Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government
holds on this vehicle.
Owners have filed 277 safety complaints
about the 2022 Kia EV6 with the US government. Of those, 11 describe a crash, 6 people were injured and 1 death is recorded. 4 recall campaigns are open against it, covering the electrical system and the parking brake.
The most complained-about system is the electrical system,
named in 210 complaints, 76% of the total.
The typical failure was reported at 12,000 miles,
the median across the 20
complaints that gave
an odometer reading.
Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files
· Covers April 2022 to September 2026 · How this is counted
What is on file
277 complaints on file
277
Complaints
11
Describe a crash
0
Mention fire
6
People injured
1
Deaths
A complaint is an unverified account by the person who filed it, not a
finding of fault. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts
them.
Complaints more than doubled year on year: 110 in the twelve months to 2026-Q2, against 45 in the twelve before.
A recall is the manufacturer conceding a defect, and the repair is free.
Whether one covers your particular car is a question only its VIN can
answer, because a campaign covers a production range rather than a
model year.
Which system owners named
Complaints naming each system
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 210 · 76%
210 76%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 43 · 16%
43 16%
POWER TRAIN 41 · 15%
41 15%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 32 · 12%
32 12%
ENGINE 14 · 5%
14 5%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 13 · 5%
13 5%
SERVICE BRAKES 12 · 4%
12 4%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 10 · 4%
10 4%
STRUCTURE 10 · 4%
10 4%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 9 · 3%
9 3%
LANE DEPARTURE 8 · 3%
8 3%
BACK OVER PREVENTION 4 · 1%
4 1%
085169
Red marks a system with a recall campaign against it.
One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 277.
When the complaints arrived
By the year NHTSA received them
By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures
happened. They peaked in 2026 at 93.
100 75 50 25
222022232023242024252025262026
This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure
happened. The range runs from 2022 to 2026, the last of them a part year, which is why its column is drawn faint.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA crashes a car into a barrier and a pole and measures what
happens to the dummies inside. This is what it awarded the 2022 Kia EV6, and it is a separate
question from what owners report going wrong later.
Test
SUV AWD
SUV RWD
Overall
Not rated
Not rated
Frontal crash
Frontal, driver
Frontal, passenger
Side crash
Side barrier
Side pole
Rollover
Not rated
Not rated
Stability control standard Forward collision warning standard Lane departure warning standard
A rating belongs to a tested body style and drivetrain, not to the model as a whole, which is why more than one is listed.
A dash means NHTSA did not rate that test for this vehicle.
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2024 EV6 and 2024 EV9 vehicles. The high voltage battery cells may contain misaligned electrodes, which can lead to a fire while parked or driving.
The risk
A fire increases the risk of injury.
The remedy
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures and limit their charge to a maximum of 80% until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the high voltage battery system assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 7, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC375. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 17, 2026.
Kia America, Inc. · up to 8 vehicles across all model years covered
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2024 EV6 vehicles. The Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) may become damaged and stop charging the 12-volt battery, which can result in a loss of drive power.
The risk
A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the ICCU and its fuse, as necessary. In addition, dealers will update the ICCU software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 13, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC327. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 24V-200. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 24V-200 will need to have the new remedy completed.
Kia America, Inc. · up to 62,872 vehicles across all model years covered
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2024 EV6 vehicles. The Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) may become damaged and stop charging the 12-Volt battery, which can result in a loss of drive power.
The risk
A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the ICCU and its fuse, as necessary. In addition, dealers will update the ICCU software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 29, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC302.
Kia America, Inc. · up to 48,232 vehicles across all model years covered
Kia Motor America (Kia) is recalling certain 2022 EV6 vehicles. A software error in the Shifter Control Unit (SCU) may disengage the parking mechanism, which can allow the vehicle to rollaway.
The risk
Vehicle rollaway can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The remedy
Drivers are recommended to park their vehicles on level ground and avoid parking on a slope/inclined surface whenever possible until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will update the Shifter Control Unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 25, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC236.
