2022 Kia EV6 Faces NHTSA Investigation for Power Loss

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated an investigation into the Kia EV6 following reports from owners about power loss problems. The agency is conducting a preliminary evaluation to determine the extent and seriousness of the potential safety defect, which could impact around 20,000 EV6 electric crossovers.

Eleven complaints were received by the NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) from US Kia EV6 owners who experienced a sudden loss of power. Many of these owners mentioned hearing a loud popping sound and receiving a warning on the dashboard before the loss of motive power occurred.

This situation bears similarities to a recent investigation involving the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5, which shares the same electric vehicle platform as the Kia EV6. During interviews with EV6 owners, investigators confirmed various instances of power loss and different time intervals between the warning message and the loss of power. The Integrated Control Charging Unit, responsible for powering the vehicle batteries, appears to be a common factor in these incidents.

One complaint from a driver in Long Beach, California, described hearing a loud pop from the rear passenger side of the Kia EV6, followed by a warning light indicating an issue with the charging system. The vehicle subsequently lost all power, and the service department informed the driver that the ICCU board needed replacement, which was on national backorder, rendering the vehicle immobilized since April 29.

Currently, the investigation is in the preliminary evaluation stage, during which NHTSA engineers gather information from the manufacturer. The manufacturer has the opportunity to present its perspective on the alleged defect and may opt to issue a recall.

Following the evaluation, NHTSA will either close the investigation or proceed to the next phase. If a safety-related defect is confirmed, the agency may send a "recall request" letter to the manufacturer.

This scenario pertains to an ongoing inquiry involving the Ioniq 5, which shares the same platform. Over 24 owners have submitted complaints to the NHTSA, detailing a loud noise and a power-related warning message. While it has not progressed to a recall, the NHTSA investigation has the potential to impact approximately 40,000 models.

Source: NHTSA