2023 Hyundai Nexo Safety and Reliability

This continues to be one of the main talking points when it comes to hydrogen cars. What happens when you drive around with what is essentially a pipe bomb in the car? Not much, as it turns out. Expensive cars aren't normally tested, but the IIHS must have been as curious as we are, so it subjected the Nexo review. The Nexo put in a superb performance and earned a top score of Good in every field. The NHTSA hasn't bothered to review the hydrogen EV.

With a Top Safety Pick Plus award to its name, the Nexo is safe as houses. Both models have a comprehensive list of active and passive features. Traditional fare includes ABS, stability control, and six airbags. Driver assistance features include forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-follow assist, lane-keep assist and departure warning, auto high beams, smart cruise control with Stop and Go, and driver attention assist. Remote smart parking assist is also added when you upgrade to the Limited. While the Blue trim has a rearview camera, the Limited has a more comprehensive surround-view monitor.

As a showcase for hydrogen cars, the Nexo needs to be reliable. Even a minor problem could end up crippling the entire concept. Unfortunately, from an owner's perspective, there is no rating available from J.D. Power. The owner pool is likely too small to paint a clear picture.

2019 and 2020 Nexo models were recalled for an integrated electronic brake system that could malfunction, while 2019 models were recalled for a possible hydrogen leak from a detached inlet filter. Another recall, this time for 2020 models only, pertained to possible unintended vehicle movement caused by faulty remote smart parking assist software.

The warranty is spectacular and shows great confidence in the product. Each Nexo is backed by a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, a seven-year/unlimited-mile anti-perforation warranty, a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and 10-year/100,000-mile warranty on the electric battery.