Kia Motors America · up to 9,014 vehicles across all model years covered
Defect investigations
2 on file
An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A
preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering
analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.
Loss of Motive Power
PE23012
Closed preliminary evaluation · opened July 3, 2023 · closed April 17, 2024 · led to recall 24V200
the electrical system
On July 3, 2023, the Office of Defect Investigation (ODI) opened PE23012 to investigate allegations of loss of motor power on model year (MY) 2022 Kia EV6 vehicles. Some consumers reported loss of motor power immediately after warning lamp illumination or reduction of motive power while the vehicle was in motion. This investigation found that the Integrated Charing Unit (ICCU) may become damaged over time from transient high voltage and thermal cycling. A damaged ICCU may not be able to charge the 12-volt battery which can discharge gradually while driving with a reduction of motive power. The vehicle could eventually experience a complete loss of motive power thereby increasing the risk of a crash. On July 13, 2023, Kia conducted a service campaign to inspect the ICCU and install an improved over-current detection software logic in certain 2022-2023 EV6 vehicles. On March 15, 2024, Kia filed recall 24V-200 for 48,232 MY 2022-2024 Kia EV6 vehicles. The recall remedy provides an inspection of the ICCU, and if necessary, a replacement of the ICCU and the associated fuse. The ICCU software reduces the risk of overcurrent and implements voltage peak reduction at the end of EV battery charging. The recall also includes a software update that revises the electric water pump operational threshold to reduce thermal loading during charging and driving. In view of the recall action being taken by Kia, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Pedestrian alert sounds
DP22005
Closed defect petition · opened January 27, 2023 · closed August 7, 2023 · led to recall 22V063000
the electrical system
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.
In owners’ own words
Quoted from the complaint file
Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the
people who filed them, not findings of fault.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
1 death · crash · towed
I was involved in a fatal head-on collision with a pedestrian while driving my Kia EV6. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist : The FCA system appears to have completely failed. It did not detect the pedestrian, did not provide any audible or visual warnings, and did not initiate automatic emergency braking prior to the collision. Airbag System: The system failed to deploy despite a severe head-on collision. Regarding availability for inspection: The car was impounded by the SDPD and was inspected by both the police and State Farm before being sold to SF after being rendered a total loss. How was …
NHTSA complaint 11655093, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
2 injured · crash · towed
I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WITH THE LANE KEEP ASSIST AND ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED.THE SYSTEM WORKED FINE FOR A WHILE BUT WHEN I TOOK MY EYES OFF THE ROAD FOR A QUICK MINUTE TO GRAB SOMETHING FROM THE BACK SEAT, THE SYSTEM EITHER DISENGAGED WITHOUT A WARANING OR DECIDED TO STEER TO THE LEFT OUTOF THE LANE, BECAUSE IN THAT SHORT TIME, IT MOVED TWO LANES TO THE LEFT AND HIT THE ROAD BARRIER DEPLOYING THE AIRBAGS AND CAUSING INJURIES TO THE PASSENGERS. THE VEHICLE WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS. THERE WERE NO WARNINGSS BEFORE OR DURING THE INCIDENT TO INDICATE ANY KIND OF ISSUE. I BELIEVE THE HDA SOFTWARE ON THE EV6 IS QUITE BUGGY AS A SIMILAR INCIDENT HAPPENED A FEW MONTHS PRIOR WHEN THE …
NHTSA complaint 11491182, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
STRUCTURE:BODY
2 injured
Liftgate/Back Hatch consistently immediately automatically closes after opening, and has hit both drivers on the head before able to move out of the way. More detail: to open the back, one pushes a button, the rear hatch beeps, and then it automatically opens. During this, the user often leans inside once the opening is open enough. HOWEVER, recently when the door reaches its apex, it beeps again and immediately automatically starts closing, oftentimes hitting people on the head (thus, a safety issue, and it HURTS). Sometimes one has to re-open the door 3 or more times before it will stay open. Have contacted dealer, and the dealer literally said "the manual says sometimes it won't work …
NHTSA complaint 11636146, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 injured · crash · towed
While braking in parking lot with low speed and turning the steering wheel, all of sudden the vehicle reving up by itself and then accelerate forward uncontrollably.
