NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Kia EV6 Safety Ratings
The 2023 Kia EV6 scores 92 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 131 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Kia EV6 achieved an exceptional 96/100 on the NHTSA Safety Index. This high score is largely attributable to its performance in federal evaluations, where the vehicle secured a top rating in every NHTSA crash-test category. Its standard suite of crash-avoidance technologies also contributed positively to this assessment. Despite strong performance in testing, three open recall campaigns for this model year warrant attention.
The 2023 Kia EV6 earned a NHTSA Safety Index of 96/100 and a five-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Kia EV6 ranks 20 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 92 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 8.2% |
| Recalls on file | 4 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 131 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 20 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Kia EV6?
The 2023 model year represents a sharp upward turn for the EV6 in MotorCaliber's safety tracking. The Safety Index climbed 13 points from the 2022 model year's 83/100 Strong rating to 96/100 Exceptional, a meaningful single-year gain driven by a perfect crash-protection sub-score of 70/70 and a full 10/10 on crash-avoidance technology. The one area holding the index below a theoretical ceiling is the defect record sub-score of 16/20, which reflects the weight of three recall campaigns. Two of those campaigns center on the Integrated Charging Control Unit, a component unique to the EV6's battery-electric architecture and not a concern shared with Kia's conventional models. The third campaign flags a driveshaft manufacturing defect specific to certain 2023 production units. The 131 unverified complaints, with 99 alleged to involve the electrical system, reinforce that the ICCU issue has generated real owner frustration. Still, the combination of a five-star sweep on all NHTSA crash metrics and standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control puts the 2023 EV6 among the strongest-scoring vehicles in the MotorCaliber dataset for its segment.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Kia EV6 perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Kia EV6 achieved a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in every category of NHTSA's crash-test program: overall, frontal, side, and rollover. This clean sweep included an 8 percent rollover risk, with the dynamic assessment yielding a no-tip result. No category presented a weakness or remained unrated.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18804
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Kia EV6 have any recalls?
Three recall campaigns cover the 2023 Kia EV6. Two target the Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) within the electrical system, where the unit may become damaged and stop functioning. A third addresses the power train driveshaft, where improper heat treatment of a drive shaft was identified on certain 2023 EV6 units. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the provided campaign data, but owners should verify remedy status 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
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT24V057000
Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the drive shaft, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC295.
Reported 2024-01-31
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Kia EV6?
NHTSA has received 131 unverified consumer complaints for the 2023 Kia EV6. The Electrical System dominates alleged issues at 99 reports, followed by the Fuel/Propulsion System at 29 and the Power Train at 24. Two alleged crashes are included among those reports. All figures represent unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
131 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Kia EV6?
The 2023 Kia EV6 has been subject to three distinct recall campaigns. Two of these address issues with the ICCU, while the third concerns the driveshaft. Prospective owners of a used 2023 EV6 should verify that all applicable recall remedies have been completed. This can be confirmed by checking the vehicle's VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup tool and by reviewing repair documentation from the seller.
- The 2023 EV6's Safety Index of 96/100 Exceptional reflects a 13-point jump from the 2022 model year's 83/100 Strong rating, the largest single-year gain in the EV6's NHTSA-tracked history available in this dataset.
- Two of the three 2023 EV6 recall campaigns target the Integrated Charging Control Unit, a component central to the vehicle's EV charging architecture, making ICCU remedy verification a priority check for any used purchase.
- A third recall campaign specifically flags certain 2023 EV6 units for an improperly heat-treated drive shaft, a defect that does not carry over to the 2022 model year and is exclusive to this production window.
- The 131 unverified NHTSA complaints skew heavily toward the Electrical System at 99 alleged reports, a pattern consistent with the ICCU recall campaigns and worth monitoring for remedy completion status on any specific vehicle.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Kia EV6 places
The 2023 Kia EV6 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Kia EV6 safety questions
Was the 2023 Kia EV6 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Kia EV6, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 92 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2023 Kia EV6 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Kia EV6 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 8.2%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Kia EV6 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 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 2023 Kia EV6?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 131 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 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 (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18804), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia EV6 2023.
- 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 20 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
- 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.