Hyundai IONIQ 5 Ghost Door Review: Soft Close Upgrade

Addressing the IONIQ 5's Door Closing Quirks

Many Hyundai IONIQ 5 owners report a common annoyance: doors that don't seem to close fully with a gentle push, often requiring a more forceful slam. This isn't a defect, but rather a characteristic stemming from the vehicle's design. The IONIQ 5 features a highly sealed door structure, intended to enhance cabin quietness and airtightness. This robust sealing, combined with its auto-flush door handles that retract into the body, creates significant air resistance when closing. The door latch mechanism is also designed to be less forgiving than in many conventional vehicles, meaning a simple, light push often isn't enough to secure the door properly. This can lead to users inadvertently slamming the doors, potentially causing wear and tear on the latches over time. While common in some luxury imports, this 'hard-to-close' door issue is something IONIQ 5 owners are now addressing with aftermarket solutions.

Introducing the Ghost Door (S-CLOSING) System

The solution gaining traction is often referred to as a 'Ghost Door' or 'soft close door' retrofit, specifically the S-CLOSING system. S-CLOSING stands for 'Smart Door Automatic Closing System.' Essentially, it's an aftermarket upgrade that adds an automatic closing function to your car doors. Once you manually push the door to about 70-80% of the way closed, a small, integrated motor within the new door latch assembly takes over. It gently pulls the door the rest of the way, ensuring it latches securely and quietly. This eliminates the need for forceful slams and provides a more premium, effortless experience. The S-CLOSING system replaces the original door latch with an electronically controlled unit that includes a compact motor. This method is designed to integrate seamlessly without altering the vehicle's original door structure, minimizing potential risks. The product has reportedly obtained KC certification in Korea and is patent-pending, emphasizing its safety. A key safety feature is its anti-pinch function; if an obstruction like a hand or object is detected in the door's path, it will automatically retract, preventing injury or damage.

Ghost Door Installation Process for IONIQ 5

The installation of the S-CLOSING system is a precise process typically completed by trained technicians. Here’s a general overview of how it’s done:

1. Door Panel Removal: The interior door trim panel is carefully detached using specialized tools to avoid damage to clips or the panel itself. Wiring harnesses are safely disconnected.
2. Latch Replacement: The factory door latch mechanism is removed. The new S-CLOSING electronic latch, which contains the integrated motor, is then installed in its place.
3. Wiring Integration: Necessary wiring for the new electronic latch is connected to the vehicle's existing electrical system, often tapping into power and sensor signals.
4. System Testing: After reassembly, the doors are tested to ensure the automatic closing function operates smoothly and the safety features are active.

The entire process, including testing, usually takes approximately 1.5 hours per vehicle. The system comes with a one-year limited warranty for peace of mind. While this specific installation was performed at a facility in Gangnam, Korea, the S-CLOSING system is available as an aftermarket option for IONIQ 5 owners seeking this convenience.