If you’re researching 2022 Kia EV6 problems, you’re probably trying to decide whether this stylish, fast electric crossover is a smart long‑term bet, especially on the used market. The EV6 delivers strong range, ultra‑fast DC charging, and a great driving experience, but early model‑year cars do have some recurring issues you should understand before you buy.
Key Takeaway
Overview: How Reliable Is the 2022 Kia EV6?
2022 Kia EV6 Reliability Snapshot
Big picture, the 2022 EV6 is not a disaster story, but it’s also not trouble‑free. Most complaints cluster around 12V battery drain, ICCU failures that affect charging, and various software or infotainment bugs. Traditional “old‑school” problems like engine failures, transmissions, or rust simply don’t apply here, but you do need to pay attention to the EV‑specific systems that keep the car charging and moving.
Used‑Buyer Tip
Most Common 2022 Kia EV6 Problems
- 12V auxiliary battery draining or failing early, sometimes stranding the car in a “no‑start” condition.
- ICCU (Integrated Charging Control Unit) failures leading to AC charging issues or errors like “Charging Unsuccessful.”
- Home or public AC charging problems, won’t start, repeatedly starts and stops, or only DC fast charging works.
- Scattered reports of high‑voltage battery or range irregularities, usually resolved with software or wiring fixes.
- Infotainment and in‑car electronics glitches: frozen screens, cameras, Bluetooth or Kia Connect app quirks.
- Typical EV wear items: faster tire wear and some suspension/steering noises on higher‑mileage cars.
Don’t Ignore “Check Electrical System” Warnings
12V Battery Drain & No-Start Issues
The single most talked‑about 2022 Kia EV6 problem is the 12‑volt (auxiliary) battery. In an EV, the small 12V battery still powers critical electronics, relays, and the systems that allow the high‑voltage battery to wake up and charge. If the 12V battery goes low, the car can appear completely dead, even with plenty of charge left in the main pack.
Common 12V Symptoms
- “Low 12V Battery” or “Check Electrical System” messages.
- Car won’t go into Drive or won’t power on at all.
- Lock/unlock or screens respond slowly or not at all.
- Charge door or charge port button doesn’t work.
Likely Causes
- Early 12V battery wear from frequent short trips or long idle periods.
- Smart charging or third‑party apps waking the car repeatedly and preventing deep sleep.
- Software behavior that doesn’t always keep the 12V topped up as expected.
- In some cases, an underlying ICCU or charging‑system issue contributing to drain.
Why This Matters on a Used EV6
How to Check the 12V Situation on a 2022 EV6
1. Look for warning lights or messages
Turn the car on (without driving) and scan for any 12V or electrical system warnings. Walk away from any car showing persistent errors.
2. Review service records
Ask specifically about 12V battery replacements, ICCU software updates, and any electrical diagnostics. A documented replacement with updated software is generally a positive sign.
3. Ask how the car is used
Cars that sit for long periods, live at airports, or rely heavily on third‑party apps and smart chargers are more likely to have experienced 12V drain.
4. Consider a proactive 12V replacement
If you’re buying a higher‑mileage 2022 EV6 out of warranty on the 12V battery, budget for a preventative replacement with a higher‑quality AGM unit.
5. Use a battery health report if available
Tools that monitor auxiliary‑battery behavior, or a comprehensive condition report like the Recharged Score, can reveal if the 12V system has been struggling.
ICCU Failures and AC Charging Problems
Next on the list of 2022 Kia EV6 problems are failures of the ICCU (Integrated Charging Control Unit). The ICCU manages both charging the high‑voltage battery from AC power and, in many situations, keeping the 12V battery charged. When it goes bad, you may see a mix of 12V issues and AC charging failures.
How ICCU Issues Show Up in Real Life
What owners typically report before a confirmed ICCU failure
AC charging won’t start
Frequent 12V warnings
Long dealer visits
Red Flag on a Test Drive
2022 EV6 Charging Problems: Quick Triage Guide
Use this to roughly distinguish between simple charging‑station quirks and car‑side problems.
| What You See | Most Likely Cause | What To Do Before Buying |
|---|---|---|
| Won’t charge on one specific public station, but other stations are fine | Charger/network issue, not the car | Test on multiple stations and a home Level 2 before blaming the EV6. |
| Charging starts and stops repeatedly on multiple AC chargers | Possible ICCU or 12V support issue | Have a Kia dealer pull codes and confirm whether ICCU work has been done. |
| DC fast charging works, AC charging fails almost everywhere | Likely ICCU failure or related control issue | Avoid purchasing until repaired under warranty and documented. |
| Both AC and DC charging randomly fail, with multiple electrical warnings | Potential high‑voltage or control‑system fault | Only proceed if you see a full repair history and remaining factory EV system warranty. |
This guide is not a substitute for a professional diagnosis, but it can help you ask better questions.
The Good News
High-Voltage Battery & Range Concerns
Compared with the 12V and ICCU stories, the high‑voltage battery packs in the 2022 EV6 have not generated widespread, systemic failures. Most owners report range that’s reasonably close to EPA estimates once you account for driving style, highway speeds, and weather. Still, a few issues are worth keeping in mind.
