos have the faulty device. So, the odds of you driving through a hydrogen mist are pretty slim. Still, Hyundai isn’t taking any chances. The recall is already underway, and they’ll replace the faulty glass TPRD with a sturdier metal one at no cost to owners.
In the meantime, Hyundai has advised Nexo drivers to park their cars outdoors and away from structures, just in case. So, don't tuck your hydrogen-powered ride into the garage for now. A recall notice will hit the mailboxes of affected owners by December 10th, giving them all the details on how to get their Nexos fixed.
Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles like the Nexo are part of the auto industry’s shift toward greener technology. With fewer emissions than traditional gasoline cars, they’re considered eco-friendly—but a recall like this does bring a little unwanted attention to the growing hydrogen vehicle market. Nobody wants to imagine their green SUV leaking hydrogen gas like some futuristic fog machine.
The good news is that Nexos, produced after May 21, 2024, has already come equipped with the new, non-glass TPRD, so future owners won’t have to worry about this issue. But if you’re one of the proud owners of a Nexo from 2019-2024, it’s time to double-check whether your car is affected. The NHTSA recall database can help you find out using your vehicle identification number (VIN).
Hyundai says that Nexos with the faulty device is still safe to drive, but it’s best to follow the parking advice to avoid any hydrogen-related drama. If you happen to see a Nexo emitting that telltale white cloud, don’t panic—just give it some space and appreciate the wonders of hydrogen-powered technology from a safe distance.
So, while the Nexo recall might create a few bumps in the road for hydrogen cars, the NHTSA and Hyundai are working hard to ensure these clean-energy vehicles stay safe and reliable. Until then, just watch your fuel gauge, park smart, and enjoy your ride!