2022 Kia Ev6 Safety Report

2022 KIA EV6: Excellent Crash Safety Undermined by Pervasive ICCU Electrical Failures and Recalls

250Complaints
3Recalls
45/100Reliability Score
11Crash Reports
6Injuries
1Deaths
Most reported components: Electrical System (105)Electrical System,Fuel/Propulsion System (15)Unknown Or Other (15)Power Train,Electrical System (15)Power Train,Electrical System,Fuel/Propulsion System (11)Fuel/Propulsion System (7)Electrical System,Unknown Or Other (6)Power Train,Electrical System,Engine (5)Electrical System,Engine (4)Power Train (4)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2022 Kia Ev6

The 2022 KIA EV6 presents a mixed safety picture, with strong crash test performance but significant concerns regarding its electrical system, particularly the Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU). NHTSA crash test ratings are excellent, with 5 stars for both frontal and side impact, indicating robust occupant protection in a collision. However, the vehicle has accumulated 250 total complaints, with a striking 105 complaints (42%) specifically related to the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. This component is also implicated in 15 complaints for 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM' and 15 for 'POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM', highlighting a pervasive issue. There have been 11 reported crashes, 6 injuries, and 1 death associated with these complaints, underscoring the potential severity of these electrical failures. The recall history further corroborates the electrical system's vulnerability. Two of the three recalls issued for the 2022-2024 EV6 directly address the ICCU, stating it "may become damaged and stop charging the 12-volt battery, which can result in a loss of drive power." This aligns perfectly with numerous owner complaints describing sudden power loss, 'limp mode,' and inability to charge. The third recall concerns a software error in the Shifter Control Unit that could lead to vehicle rollaway. While Kia has issued recalls and performed repairs, several complaints indicate that the ICCU issue can recur even after replacement, suggesting a potential design flaw rather than just a manufacturing defect. Overall, while the EV6 demonstrates high passive safety through its crashworthiness, the active safety and reliability are significantly compromised by the widespread and critical electrical system failures. The high number of complaints, direct correlation with recalls, and reports of recurring issues post-repair paint a concerning picture regarding the vehicle's operational reliability and potential for unexpected power loss, which directly increases crash risk. The single reported death, while not definitively linked solely to these issues, adds a somber note to the safety profile.

Reliability Score

The 2022 Kia Ev6 receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2022 Kia Ev6

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2022 Kia Ev6:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Integrated Charging Control Unit (Iccu) Failure
The ICCU can become damaged, leading to inability to charge the 12V battery, loss of drive power, 'limp mode,' and complete vehicle shutdown. This is a known recall issue, but complaints indicate recurrence even after repair.		 High Common variable, reported from new to over 100,000 miles miles
Loss Of Drive Power Due To Iccu Failure
A direct consequence of ICCU failure, where the vehicle suddenly loses power or enters a severely restricted 'limp mode' while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. This is explicitly mentioned in recall consequences.		 High Common variable miles
Inability To Charge (Level 1/2 Ac Charging)
Owners report the vehicle failing to charge via home Level 1 or Level 2 AC chargers, often accompanied by error messages or circuit breaker trips, directly linked to ICCU malfunction.		 High Common variable miles
Vehicle Rollaway Due To Shifter Control Unit Software Error
A software error can disengage the parking mechanism, allowing the vehicle to roll away unexpectedly. This is addressed by a specific recall.		 High Occasional N/A miles
Sunroof Glass Spontaneous Explosion
Isolated reports of the sunroof glass spontaneously shattering or exploding while driving.		 Medium Rare N/A miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2022 Kia Ev6:

Electrical System 42% of complaints

Over 40% of all complaints are directly related to the electrical system, primarily concerning the Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) and its impact on charging and drive power.

Electrical System,Fuel/Propulsion System 6% of complaints

A significant number of complaints combine electrical system issues with the fuel/propulsion system, often indicating how ICCU failures directly affect the vehicle's ability to move.

Power Train,Electrical System 6% of complaints

Similar to the above, this category highlights how electrical faults, particularly the ICCU, directly impair the vehicle's powertrain functionality.

Unknown Or Other 6% of complaints

A notable portion of complaints fall into a general 'unknown or other' category, which may include less frequent but still concerning issues not fitting neatly into other classifications.

Fuel/Propulsion System 3% of complaints

Direct complaints about the propulsion system, often intertwined with electrical issues, indicating problems with the vehicle's ability to generate or transmit power.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2022 Kia Ev6

Is the 2022 KIA EV6 safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2022 KIA EV6 has excellent crash test ratings (5 stars for frontal and side impact), indicating strong passive safety. However, its active safety and reliability are significantly impacted by widespread electrical system issues, particularly the Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) failures, which have led to loss of drive power, 11 reported crashes, 6 injuries, and 1 death. There are 250 total complaints, with 105 specifically for the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, and three recalls, two of which address the ICCU.

What are common problems with the 2022 KIA EV6?

The most reported issues for the 2022 KIA EV6 revolve around the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, accounting for 105 out of 250 total complaints. The primary specific problem is the Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) failure, which can cause loss of drive power, inability to charge the 12V battery, and prevent Level 1 and 2 AC charging. Other related complaints include issues with the POWER TRAIN and FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, often stemming from the electrical faults.

Has the 2022 KIA EV6 been recalled?

Yes, the 2022 KIA EV6 has been subject to 3 recalls. Two recalls specifically address the Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) which can become damaged and lead to a loss of drive power. The third recall is for a software error in the Shifter Control Unit that could cause the parking mechanism to disengage, increasing the risk of vehicle rollaway.

How does the 2022 KIA EV6 perform in crash tests?

The 2022 KIA EV6 performs very well in NHTSA crash tests, receiving a 5-star rating for frontal crash and a 5-star rating for side crash. Overall and rollover ratings are N/A. This indicates strong occupant protection in the event of a collision.

Are the ICCU issues resolved after recall repairs?

While Kia has issued recalls and performed repairs for the ICCU, several owner complaints indicate that the problem can recur even after the recall service or part replacement. Some owners report multiple ICCU failures, suggesting that the underlying issue may not be fully resolved by the current recall actions.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the excellent crash test ratings but significant and recurring electrical system issues, particularly the ICCU, potential buyers should proceed with caution and thoroughly investigate the vehicle's service history, especially regarding ICCU replacements and software updates.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2022 Kia Ev6

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2022 Kia Ev6. The data includes 250 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 11 reported crashes, 6 reported injuries, and 1 fatalities associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.