2022 First Edition GT-Line. Had a second 12V battery failure and this time the ICCU failed too. Was driving down the freeway on the way to the dealer to get the recall fixed. The car suddenly lost power completely. Fortunately, I was near a shoulder and there was no car behind me, so I managed to pull over safely.
Spent a long time on the phone with Kia roadside service. The first person asked for a lot of information before even getting to the issue. They said they’d tow me to another dealer, but I wanted to go to the one I was headed to, which was just 1 mile away and much bigger. The agent insisted on a $180 tow fee. I spoke with customer care, and they gave me the same answer. After some back and forth, I got transferred to someone who actually helped and arranged a free tow to the dealer I wanted to go to. I still don’t understand why the first two agents couldn’t help.
I really like my EV6 when it works, but I don’t trust Kia dealerships or their customer service.
Anyway, while I wait for the tow, anyone else dealt with this? Any advice?
Try getting the dealer to replace the 12V battery at the same time. If you don’t already have an AGM battery, ask for one. Many owners have had this done under warranty.
Skylar said:
Try getting the dealer to replace the 12V battery at the same time. If you don’t already have an AGM battery, ask for one. Many owners have had this done under warranty.
I keep seeing AGM batteries being recommended, but why exactly are they better?
Hollis said: @Hart
It’s because AGM batteries discharge differently and they’re deep cell batteries with no liquid. They last longer than traditional ones.
Yes, they do contain liquid electrolyte, but it’s absorbed in glass mats, unlike regular flooded lead-acid batteries. Here’s a link for more info: Power-Sonic Guide
@Hart
I looked into it more and found some useful points. AGM batteries are much better for EVs than the cheap standard battery that Kia uses. They last longer, accept charges better, and retain charge for longer periods when not in use.
Skylar said:
Try getting the dealer to replace the 12V battery at the same time. If you don’t already have an AGM battery, ask for one. Many owners have had this done under warranty.
I asked for an AGM, but Kia said they will only replace it with the same OEM battery.
@Adair
Even more fun… since the first 12V died and I had a roadside service replace it, Kia won’t cover that cost. They said I’d have to submit a reimbursement request. That seems pretty unfair since the ICCU is the real issue here.
Skylar said:
Try getting the dealer to replace the 12V battery at the same time. If you don’t already have an AGM battery, ask for one. Many owners have had this done under warranty.
What dealers do you have that wouldn’t charge a fortune to replace the battery yourself?
@Sadie
In the US, many owners get this done for free under warranty. Have you checked out kiaevforums.com? They have lots of details on 12V issues and ICCU recalls. Turns out there was a bad batch of 12V batteries in early models.
I had this same problem last summer with the 12V and limp mode. Replaced the 12V myself and haven’t had any issues since. Didn’t even go to the dealership.
Riley said:
This is frustrating… maybe Kia needs to recall all the faulty hardware. I can’t trust my car for long trips now, don’t want to get stranded.
Sorry this happened to you.
It’s a software bug causing the issue, not just the 12V battery.
