Install Chrome Extension Chrome Extension
Kia · Compact · 2021–2024 Custom Search

Kia EV6 CV

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

1.7 / 5.0 · Based on 6 engine variants · How we rate

The EV6 (CV, 2021-2024) was Kia's big leap onto the E-GMP platform — 800-volt tech, brutally fast charging, and a chassis that feels far more grown-up than the price suggests. The overshadowing issue is the ICCU fire recall (24V200 / 24V867): the Integrated Charging Control Unit can fail, the 12V battery then stops charging, and in the worst case that ends in sudden loss of drive power while moving. This is no trivial recall — the ICCU status must be confirmed on EVERY EV6 before you buy. Drivetrain pick: the KIA-EV-77-RWD (229 hp) with the big 77-kWh pack is the sweet spot — range, efficiency, rear drive. The KIA-EV-58 (170 hp) is the frugal entry car, the KIA-EV-77-AWD (325 hp) for anyone wanting all-wheel drive. The KIA-EV6-GT (585 hp) you buy with your heart, not your head. Other themes: the 12V battery drains during sits, the A/C expansion valve gives trouble, and there's a rollaway software recall (22V322). Test drive: check the 12V system — no start issues, no fault messages on unlock. Test a fast-charge session if possible. Listen for interior rattles. Market 2026: entry from around $17,000-22,000, clean GT-Line cars near $30,000-31,000, the GT well above. Insider pick: an EV6 RWD with the big battery, ICCU recall closed out, and franchise service history — the best range-per-dollar in the segment.

Most Fun Engine

585 PS

GT AWD · Elektro

EV6 GT — 585 hp, 3.5 seconds to 100

Legendary!
Problem Engine

218–228 PS

Elektro 77.4 kWh RWD Elektro

6 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Engine Overview

The Kia EV6 CV is available with 4 engine variants — from 110 to 585 hp.

GT AWD · Electric· 585 PS
2022 2024

High-performance dual-motor drive with enormous system output and brutal off-the-line acceleration, fed by a 77.4 kWh battery on an 800-volt architecture that enables very fast charging with a short charging curve. Performance-oriented by design: brakes and chassis wear faster under sporty use, so when buying used inspect discs, pads and tyres closely. Check battery degradation via a state-of-health report, and the small 12-volt battery as well. Regeneration eases the brakes in everyday driving. Range drops noticeably when full power is demanded.

  • !! ICCU failure – GT also affected by recall from 27,000 km

    The EV6 GT shares the ICCU weakness with all EV6 variants. Forum reports show cases with only 27,000 km. After a software update, new control units can fail again.

    Symptoms: Sudden vehicle standstill, no hazard flashers, 12V system failure, vehicle cannot be restarted.
    1,500–3,000 $
  • !! 12V battery drains during extended parking from 20,000 km

    Early software versions of the EV6 GT cause excessive 12V battery drain through frequent wake-up cycles. Particularly with the digital key and wireless charging function enabled.

    Symptoms: Vehicle won't start after several days of parking, 12V battery symbol on display, vehicle doesn't respond to key.
    100–250 $
  • ! Infotainment freezes and software bugs after OTA updates from 15,000 km

    After over-the-air updates, the EV6 GT suffers from sporadic infotainment system freezes, incorrect range estimates and random warning lights. Usually fixable via another software update.

    Symptoms: Infotainment screen freezes or restarts, warning lights with no apparent cause, app notifications not working.
    0–300 $

+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Long Range AWD · Electric· 325 PS
2021 2024

Dual-motor all-wheel drive on the 800-volt E-GMP platform with high system output and strong off-the-line response. Convincing traction on all surfaces, with a permanently excited motor up front backed by a second motor on the rear axle that engages on demand. The 77.4 kWh battery charges very quickly thanks to the 800-volt architecture, provided preconditioning kicks in and the charge management cooperates. Real-world range swings with temperature and speed, and regen is easy to modulate. Battery degradation has been moderate so far, but read out the state of health with a diagnostic tool when buying used. Keep an eye on the small 12-volt battery too, as it handles wake state and the low-voltage system.

  • !! Recall: ICCU failure leads to loss of drive (EV6 AWD)

    Identical ICCU issue as on the RWD: the integrated charging control unit can fail and no longer supply the 12V network. Kia recalled EV6 AWD (2022–2024) under the same recall (SC327).

