NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Exterior Lighting complaints
10 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Sep 11, 2026
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 ligh…
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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) Manufacturer included replaceable desiccant packets in the headlight, which indicates they understood the potential for water penetration/condensation.
NHTSA ODI #11763663
Mileage unknown · Jul 29, 2026
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 i…
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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 ODI #11753424
Mileage unknown · Mar 11, 2024
Electrical SystemExterior LightingLane Departure
While driving at normal road speeds, the vehicle suddenly lost all electronics (infotainment, air conditioning, dash). After 2-3 minutes these systems came back online but the car continued to have a warning light for the Lane Keeping system not functioning. This warning now comes on periodically after this incident
NHTSA ODI #11576576
Mileage unknown · Sep 9, 2023
Electrical SystemExterior LightingPower Train
On SEPT.8, 2023 The car was charging and then it stopped charging. There was no warning or indications. All power failed and the EV is now inoperable.
NHTSA ODI #11543531
Mileage unknown · Jul 14, 2023
Exterior LightingFuel/propulsion System
While driving the vehicle with the main propulsion battery charged to 85%, a battery failure warning light lit at the time the vehicle lost power, slowed down to a stop and lost all lighting. The fault was a failure of the 12 VDC auxiliary power system which resulted in a loss of vehicle speed, dash board buttons to not functio…
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While driving the vehicle with the main propulsion battery charged to 85%, a battery failure warning light lit at the time the vehicle lost power, slowed down to a stop and lost all lighting. The fault was a failure of the 12 VDC auxiliary power system which resulted in a loss of vehicle speed, dash board buttons to not function, and vehicle controls including lights to be lost. The vehicle was unable to be locked. The vehicle lost power and speed in a remote location causing me to pull off of the road. The vehicle lost all lighting preventing me from warning other drivers of the hazard situation. The car was towed to the nearest Kia Dealership who has confirmed that the 12 VDC power system was de-energized, caused by a dead 12 VDC battery and failed charging module (Kia Part Number 36400-1XFA0) and is currently awaiting replacement under warranted repair when the parts become available.
NHTSA ODI #11532315
Mileage unknown · Jun 13, 2023
Exterior LightingService Brakes
There exists a serious manufacturing defect in that the brake lights do not turn on when the car is used in one-pedal drive mode and even a rapid deceleration occurs due to regenerative braking. This was documented by Consumer Reports and it presents a critical safety hazard. https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/bra…
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There exists a serious manufacturing defect in that the brake lights do not turn on when the car is used in one-pedal drive mode and even a rapid deceleration occurs due to regenerative braking. This was documented by Consumer Reports and it presents a critical safety hazard. https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/brake-lights-can-fail-to-provide-fair-warning-on-some-evs-a9533519285/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_FB&fbclid=IwAR3N_MQOI4ZGHfHSf18eAJSE7Cx02eftIx2k8F_oKaVo19_YJKgYEn7yeOE
NHTSA ODI #11526770
Mileage unknown · May 26, 2023
Exterior Lighting
When heavy regenerative braking is used, the car decelerates very quickly. Despite this, the brake lights do not turn on. This is very dangerous as the regenerative braking can be used to completely stop the vehicle. People driving behind me need to be aware that I am coming to a stop and are not currently warned. Technology Co…
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When heavy regenerative braking is used, the car decelerates very quickly. Despite this, the brake lights do not turn on. This is very dangerous as the regenerative braking can be used to completely stop the vehicle. People driving behind me need to be aware that I am coming to a stop and are not currently warned. Technology Connections just released a very detailed video on the Ioniq 5 which uses the same drivetrain as the EV6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0YW7x9U5TQ
NHTSA ODI #11523961
Mileage unknown · May 26, 2023
Exterior LightingService Brakes
The brake light does not activate in a way that would signal to other drivers that the vehicle is stopping or slowing down, while using higher regenerative braking. The ipedal mode can have a significant amount of deceleration and not activate the brake light, even coming to a full stop and not activating the light, if the driv…
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The brake light does not activate in a way that would signal to other drivers that the vehicle is stopping or slowing down, while using higher regenerative braking. The ipedal mode can have a significant amount of deceleration and not activate the brake light, even coming to a full stop and not activating the light, if the driver's foot is not completely off the pedal. I have been told by other drivers that my brake lights were out when I expected that they were working. Testing this with a odb2 device and another driver following behind me confirmed that the Kia EV6 does not activate brake lights when it should. Additionally, there is a video on youtube titled "Electric cars prove we need to rethink brake lights", demonstrating this on a similar vehicle, the Hyundai Ioniq 5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0YW7x9U5TQ There is no indication in the vehicle that the brake lights are not functioning as a driver would expect. The lights do work when using the brake pedal and are not normally "malfunctioning". The nearest dealer has confirmed that the driver needs to take their foot off of the accelerator to actuate the brake lights. In my opinion, the vehicle should be recalled to apply a fix that signals braking and intent to slow down that is consistent with the deceleration of the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI #11523956
Mileage unknown · Feb 5, 2023
Exterior Lighting
The headlights on the 2022 Kia EV6 do not provide enough illumination for proper night driving. They are full and barely shine enough for 10 feet out from vehicle. This causes concern for object avoidance and proper identification from oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Kia made adjustments to later year 2022 model years, Europea…
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The headlights on the 2022 Kia EV6 do not provide enough illumination for proper night driving. They are full and barely shine enough for 10 feet out from vehicle. This causes concern for object avoidance and proper identification from oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Kia made adjustments to later year 2022 model years, European models get Matrix lights, and all 2023 model years. IIHS rated 2022 model year headlights as “Poor”.
NHTSA ODI #11505632
Mileage unknown · Dec 17, 2022
Exterior Lighting
No distinct incident. The headlights on this car are very poor. My front visibility is extremely limited, especially to the right, since I got this vehicle in August 2022. I have had some narrow misses with pedestrians I couldn't see. These are the worst headlights of any car I've owned since 1970. I have noted that the IHSS…
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No distinct incident. The headlights on this car are very poor. My front visibility is extremely limited, especially to the right, since I got this vehicle in August 2022. I have had some narrow misses with pedestrians I couldn't see. These are the worst headlights of any car I've owned since 1970. I have noted that the IHSS rates these headlights as "poor". This should be unacceptable in this date and age. I would like you to require a recall these headlights with those on the newer models which hae achieved a "good" rating from the IHSS. I have requested this from Kia, but haven't gotten a reply. I brought this vehicle to a dealer yesterday. They told me the headlights were adjusted correctly, and that I'd should use high beams most of the time.
NHTSA ODI #11497899
Official recalls
4Jul 2, 2026
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fire increases the risk of injury.
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.
Nov 18, 2024
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
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.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System:propulsion System:charging:module:software
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.
Consequence: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
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.
Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery
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.
Consequence: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
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.
Mar 14, 2024
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
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.
May 11, 2022
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Vehicle rollaway can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2PE23012 · Loss Of Motive Power
Opened Jul 3, 2023 · Closed Apr 17, 2024
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery; Electrical System:propulsion System:dc/dc Converter
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.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery
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.
Electrical System:propulsion System:dc/dc Converter
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.
DP22005 · Pedestrian Alert Sounds
Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Aug 7, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:propulsion 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.