My 11,500 Mile Kia EV6 Wouldn't Turn On, Called KIA's Roadside Assistance And The Guy Says This Is The 4th or 5th EV He Has Towed With This Issue

Kia EV6 owners have been raving about their vehicles for good reasons: sleek design, impressive range, and advanced technology. However, as with any cutting-edge electric vehicle, there are challenges. While scrolling through the Kia EV6 owners' group on Facebook, I came across Pamela Stenman’s post about her recent issue with her 2024 Kia EV6. Despite the frustrating experience, her loyalty to Kia remains steadfast, making her story both relatable and inspiring.

Pamela shared: “Going to the dealership 30 miles away. If the electric warning happens to you call 800-333-4542, KIA roadside assistance, and they will have it towed for you. The car wouldn’t even turn on, the tow guy jumped the 12-volt battery to put it in neutral (AWD) to get it on the truck. The battery went dead as soon as he turned it off. I couldn’t even lock the car w/ the remote. The guy said this is the 4th or 5th EV he has towed with this issue. I thought my 13-month-old, 2024 EV6 w/ 11,055 mi, was going to be an exception. I have no mods or anything connected & absolutely no issues before this. Now I know how to use my 12-volt jump unit I bought 12 months ago :). Stay safe. Love my EV6. My 4th KIA vehicle. Hope can go back to trusting it.”

Pamela's Kia EV6 being towed by a tow track.

Pamela’s experience sheds light on a situation that may resonate with other Kia EV6 owners or potential EV buyers, as it highlights the importance of understanding and addressing challenges that arise with new vehicle technology. Let's unpack Pamela's story and explore insights from other EV6 owners who’ve encountered similar issues.

Common Threads: Other Kia EV6 Owners' Experiences

Pamela’s post sparked a discussion among fellow EV6 owners who shared their stories. Cynthia Shone commented: “On my 3rd battery replaced by the dealership. The battery was determined bad. Nothing showed up on recorded incidents or computer test. They kept telling me can’t fix anything that doesn’t show up bad. Finally had to tow it and it would not stay running for them to replace it for the 2nd time. They updated ICCU twice saying nothing tested bad. We shall see.”

Cynthia’s frustration reflects a common challenge in diagnosing intermittent EV issues. When a problem doesn’t immediately register in diagnostics, dealerships may struggle to resolve it effectively, leaving owners in limbo.

Ye Benero chimed in, mentioning his own experience: “Same here, never had a problem until last week right after receiving the letter for the recall. Car immediately slowed down to 25 m/h and kept losing power on the 12v battery. Could not even charge the main battery. My vehicle was towed to the dealer and they confirmed yesterday was the ICCU. Part is supposed to come in a week so fingers crossed.”

Ye’s comment underscores how recall-related updates or defective parts - like the ICCU (Integrated Charging Control Unit) - can sometimes trigger unexpected issues. If you're curious about how Kia EV6 owners have been navigating these issues, read more about first-time EV buyers' experience with the Kia EV6 in this detailed review.

On the other hand, Earl Berry’s situation had a much simpler resolution. He said: “My 12v died on me once. I had a booster and started the car with it. Never had a problem since.” Earl’s account highlights how some cases are one-off incidents easily remedied with tools like a jump starter.

Key Takeaways and Insights for EV Owners

1. Be Prepared with a 12-Volt Jump Starter: Both Pamela and Earl mentioned how helpful a jump starter can be. EVs rely on the 12-volt battery to power essential systems like locks, displays, and even to shift the car into neutral. Having a jump starter on hand could save you from being stranded.
2. Know Your Warranty and Roadside Assistance: Pamela’s advice about calling Kia Roadside Assistance (800-333-4542) is invaluable. If your EV6 experiences similar issues, the warranty may cover towing and repairs. Always keep these details handy. To understand the deeper nuances of owning the EV6, see how another owner feels after 8 months of driving in this insightful report.
3. Understand the ICCU Recall: Ye’s experience suggests that some ICCU updates or malfunctions might be contributing to the 12-volt battery failures. Check with your dealership if your vehicle is subject to any open recalls and have them address these proactively.
4. Document Everything: Cynthia’s comment about diagnostics not showing errors highlights the importance of documenting issues, especially if they recur. Take notes, record error codes (if visible), and insist on thorough testing at the dealership. Meanwhile, those looking to future-proof their EV experience might want to explore Kia's upcoming game-changer, the EV9, in this analysis of how it could soon outpace the EV6 in sales: Kia’s EV9 Will Outsell the EV6.
5. Stay Engaged in the Community: Discussions in forums and owner groups can be a treasure trove of knowledge. You’ll find tips, similar experiences, and even preventative measures shared by others who’ve been in your shoes.

Balancing Frustration with Positivity

Despite her inconvenience, Pamela’s love for her EV6 remains evident: “Love my EV6. My 4th KIA vehicle. Hope can go back to trusting it.” This sentiment reflects the enthusiasm many EV6 owners share, even when facing hurdles. Owning an EV often involves a learning curve, and many drivers still find the benefits, such as lower emissions and cutting-edge tech, to outweigh occasional challenges. To dive deeper into the overall appeal of the EV6, check out this recent 2024 Kia EV6 GT review, which covers what makes this vehicle such a standout in the market.

What’s Next for Kia EV6 Owners?

Kia’s continued investment in EV technology, combined with feedback from owners, will likely help resolve some of these early issues. As more drivers adopt EVs, manufacturers are learning to improve systems, diagnostics, and support for their customers.

Join the Discussion

Have you ever experienced a similar issue with your Kia EV6 or another EV? If so, how was it resolved? What tips or tools do you recommend for fellow EV owners? Share your experience in the comments below, your insights could help another driver avoid a frustrating day. And if you're thinking about your next EV or a long-distance road trip, check out this article on how the Kia EV6 performs on a cross-country trek to see how it stacks up for those looking for more adventure behind the wheel.

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.