2023 EV6 with about 24,000 miles. Took it in for the ICCU recall. After the update, the service guy said the 12-volt battery had drained. They offered to charge it for a few hours but suggested leaving it overnight for a full charge. Fine, I thought. Inconvenient, but okay.
The next day, I Ubered 30 miles to pick up the car. Parked it in my driveway, and later that night, it wouldn’t start—12-volt battery was dead again. Had to get it towed (another 30 miles). The dealer called back, saying the battery passed all tests and was being recharged.
I pointed out it clearly FAILED when I had to get it towed. They said they couldn’t replace it unless it failed Kia’s tests. So, I Ubered back (another 30 miles). After a few “strategically placed” comments in the crowded waiting area, they finally replaced it free of charge. What a headache.
I’d be questioning how they handled the recall update. If they’re doing software updates, Kia should put the 12-volt battery on a tender. If they didn’t, that’s probably what killed it. They should’ve replaced it without any hassle. Time to find a new dealer if you can.
Sorry you had to go through that. Some dealers are better than others. When I went for the recall, I didn’t have any issues before or after. But on the way home, I got all the dashboard warnings. Called the dealer, and they sent a tow truck in less than 30 minutes. They replaced the ICCU fuse and the 12-volt battery without any hassle. There are good dealers out there, but they seem hard to find.
@Sage
I’ve got a '24 GT-Line scheduled for the recall next week. Stories like this make me wonder if I should delay it. I don’t want the car to come back worse or break down while driving.
Dallas said: @Sage
I’ve got a '24 GT-Line scheduled for the recall next week. Stories like this make me wonder if I should delay it. I don’t want the car to come back worse or break down while driving.
I didn’t mean to make anyone hesitate. If the update exposed a problem, it’s better to catch it early. I still love the car—its design, how it drives, and how cheap it is to charge. This hasn’t made me regret getting the EV6.
@Sage
Yeah, I love our EV6 too, but I’d rather avoid breaking down on the road, especially now that it’s winter. I’ll probably still go for the update, but I can’t lie—it’s a bit nerve-wracking.
Dallas said: @Sage
Yeah, I love our EV6 too, but I’d rather avoid breaking down on the road, especially now that it’s winter. I’ll probably still go for the update, but I can’t lie—it’s a bit nerve-wracking.
When mine wouldn’t start, the service team just gave it a jump and I went straight to the dealer.
After the SC327 recall, I went to pick up my car, but it wouldn’t unlock. The 12-volt battery was dead. The dealer showed me test results saying the battery had passed just 30 minutes earlier. I told them it was dead, and they said they had a battery but it would cost $180. I argued that the recall caused the issue and it should be covered under warranty. Five minutes later, they agreed, and I got a new battery. I’m hoping the ICCU wasn’t damaged.
Stories like yours make me hesitate to buy an EV6. I rented one and loved it, but reliability is key for me. Thanks for sharing your frustrations—it helps others and holds Kia accountable.
Keegan said:
Stories like yours make me hesitate to buy an EV6. I rented one and loved it, but reliability is key for me. Thanks for sharing your frustrations—it helps others and holds Kia accountable.
For what it’s worth, I have a 2022 EV6 with 40,000 miles and zero problems.
Keegan said:
Stories like yours make me hesitate to buy an EV6. I rented one and loved it, but reliability is key for me. Thanks for sharing your frustrations—it helps others and holds Kia accountable.
Kia and their dealers can be awful. My 2022 Wind stranded me four times before they replaced the ICCU, even though there was already a recall for it. Kia needs to train their dealers better or risk losing customers entirely.