NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2022 Kia EV6 Safety Ratings
The 2022 Kia EV6 scores 79 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), 4 recalls, and 268 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2022 Kia EV6 secures a NHTSA Safety Index of 83/100, placing it within the Strong band. This result is primarily driven by its robust crash-protection scores. However, the picture is tempered by three separate recall campaigns and a comparatively thin score for its avoidance technology. While structurally capable, the vehicle presents specific electrical-system concerns that warrant ongoing attention.
The 2022 Kia EV6 holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 83/100 and earned 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA frontal and side crash testing, according to NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 135 SUVs from 2022 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2022 Kia EV6 ranks 104 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 79 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 0% |
| Recalls on file | 4 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 268 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 104 of 135 SUVs tested for 2022 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2022 Kia EV6?
The 2022 EV6 achieves an 83/100 Strong Safety Index rating, establishing a new benchmark for this model. Its crash protection sub-score of 70 out of 70 represents a full sweep of the disciplines NHTSA tested, with back-to-back 5-star results in frontal and side impact assessments. This exceptional performance in crashworthiness forms the foundation of its overall safety rating. In sharp contrast, the avoidance technology sub-score of 2 out of 10 is notably low; neither forward collision warning nor lane departure warning systems are listed as standard equipment for the 2022 model year. Electronic stability control is the only active safety feature credited. The defect record sub-score of 11 out of 20 reflects the impact of three recall campaigns, two of which address a systemic electrical concern spanning the 2022-2024 production. This issue is further underscored by 268 owner complaints, predominantly citing alleged Electrical System failures, indicating these recalls are not isolated incidents but a defining aspect of this model year's safety profile.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2022 Kia EV6 perform in crash tests?
The 2022 Kia EV6 achieved a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in both frontal and side crash tests, the highest possible ratings in these critical categories. Overall and rollover ratings for this model year are not available, precluding assessment in those specific areas.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16606
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2022 Kia EV6 have any recalls?
Yes. Three recall campaigns cover this model year. Two target the Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU), which may become damaged and stop functioning, affecting 12V battery charging across 2022-2024 EV6 vehicles. A third, issued earlier, addresses a Shifter Control Unit software error that may disengage the parking brake unintentionally on 2022 EV6 vehicles specifically. The parking-brake software recall is a park-outside-level concern that used-vehicle shoppers should verify as remedied by VIN.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY26V431000
Risk: A fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures and limit their charge to a maximum of 80% until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the high voltage battery system assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 7, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC375. Vehicle Identi
Reported 2026-07-02
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY24V867000
Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the ICCU and its fuse, as necessary. In addition, dealers will update the ICCU software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 13, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC327. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 24V-200. Vehicles pr
Reported 2024-11-18
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY24V200000
Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the ICCU and its fuse, as necessary. In addition, dealers will update the ICCU software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 29, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC302.
Reported 2024-03-14
PARKING BRAKE:ELECTRICAL:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE22V322000
Risk: Vehicle rollaway can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Drivers are recommended to park their vehicles on level ground and avoid parking on a slope/inclined surface whenever possible until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will update the Shifter Control Unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 25, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC236.
Reported 2022-05-11
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2022 Kia EV6?
Owners have filed 268 unverified complaints with NHTSA, with the Electrical System alone accounting for 204 of those alleged reports. The Fuel/Propulsion System and Power Train follow. Reported allegations include 11 crashes, 6 injuries, and 1 death, none of which have been independently verified by NHTSA as causal.
268 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2022 Kia EV6?
The 2022 EV6 has three open recall campaigns, a factor all prospective owners should consider. Owners must confirm that the parking-brake software and both ICCU recalls have been completed; these directly affect vehicle securement and charging function. Unresolved recalls transfer with the vehicle to a new owner.
- The 2022 EV6 is the launch year for this model, so the 83/100 Strong Safety Index has no prior-year baseline to compare against.
- Two separate ICCU recall campaigns covering 2022-2024 EV6 vehicles cite potential 12V battery charging failure, making remedy verification by VIN essential for any used purchase.
- A 2022-specific recall addresses a Shifter Control Unit software error that may disengage the parking brake, a condition that warrants confirmation of repair before taking ownership.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score of 2 out of 10 reflects the absence of forward collision warning and lane departure warning as standard equipment on this model year, a meaningful gap in the active-safety profile.
RANKINGSWhere the 2022 Kia EV6 places
The 2022 Kia EV6 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2022 Kia EV6 safety questions
Was the 2022 Kia EV6 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2022 Kia EV6, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 79 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2022 Kia EV6 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2022 Kia EV6 earned 5 out of 5 stars for frontal and 5 out of 5 stars for side. Its measured rollover risk is 0%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2022 Kia EV6 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2022 Kia EV6, including a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which is the most serious class of recall. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2022 Kia EV6?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 268 owner complaints are on file for the 2022 Kia EV6. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other EV6 years
Rivals in SUV (2022)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Infiniti Qx55 | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2022 Buick Encore GX | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2022 Buick Envision | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2022 Nissan Murano | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Buick Enclave | 94/100 | 4 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 16606), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia EV6 2022.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 104 of 135 in the SUV class for 2022.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.