Thinking about buying a used Kia EV6 (2021) in New Zealand? We've documented 11 known faults for this model spanning electrical, cooling, brakes, and tyres. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
11
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$900–$2,800
Typical repair
4
Systems covered
Known Kia EV6 faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01ICCU failure causing loss of drive power and dead 12V
CriticalCommonElectrical $2,500–$5,000 to fix
This is the headline EV6 fault. The ICCU (Integrated Charging Control Unit) manages power between the main battery, the 12V system and charging; a faulty transistor inside can fail — often with an audible pop — and stop charging the 12V battery, giving a 'Check Electric Vehicle System' warning, then a gradual power loss and, if ignored, a complete loss of drive power. Kia issued a recall (software update, plus ICCU replacement where already failed) covering 2022-2024 EV6, but some owners report repeat failures. A failed ICCU out of warranty is a costly repair.
Symptoms to notice
'Check Electric Vehicle System' warning
A loud pop before problems start
Reduced power / turtle mode while driving
Dead 12V battery / car won't wake up
What to check
Ask whether the ICCU recall/software update was completed and whether the ICCU has ever been replaced (and if so, how long ago). Confirm there are no EV-system warning lights. Ask if the car has ever lost power or been recovered on a truck.
Where to look: ICCU / onboard charging module (under the vehicle); 12V battery in the boot
Ask the seller
“Was the ICCU recall done and has the ICCU been replaced?”
“Has the car ever lost power or shown an EV-system warning?”
“Has the 12V battery gone flat unexpectedly?”
02Rapid front tyre wear from weight and instant torque
MinorCommonTyres $800–$2,000 to fix
The EV6 is heavy and delivers instant torque, so it chews through front tyres faster than a comparable petrol car, especially the performance GT and cars driven enthusiastically. New EV-rated tyres are expensive, and mismatched or worn tyres hurt both range and grip. It's a running cost rather than a fault, but uneven or cheap tyres can also hint at a car that's been driven hard or has an alignment issue.
Symptoms to notice
Front tyres worn faster than rears
Uneven or feathered tyre wear
Cheap/mismatched tyres fitted
Reduced range on worn or wrong tyres
What to check
Check tread depth and wear pattern on all four tyres, especially the fronts, and whether they match and are a proper EV-rated fitment. Uneven wear suggests alignment or hard driving. Budget for premium tyres.
Where to look: Front tyres
Ask the seller
“How many kilometres are on the current tyres?”
“Are they matched, quality EV-rated tyres?”
“Has the wheel alignment been checked recently?”
ElectricalMajor
ElectricalMajor
ElectricalMajor
CoolingMajor
CoolingMajor
CoolingMajor
BrakesMajor
ElectricalMajor
ElectricalMajor
9 more documented faults on the Kia EV6
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 11 documented faults for the Kia EV6, the recurring problem areas are electrical, cooling, and brakes. A Kia EV6 with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Kia EV6?
+
We've catalogued 11 known faults for the Kia EV6, covering electrical, cooling, and brakes. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Kia EV6?
+
Most single repairs on the Kia EV6 fall between $900–$2,800 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 11 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Kia EV6?
+
Yes. A Kia EV6 inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.