Last night, my wife was driving home when the car suddenly lost power and went into some kind of limp mode. She called Kia customer service, and they directed her to the closest dealer, Stevens Creek Kia in San Jose. She dropped the car off after hours, and someone told her they’d call when they could take a look at it.
By noon today, I hadn’t heard back, so I called the dealer. The service rep told me they couldn’t find the car in their system. When I asked when they’d be able to check it, she said they’re “backed up” and it could take up to two months before they even look at it. I was shocked. That’s ridiculous.
I called Kia customer service again, and they helped me find another dealer (the one I bought the car from) that can look at it next week.
Between my wife, kids, and me, we’ve probably owned 12 new cars over the years. While under warranty, I’ve never had to wait more than a few days for an appointment. I can’t imagine how they expect anyone to buy another Kia after experiencing this.
It turns out the issue is the 12V battery. I went to Stevens Creek to get the car, and they brought it out with a jumper pack hooked up to the 12V battery in the frunk. Kia roadside assistance is coming to tow the car to Capital Kia.
The dealer network really makes or breaks Kia and Hyundai. They’re kind of known for issues like this. My local dealer had a terrible buying process, but their service department has been great. They’ve handled recalls, regular maintenance, and even a limp mode issue (caused by the 12V battery) pretty quickly, usually within a couple of days.
Phoenix said: @Skylar
Do you think limp mode could be caused by the 12V battery? Could this be the issue with my car too?
It’s possible that it’s the ICCU. It’s a frustrating issue, but it’s fully covered under warranty. If it takes more than a couple of days, make sure to ask for a loaner car. Kia will usually cover a rental if needed.
Phoenix said: @Skylar
Do you think limp mode could be caused by the 12V battery? Could this be the issue with my car too?
Yes, it could be the 12V battery. A common issue is that it throws an error right when you start the car, saying something like “12V problem, find a safe place to stop.” The ICCU recall is supposed to improve how it charges, but with your 2023 model, the stock 12V battery might already be failing.
With my 2022, they tested the battery during the SC327 recall and said it was fine. The next day, it threw a code. I brought it back, and they tested the 12V again—it was done for. They replaced it under warranty.
Hopefully, with a new 12V and the updated ICCU, it’ll handle charging better. For extra peace of mind, I hook mine up to a battery tender once a week.
@Skylar
It is the 12V battery. I’m waiting for the tow truck from Kia roadside assistance. The driver told me, “It’s the battery, right? Happens all the time. I’ve towed a lot of EV6s because of it.”
Phoenix said: @Skylar
It is the 12V battery. I’m waiting for the tow truck from Kia roadside assistance. The driver told me, “It’s the battery, right? Happens all the time. I’ve towed a lot of EV6s because of it.”
Hopefully the new 12V and fixes will stop this from happening again, but just in case, here’s something that’s been useful for me. I’ve used it twice with no issues: Jump Box.
@Quinn
I get the frustration completely. I’ve got three Kia EVs, and I’ve dealt with months-long waits at dealerships myself. Both local dealers near me are backed up by weeks or months. It’s ridiculous.
But the reason I’ve been to the dealer so often? The issues are all Kia’s fault: ICCU recalls, 12V battery problems, missing bolts, blank gauge clusters, rattling consoles, alignment issues, and warped plastic near the windshield.
I visit the dealer so often they know me by name. Honestly, once these leases are up, I’m switching to another brand.
My dealer sent out their mobile service team to my house and did the 30K mile service on my Telluride. They said it saves time for everyone. Maybe check if your dealer offers this?