    Symptoms: Audible 'pop' noise, dashboard warning lights, gradual loss of drive within 22–45 minutes
  • !! ICCU failure: 12V system failure from 30,000 km

    The AWD variant of the EV6 is fully affected by the ICCU recall. The combined load of both electric motors can increase the thermal stress on the ICCU unit.

    Symptoms: Gradual power reduction, 12V system failure, vehicle comes to a standstill, no hazard flashers possible.
    1,500–3,000 $
  • !! Rear axle reducer bearing noise from 100,000 km

    On performance-oriented AWD vehicles, bearing noise from the rear reducer has been reported, particularly with a spirited driving style and at higher mileage.

    Symptoms: Humming from the rear axle area at certain speeds, increasing noise level at higher mileage.
    500–2,500 $

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Long Range RWD · Electric· 229 PS
2021 2024

Long-range rear-wheel-drive powertrain on the modern 800-volt E-GMP platform. High charging power of up to 240 kW fills the battery at a fast charger from 10 to 80 percent in around 18 minutes, provided preconditioning is running. Smooth driving feel and strong regeneration via the steering-wheel paddles. When buying used, have the battery state of health read out; degradation has stayed modest so far. The small 12V battery is a known weak point — prone to draining during long standstills. Check charging history and software level.

  • !! Recall: ICCU failure leads to loss of drive (EV6)

    The integrated charging control unit (ICCU) can fail due to overcurrent or heat damage and no longer charge the 12V network. Kia recalled 48,232 EV6 vehicles (2022–2024) under Kia SC327 / NHTSA 24V-867. Remedy: ICCU replacement + software update.

    Symptoms: Audible 'pop' noise followed by warning chimes and dashboard warning lights; vehicle gradually reduces drive (approx. 22–45 minutes until standstill)
  • !! ICCU failure: 12V onboard battery drains while driving from 30,000 km

    The 77.4 kWh RWD EV6 shares the known ICCU weakness. The charging control unit fails due to condensation forming in the aluminium housing. According to goingelectric.de data, up to 300 documented cases in Germany by 2025.

    Symptoms: Sudden failure of all 12V systems, gradual power loss, vehicle comes to a standstill, no hazard flashers.
    1,500–3,000 $
  • !! 12V battery drains quickly from control unit standby from 30,000 km

    Multiple EV6 owners report a quickly drained 12V battery after a short standstill. Control units and always-on functions draw continuous current; the 12V battery is sized smaller than in combustion vehicles.

    Symptoms: EV6 won't start after a short standstill, 12V battery warning displayed, central infotainment unresponsive
    150–400 $

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Standard Range RWD · Electric· 170 PS
2021 2024

Rear-wheel-drive electric motor on the 800-volt E-GMP platform with a 58 kWh battery. Characteristic are the strong, linear acceleration from standstill and the high charging power — under favourable conditions very short charging times are possible at a fast charger, with the charging curve holding high values for a long time. Real-world range varies considerably with the season, noticeably lower in winter. Low maintenance: no timing chain, no oil change, brakes last long thanks to regeneration. When buying used, it is essential to read the battery state of health (SoH) with a diagnostic tool and to check the often weak 12-volt battery, whose failure causes typical starting problems. Watch the software update level and charging history.

  • !! ICCU failure: 12V battery drains while driving from 30,000 km

    The integrated charging control unit (ICCU) on the EV6 can fail due to internal moisture and thermal cycling, after which the 12V onboard battery is no longer charged. The vehicle gradually loses all electrical systems and comes to a standstill.

    Symptoms: Warning chimes and dashboard warning lights, gradual loss of drive power, lights and hazard flashers fail, vehicle comes to a standstill.
    1,500–3,000 $
  • !! Recall SC302/SC327: ICCU defect causes vehicle standstill from 30,000 km

    Kia recalls 19,078 EV6 vehicles in Germany (built April 2021 – February 2024). A defective ICCU can no longer charge the 12V battery, which can lead to a complete vehicle standstill.

    Symptoms: Gradual power reduction, warning lights, in the worst case complete standstill without hazard flashers or lighting.
    0–0 $
  • !! 12V battery drains from standby power consumption from 30,000 km

    The 58 kWh EV6 also shows the same standby power demand as the 77 kWh variant. Continuous control unit activity during extended parking drains the 12V battery, often within a few weeks.