- Isolated reports of the car stopping short of a full 100% charge, sometimes traced to wiring or connection issues rather than the pack itself.
- Range loss in very cold or very hot climates, common to almost all EVs, but more noticeable if you expect EPA numbers all year round.
- Early concerns about rapid degradation have so far been the exception rather than the rule, but long‑term data on first‑year EV6s is still emerging.
How to Check Battery Health on a Used EV6
Software Glitches & Infotainment Issues
Like many modern EVs, the EV6 leans heavily on software, for charging behavior, driver‑assistance features, and its twin‑screen infotainment setup. Owners of 2022 models have reported occasional frozen or laggy screens, camera glitches, and Kia Connect app oddities, including delayed updates or app behavior that seems to aggravate 12V drain.
- Infotainment system randomly rebooting or freezing until the next drive cycle.
- Surround‑view camera or backup camera taking too long to load, especially in cold weather.
- Kia Connect app repeatedly waking the car, increasing 12V battery usage if polling is aggressive.
- Occasional false or overly sensitive alerts from driver‑assistance systems.
Simple Fixes That Often Help
Recalls Affecting the 2022 Kia EV6
Several NHTSA recalls apply to the 2022 Kia EV6. Depending on build date and region, these can include software updates and hardware inspections related to the charging system and other safety‑critical areas. Most examples in the wild should already have this work done, but you can’t assume.
How to Make Sure Recall Work Is Complete
1. Run the VIN through NHTSA or Kia
In the U.S., use the NHTSA recall lookup with the car’s VIN. Kia’s own site will also show open campaigns that a dealer needs to complete.
2. Ask for a dealer printout
A Kia dealer can pull a service history showing which recalls, campaigns, and software updates have been applied, and when.
3. Verify ICCU and charging campaigns
Specifically confirm whether ICCU‑related software and hardware campaigns have been completed. These are directly tied to the most common 2022 EV6 charging complaints.
4. Confirm no “open” actions remain
You don’t want to discover an outstanding safety or charging recall after you buy. Make completion of any open work a condition of sale.
If a Seller Can’t Document Recall Status…
What to Check When Buying a Used 2022 EV6
When you’re evaluating a used 2022 EV6, your goal is to separate cars that have had their early kinks sorted from those that may be waiting to surprise you with 12V or charging headaches. Here’s how to approach it methodically.
Five High-Priority Checks for a Used 2022 EV6
Focus here and you’ll avoid most nasty surprises
1. High-voltage battery health
2. 12V battery & ICCU history
3. Real-world charging test
4. Recall & software status
5. Tires & suspension
6. Ownership & use pattern
How Recharged Handles This
What These Problems Can Cost You
Costs vary widely depending on warranty status, dealer policies, and whether you’re the first or a subsequent owner. Still, it’s helpful to understand the general stakes involved with the most common 2022 Kia EV6 problems.
Typical Impact of Major 2022 EV6 Problem Areas
Ballpark costs and downtime expectations, actual numbers will vary by dealer and region.
| Issue | Out-of-Pocket Risk (Out of Warranty) | Downtime Impact | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12V battery replacement | Relatively low (similar to a modern ICE car battery) | A day or less | The bigger risk is being stranded at an inconvenient time rather than the cost of the battery itself. |
| ICCU diagnosis & replacement | Potentially high without coverage | Several days to weeks | Often covered under EV system warranties on younger vehicles; verify coverage before authorizing work. |
| High-voltage battery or wiring repair | Very high if not warrantied | Days to weeks | So far, true pack failures are rare; most issues are resolved through software or connections under warranty. |
| Infotainment / software glitches | Low–moderate | Hours to a day | Usually handled via updates. Only persistent issues that require module replacement become expensive. |
Warranty coverage can dramatically reduce or eliminate many of these expenses, especially for original owners within Kia’s EV system coverage.
Use Risk, Not Fear, to Guide You
Is the 2022 Kia EV6 a Good Used Buy?
If you’re willing to do your homework, a 2022 Kia EV6 can be a very compelling used EV. It offers strong performance, fast DC charging, a spacious interior, and styling that still looks fresh several years on. The trade‑off is that you’re buying into the first model year of a new EV platform, with the associated 12V, ICCU, and software quirks that early adopters discovered the hard way.
Why a 2022 EV6 Is Worth a Look
- Attractive pricing versus new EVs with similar range and performance.
- Long EV‑system and battery warranties still in effect on many cars.
- Excellent DC fast‑charging speeds for road trips.
- Matured software and recall fixes now available compared with 2022 launch status.
Reasons to Be Cautious
- Documented history of 12V and ICCU issues on some early cars.
- Potential for longer dealer wait times on complex electrical diagnostics.
- Software and app behavior can affect day‑to‑day convenience more than on a simple gas car.
If you value cutting‑edge EV capability and are comfortable vetting the electrical and charging history of the specific vehicle in front of you, the 2022 EV6 can be a smart buy. If, on the other hand, you want an EV that behaves exactly like your old gas sedan with zero learning curve, you may be happier focusing on later‑build EV6s or other models with fewer first‑year quirks. Either way, going through a retailer that understands EV diagnostics, and provides transparent battery‑health data like Recharged does, takes most of the anxiety out of the decision.