NHTSA complaint 11625821. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Component that failed: Vehicle headlight/running light has water penetration and the running lights do not stay on. Additionally there is yellowing of the LED running lights, which is a known defect in the Kia EV6. Safety issue: Running lights reduced night time illumination and made it more difficult to see road. Running lights yellowing are a sign of premature failure. Dealer inspection: Dealer identified problem during a state inspection (light turned off after a few seconds). Vehicle headlights have three issues: 1. Yellowing of LED running lights, 2. Failure of seals allowing water into the headlight unit, 3. Malfunction of the running lights (turns on briefly and then goes out) …
NHTSA complaint 11763663, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The ICCU, or integrated charge control unit, continually fails on this car. When it fails, the 12V battery rapidly drains and the car goes into turtle mode (25mph max) until the 12 battery drains completely. This has happened 4 times on this car, twice since I purchased it 'certified pre-owned" from a Kia dealership in February 2026. Luckily for me the two times it has failed on me, I was in town and close to home. I purchased this car to use for road trips, and out in remote areas of wilderness that do not have cell reception. It is my opinion that the lack of a permanent fix from Kia is a safety issue, as this problem can strand a driver like myself in the middle of nowhere without cell …
NHTSA complaint 11762743, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I began to drive. The dashboard display read "Check low voltage supply" or something like that and on the opposite side of the display there was a small image that looks like a 12V battery. A moment later the dashboard display changed to read "DO NOT DRIVE." The car was towed to a dealer who reported a "failed ICCU and High Voltage Fuse." The vehicle was towed to a dealership where it is being repaired under warranty. The same parts were replaced on December 26, 2024, that time because the electric vehicle would no longer accept a charge from a 240VAC source, although it continued accept a charge from a high voltage DC source. At that time there was also a software update that was said to …
NHTSA complaint 11756667, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The taillight came loose and every time i take it in to get checked or fixed at the dealer they ignore me, so i went in and tightened my self. there were 4 nuts already off and inside my trunk and there was no loctite on the bolts holding the light on. now the lamp is leaking water into the trunk and the tail light has water inside of it.
NHTSA complaint 11753424. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle Safety Complaint My Kia experienced an ICCU (Integrated Charging Control Unit) failure and was at the dealership for approximately two months while awaiting repairs. The ICCU and related components were replaced, and I was told the vehicle had been repaired. However, immediately after I received the vehicle back, the “Check Electric Vehicle System” warning illuminated again. Since that time, the vehicle has continued to experience serious electrical issues. The vehicle has unexpectedly shut off while stopped at red lights and has failed to restart on multiple occasions, leaving me stranded. This creates a significant safety hazard because the vehicle can lose the ability to move …
NHTSA complaint 11753355, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
STRUCTURE:BODY
The front lower air dam and felt underguard detached while driving at highway speed on an interstate. The panel dropped and dragged on the pavement. I secured it with duct tape and zip ties at the roadside in order to drive home. There was no collision and no impact with road debris. The bumper fascia directly above the panel is undamaged, with no deformation and no paint transfer, which is not consistent with an impact and is consistent with failure of the panel's mounting fasteners. The panel shows longitudinal drag scoring on the underside and outward flex-fracture of the mounting clips. The right side detached first and the left side remained held by a single screw. The component is …
NHTSA complaint 11753114, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's
lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. How
many repair attempts it takes, and how long you have to file, is set by
the state you bought in and by nothing on this page.
Complaints: NHTSA's ODI
complaint file, published October 2, 2026. One
complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.
Recalls: NHTSA's recall
campaign API, newest campaign on this vehicle filed July 2, 2026.
Investigations: NHTSA's ODI
investigation file, published October 2, 2026.
A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by
us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that
sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.
G
Compiled and maintained by guarledes Independent developer and analyst