Why did my 2022–2024 Kia EV6 make a loud pop and then lose power?

Short answer: A loud pop near the back of the car followed by a 'Check electrical system' or 12V warning is the classic sign of a failed ICCU (Integrated Charging Control Unit), the part that charges the small 12-volt battery from the big battery. Once it fails, the 12V battery drains and the car loses power. Kia's recall SC327 (NHTSA 24V867) inspects and replaces the ICCU and fuse if needed and updates the software for free.

Symptom: A pop or bang from the rear, then warning chimes, a 'Check electrical system' or charging warning, a reduced-power light, and the car slowing down.

What to check first

1. Run your VIN for recall 24V867 (Kia SC327). It replaced the earlier 24V200 (SC302), and cars fixed under the first recall still need the new one.
2. If you hear the pop and see warnings, pull over safely and call Kia roadside for a tow to a Kia dealer.
3. Notice the yellow 12V charging light. One owner saw it come on often in the weeks before the ICCU failed.
4. Ask about loaner cars and parts timing. Waits ranged from a few days to about 7 weeks in owner reports.

Likely causes

1. Failed ICCU (integrated charging unit) or ICCU fuse. Kia's recall says the ICCU can be damaged and stop charging the 12V battery, which can cut drive power. NHTSA's investigation was opened after owners reported a loud pop and then a loss of power.
2. 12V battery damaged after the failure. Several owners had the 12V battery replaced after the ICCU, since it was run flat.

What it usually costs

Free under the recall. One Kia EV Forum owner who was past the warranty mileage said they were quoted about $3,700 for an ICCU, but Kia corporate approved the repair after the dealer submitted it. Always ask the dealer to run it as a recall or goodwill claim first.

Is it safe to keep driving?

No. The car loses power step by step and can eventually lose drive power completely. Pull over and have it towed. Verify with a mechanic.

DIY or shop?

Dealer. It's a high-voltage part covered by a free recall.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• Recall 24V200 (Kia SC302, March 2024; 2022–2024 EV6): the ICCU may be damaged and stop charging the 12V battery, which can cause a loss of drive power. Dealers inspect and replace the ICCU and fuse as needed and update the software.
• Recall 24V867 (Kia SC327, November 2024): expands and replaces 24V200 with updated software. If your car is part of this recall, the dealer fixes it for free, even if the first recall was already done. Kia's owner letter estimates the repair takes about 1–2 hours.
• NHTSA investigation PE23-012 (2023): opened after owner reports of a loud pop, a dashboard warning, and partial or complete loss of power.
• NHTSA complaints: 291 keyword-matched complaints for Kia EV6 2022–2024 (of 492 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-10-17; keywords: iccu, 12v, 12 v, 12-volt, 12 volt, integrated charging).

What owners report

• In 2022 EV6 Wind: loud pop, Check Electrical System, 57K miles, an owner heard a pop shifting into reverse and got the warning. Replies said a pop plus that warning is almost always the ICCU. One waited about 7 weeks for parts; another got the ICCU in a couple of days.
• On the Kia EV Forum, an owner wrote about the ICCU failing and being replaced in the middle of a trip: a popping sound, the car slowing quickly, and warnings. The dealer had the parts within days, and the owner also switched the 12V battery to an AGM battery.

My take

My advice as a former car salesman: on a used EV6, ask for proof that SC327 was done, not just SC302. They're easy to confuse, and the newer one is the one you want.

Vehicle focus: 2022–2024 Kia EV6.

Safety / mechanic note

Losing drive power in traffic is a crash risk. Verify with a mechanic.