2022 Kia Niro EV: sudden loss of power

Filed Oct 23, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · MD

On XXX, After I attempted to plug my car into my home charging outlet at 240V, less than 20 minutes later I received an alert that my battery was at 0%. After unplugging the car, waiting for 30 minutes and plugging it back into the out, my car was unable to see the charging outlet or the 40A cable plugged into the port. Unplugged car again and after talking to remote mechanic, came to decision to take car to AAA repair shop for troubleshooting. Once at the AAA repair shop in [XXX], was advised to take my car to a Kia dealership, as a module was nonfunctional. Brought car to Beyer Kia in [XXX], who held onto my car for two months before making a diagnosis that my car was struck by lightning via a Field Technical Engineer, though the DTC codes stated otherwise: C180287, C161487, C16b487, C161487, C161487, C182D00. All codes noted are internal Controller Area Network Bus Communication Timeouts between internal modules, not power surge or electrical strike. C161487 - registered three times: Internal network timed out because VCU abruptly went offline or lost power. With it registering 3 times confirms ongoing hardware/power supply struggle inside car's computers, not external bolt of lightning. C16B487 - Another subsystem critical timeout error, unable to communicate with VCU. C180287 - Internal stability/chassis lost data connection over vehicle's internal network. C181D00 - Network fault indicating control module voltage dropped below required operating threshold to maintain communication. Kia is trying to claim an external surge (lightning) caused this. However, if a massive high-voltage lightning surge had entered the vehicle through the charging port, it would have permanently fried the OBC (Onboard Charger) or the ICCU (Integrated Charging Control Unit). This would immediately trigger high-voltage hardware failure "P-codes" (Powertrain). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 16, 2026 · Electrical, Fuel system · MD

COMPONENT/SYSTEM: The 12-volt auxiliary battery system, the interior fuse box (Total Integrated Power Module) containing an auto-cutoff relay, and the high voltage battery system. All components are available for inspection. SAFETY RISK: The vehicle has lost power and died while being driven, and has left occupants stranded on multiple occasions. A sudden loss of motive power in traffic creates a serious risk of collision to occupants and to other motorists. The vehicle has failed to start dozens of times. FAILURE DESCRIPTION: The 12-volt battery in my 2022 Kia Niro EV has repeatedly discharged, leaving the vehicle dead and unable to start. ~Six 12V batteries have been installed between January 2025 and February 2026, between 60,431 and 77,130 miles. CONFIRMED BY DEALER: Yes. The condition has been reproduced and documented by the dealer across five separate repair orders. On 1/21/2025 at 60,431 miles, the technician found the 12V battery completely dead after sitting, jump-started the vehicle, and reported no abnormal draw on the electrical system. On 11/05/2025 at 74,355 miles the vehicle again required a jump start to be brought into the shop; the battery was replaced, and the technician reported the vehicle was operating as designed. On 1/22/2026 at 77,124 miles, a technician performed a parasitic draw test and measured 0.185 amps, exceeding the specification of below 50 milliamps by approximately 3.7 times. The technician documented that the auto-cutoff relay was remaining closed, continuously supplying current to 21 modules, and that the interior fuse box required replacement at a quoted cost of $2,048.48. This defect was present during the two prior visits but was not identified. On 2/13/2026 at 77,130 miles, the vehicle would not start when we came to pick up the car. The shop had to provide a loaner, and then another battery was installed, and the TIPM was replaced.

Filed Dec 9, 2023 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · CA

Started 2-3 months ago and is progressively getting worse. Battery drop from charged down to 2% randomly. Battery would drop 1% every 3 seconds. During highway drive it would cancel out cruise control and/or limited power down to 30mph. Which almost caused accident for the sudden loss of power. Brought to dealer and found no issues, waiting for next appointment in 2 weeks (next opening) to bring in for second look. Currently renting a vehicle since it is life threatening to just have no power in range and acceleration.

Filed Jun 20, 2023 · Transmission · NY

Vehicle enters power limited (turtle) mode randomly. While driving under normal conditions, with ample battery charge and range, the “turtle mode” warning indicator chimes. Sometimes it is brief and no noticeable power loss is experienced. However, often power will be lost and the vehicle must limp off the road to restart if it doesn’t resume on its own. This problem arises at varying speeds and ambient conditions. Our safety is at risk because you never know when it will happen. Losing power on the highway and making an emergency stop is clearly a safety hazard. The dealership has not been able to replicate this problem.

Filed Jun 16, 2022 · MI

EV was at 50%/130 miles to go, was driving on the expressway at 70 mph and it just quit. No warning, just all the lights started going on and off and i lost power and was able to coast to the side of the expressway. Was unable to restart, or get into gear for the hauler. Vehicle was hauled to dealership and is still there. The car has 1,100 miles on it.