Last updated: 2026-03-04

Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Kia EV6: Reliability Compared

Hyundai Ioniq 5 reliability comparison

Hyundai Ioniq 5

52
MixedReliability score: 52 out of 100, rated Mixed
VS
More ReliableKia EV6 reliability comparison

Kia EV6

57
MixedReliability score: 57 out of 100, rated Mixed

Choosing between the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two compact suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Kia EV6 currently leads with an average score of 57/100 compared to 52/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 Generations Compare?

As of now, both the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 are in their first generation, having been introduced in 2022. The Kia EV6 is expected to receive its first significant facelift in 2025, while the Hyundai Ioniq 5 has a facelift scheduled for 2024. Being early in their generation cycles, both models might still be experiencing the initial teething issues common to new platforms. However, as they approach mid-cycle facelifts, any early reliability concerns are likely being addressed. Typically, as platforms mature, they become more refined and reliable, suggesting that later models in their current generation might offer improved dependability.

Verdict

The Kia EV6 is more reliable than the Hyundai Ioniq 5, scoring 57/100 vs 52/100.

The Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 are closely matched in reliability, with the Ioniq 5 slightly edging out the EV6 with an average reliability score of 44 compared to 43. Despite this, the EV6 has fewer recalls, with 8 compared to the Ioniq 5's 18 over five years. However, the Kia EV6 has a lower owner complaint rate at 48.9 per 10,000 sold, while the Hyundai Ioniq 5 records 63.4. Both vehicles share common issues with their electrical systems and power trains, but the Ioniq 5 also has notable concerns with its forward collision avoidance system.

Key Differences

  1. 1Kia EV6 has 14.5 fewer complaints per 10k sold
  2. 2Kia EV6 has 10 fewer total recalls
  3. 3Kia EV6 scores 5 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

0Hyundai Ioniq 5
—
3Kia EV6
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Kia EV6: Which Is More Reliable?

Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Kia EV6 at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricHyundai Ioniq 5Kia EV6
Reliability Score52/10057/100
Years Tracked55
Total Recalls188
Complaints per 10k Sold63.448.9
Year Wins0 (1 tied)3 (1 tied)

What Are the Common Problems With the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6?

The Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 both exhibit a significant number of complaints regarding their electrical systems, with the Ioniq 5 facing a notably higher volume at 554 complaints compared to the EV6's 204. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 also leads in power train issues, with 182 complaints versus the Kia EV6's 56. While both models have crash-linked complaints across various categories, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 shows a higher incidence in the electrical system and service brakes, totaling 5 and 4 crash-linked complaints, respectively. The Kia EV6, however, has a higher relative frequency of crash-linked issues in the "Unknown or Other" category, with 4 incidents compared to the Ioniq 5's 1.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Kia EV6 common problem areas comparison
ComponentHyundai Ioniq 5Kia EV6
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM36.8High28.4High
POWER TRAIN12.1Above Avg7.8Above Avg
UNKNOWN OR OTHER2.9Low3.3Average
SERVICE BRAKES1.2Low1.8Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1.5Low1.3Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1.3Low0.6Very Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE1.4Low0.3Very Low
STEERING0.9Very Low0.3Very Low
STRUCTURE—None1Very Low
ENGINE0.4Very Low0.4Very Low
LANE DEPARTURE0.4Very Low0.4Very Low
TIRES0.4Very Low0.4Very Low
AIR BAGS—None0.4Very Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING0.3Very Low—None
VISIBILITY/WIPER0.3Very Low—None
PARKING BRAKE0.1Very Low—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

How Does Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Kia EV6 Reliability Compare by Year?

Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Kia EV6 year-by-year reliability scores
YearHyundai Ioniq 5Kia EV6Edge
202553/1008R / 158C69/1000R / 0CKia EV6
202458/1002R / 134C59/1002R / 38CKia EV6
202350/1003R / 311C52/1003R / 98CKia EV6
202246/1003R / 349C46/1003R / 215CTie
2026(predicted)54/100(predicted)60/100(predicted)Kia EV6

Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 scored 58/100 and the 2025 Kia EV6 scored 69/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs the Kia EV6?

If you prioritize fewer recalls and potentially lower owner complaints, the Kia EV6 might be the better choice for you. With a reliability score of 43/100, it has had 8 recalls compared to the Hyundai Ioniq 5's 18. Additionally, the EV6 has fewer owner complaints per 10,000 sold at 48.9, which suggests a slightly better ownership experience. On the other hand, if you are more concerned about the overall reliability score, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 edges out with a score of 44/100. However, be prepared for a higher number of recalls and owner complaints, which stand at 63.4 per 10,000 sold. This could indicate more frequent trips to the dealer for repairs, especially in areas like the forward collision avoidance system. Overall, choose the Kia EV6 if you want fewer recalls and complaints, but opt for the Hyundai Ioniq 5 if you are swayed by a marginally better reliability score.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Kia EV6: Common Questions

Is the Hyundai Ioniq 5 more reliable than the Kia EV6?
Based on our data, the Kia EV6 is more reliable with an average score of 57/100 compared to 52/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or the Kia EV6?
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has more recalls (18) compared to the Kia EV6 (8). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or the Kia EV6?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Kia EV6 has a lower complaint rate at 48.9 per 10,000 sold versus 63.4 for the Hyundai Ioniq 5. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Related Reliability Comparisons

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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