Some Hyundai Ioniq 5 drivers in the UK have been encountering issues with their cars’ video cameras designed as a replacement for side mirrors. Under certain conditions, the lenses mist up and produce a blurred image, Carscoops reports.
Apparently, this design defect sometimes manifests during rain when condensate forms on the lenses. The blurred image makes it hard for drivers to judge distances and maneuver.
Furthermore, since the Ioniq 5 has no rear windshield wiper, reversing on rainy days poses a separate challenge. The problem goes away after 5-10 minutes of driving, but may still lead to incidents.
Hyundai has not commented on these reports yet. Some owners already had their cameras replaced under warranty, but it remains unclear whether all Ioniq 5 units are affected or just some. It might be a case of faulty seals or waterproofing, but then again, it might not.
Only the Namsan Edition lineup comes with cameras instead of side mirrors. While it is easy to dismiss them as a gimmick, the reality is that no physical mirrors means less drag and more driving range – an crucial advantage for any EV. That, and digital mirrors look like a conceptually sound design choice on a cutting-edge electric car.
It just remains to be seen how viable they are in rainy countries like the UK.