    Symptoms: Vehicle won't start after extended parking, 12V battery warning, infotainment non-functional
    150–400 $

+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
Charge port insulation cap detaches, plug melts (DC)

On E-GMP EVs (2021-2022, incl. EV6) a small insulation cap on the DC charge-port pins can come loose and lodge in the connector. At 800V fast charging this traps heat and the connector can melt and fuse. Kia/Hyundai supply a redesigned cap (TSB).

Symptoms: Charge connector won't release after DC charging, visible melt marks on the positive pin, hot connector, charging aborts with an error.
from 20,000 km
High
!12V battery drains when parked

Even after the ICCU recall, EV6 drivers report a flat 12V battery after extended periods of inactivity. An infotainment system crash prevents a complete shutdown and drains the battery.

Symptoms: Car won't start after more than 24–36 hours of inactivity, brake system warning, vehicle won't enter drive mode.
Low
Software crashes and infotainment freezes

The EV6's infotainment system occasionally freezes or reboots. Known link to 12V battery problems. Kia provides regular OTA updates.

Symptoms: Black screen, audio cuts out, navigation freezes, complete infotainment reboot while driving.
Low
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below average
423 complaints · 2021–2024
  1. 01 Electrical
    314 ⚠ 4
  2. 02 Fuel System
    76 ⚠ 2
  3. 03 Powertrain
    71 ⚠ 1
  4. 04 Other
    57 ⚠ 4
  5. 05 Engine
    28 ⚠ 1

Top Reported Issues

Electrical (314 complaints)
Fuel System (76 complaints)
Powertrain (71 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

Alternatives

Same Segment

BMW 2er U06

Compact (2022–2025)

Same Segment

Honda Civic Type R FL5

Compact (2022–2026)

Same Segment

Hyundai Elantra N CN7 N

Compact (2022–2025)

Same Segment

Opel Astra L

Compact (2022–2025)

Same Segment

Peugeot 408 E3

Compact (2022–2026)

Same Segment

Renault Megane V-EV

Compact (2022–2025)

Explore more

Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 43 weaknesses have been documented for the Kia EV6 CV (2021–2024) — 32 engine-related and 11 vehicle-related. 4 problem engines: KIA-EV-58 (Elektro 58 kWh), KIA-EV-77-RWD (Elektro 77.4 kWh RWD), KIA-EV-77-AWD (Elektro 77.4 kWh AWD), KIA-EV6-GT (Elektro 77.4 kWh GT). Typical issues affect Electronics, Interior, HVAC, Suspension.

EV6 (KIA-EV-58, 2021–2024) — Stay Away!: ICCU failure: 12V battery drains while driving, Recall SC302/SC327: ICCU defect causes vehicle standstill, 12V battery drains from standby power consumption. Power: 170 PS.

EV6 (KIA-EV-77-RWD, 2021–2024) — Stay Away!: Recall: ICCU failure leads to loss of drive (EV6), ICCU failure: 12V onboard battery drains while driving, 12V battery drains quickly from control unit standby. Power: 229 PS.

EV6 (KIA-EV-77-AWD, 2021–2024) — Stay Away!: Recall: ICCU failure leads to loss of drive (EV6 AWD), ICCU failure: 12V system failure, Rear axle reducer bearing noise. Power: 325 PS.

EV6 (KIA-EV6-GT, 2022–2024) — Stay Away!: ICCU failure – GT also affected by recall, 12V battery drains during extended parking, Infotainment freezes and software bugs after OTA updates. Power: 585 PS.

What to watch out for with the Kia EV6? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Kia EV6 CV have? +
The Kia EV6 CV has 32 known engine weaknesses and 11 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Kia EV6 CV? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: KIA-EV-64-NIRO (Elektro 64.8 kWh), KIA-SOUL-EV (Elektro Soul EV). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the KIA-EV6-GT (Elektro 77.4 kWh GT). Problem engine: KIA-EV-77-RWD (Elektro 77.4 kWh RWD) — stay away!
Which Kia EV6 CV engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Kia EV6 CV — rated: "Legendary!". {description} Kia's electric rocket with 740 Nm, drift mode and adaptive chassis on 21-inch wheels. In GT mode nervous and raw, in Eco mode relaxed cruising — reshuffle the cards at the touch of a button. Porsche Taycan performance at half the price.
Is the Kia EV6 CV worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Kia EV6 CV — 4 of 6 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Kia EV6 CV? +
The Kia EV6 CV is available with engine variants from 110 to 585 hp.

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee