Investigations
Loss of Motive Power
NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE23012 — closed, opened 2023-07-03 and involving the KIA KIA.
NHTSA investigation PE23012 is a Preliminary Evaluation opened on 2023-07-03 and currently closed. The subject of record is KIA KIA, which places this file inside the Office of Defects Investigation queue for KIA. Latest activity on this investigation was logged on 2024-04-17 — NHTSA updates that field whenever an Information Request goes out, a supplement is filed, or a status change is recorded in the public docket.
A Preliminary Evaluation like PE23012 is the entry point of the federal defect-investigation process. NHTSA engineers scan complaint databases, field reports, and manufacturer data to decide whether an Engineering Analysis is warranted, whether a voluntary recall is already sufficient, or whether the pattern does not rise to a defect finding.
Investigators summarized the matter as follows: "On July 3, 2023, the Office of Defect Investigation (ODI) opened PE23012 to investigate allegations of loss of motor power on model year (MY) 2022 Kia EV6 vehicles. Some consumers reported loss of motor power immediately..." Investigations are the early-warning layer of the federal auto-safety system, sitting upstream of formal recalls and defect orders. Whether this one closes without action or escalates into an Engineering Analysis, the full history stays in the ODI archive so researchers, litigators, and buyers can pull the paper trail at any time. Related KIA files, listed below, give context on whether this is an isolated concern or part of a broader pattern across the brand.
Investigation Summary
On July 3, 2023, the Office of Defect Investigation (ODI) opened PE23012 to investigate allegations of loss of motor power on model year (MY) 2022 Kia EV6 vehicles. Some consumers reported loss of motor power immediately after warning lamp illumination or reduction of motive power while the vehicle was in motion. This investigation found that the Integrated Charing Unit (ICCU) may become damaged over time from transient high voltage and thermal cycling. A damaged ICCU may not be able to charge the 12-volt battery which can discharge gradually while driving with a reduction of motive power. The vehicle could eventually experience a complete loss of motive power thereby increasing the risk of a crash. On July 13, 2023, Kia conducted a service campaign to inspect the ICCU and install an improved over-current detection software logic in certain 2022-2023 EV6 vehicles. On March 15, 2024, Kia filed recall 24V-200 for 48,232 MY 2022-2024 Kia EV6 vehicles. The recall remedy provides an inspection of the ICCU, and if necessary, a replacement of the ICCU and the associated fuse. The ICCU software reduces the risk of overcurrent and implements voltage peak reduction at the end of EV battery charging. The recall also includes a software update that revises the electric water pump operational threshold to reduce thermal loading during charging and driving. In view of the recall action being taken by Kia, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
About This Investigation Type
A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first phase of NHTSA's investigation process. It is opened when the agency identifies a potential safety defect pattern, usually triggered by consumer complaints, manufacturer reports, or field monitoring. During a PE, NHTSA gathers information to determine whether a formal engineering analysis is warranted.
Other KIA Investigations
Kia 25V099 Piston Oil Ring Recall Effectiveness
Windshield Wiper Failure
3.3L Engine Loss of Motive Power (LOMP)
Loss of Motive Power
Vehicle Rollaway
Data from NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Cross-references: NHTSA recall campaign API and NHTSA FARS where fatality records overlap. PlainCars does not rate or recommend vehicles. Learn more.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.