Is the Kia EV6 more reliable than the Tesla Model Y?

Based on our data, the Kia EV6 is more reliable with an average score of 57/100 compared to 55/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.

Which has more recalls, the Kia EV6 or the Tesla Model Y?

The Tesla Model Y has more recalls (83) 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 Kia EV6 or the Tesla Model Y?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Tesla Model Y has a lower complaint rate at 24.3 per 10,000 sold versus 48.9 for the Kia EV6. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Is the Kia EV6 or Tesla Model Y safer?

Both the Kia EV6 and Tesla Model Y received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.

Last updated: 2026-03-04

Kia EV6 vs Tesla Model Y: Reliability Compared

More Reliable

Kia EV6

Mixed

Tesla Model Y

Mixed

Choosing between the Kia EV6 and the Tesla Model Y? 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 55/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Kia EV6 and Tesla Model Y Generations Compare?

The Tesla Model Y is currently in its first generation, which spans from 2020 to 2025, with a significant refresh coming in 2025. Being early in its generation cycle, the Model Y may still be refining initial production issues, a common characteristic of newer platforms. In contrast, the Kia EV6 is in its first generation, known as the CV, from 2022 to 2024, with a facelift expected in 2025. Since the EV6 is nearing the end of its generation cycle, it benefits from a more mature platform, which typically translates to improved reliability as earlier issues are sorted out over time.

Verdict

The Kia EV6 is more reliable than the Tesla Model Y, scoring 57/100 vs 55/100.

The Kia EV6 edges out the Tesla Model Y in reliability, with a slightly higher average reliability score of 43/100 compared to Tesla's 41/100. Although the EV6 has a higher owner complaint rate of 48.9 per 10,000 sold versus the Model Y's 24.3, the EV6 benefits from significantly fewer recalls, totaling 8 over 5 years compared to the Model Y's 83 over 6 years. Both vehicles have common issues with their electrical systems, but the recall disparity makes the EV6 a more reliable option. Neither vehicle has available independent repair cost estimates, which remains a consideration for potential buyers.

Key Differences

1Kia EV6 has 75 fewer total recalls
2Tesla Model Y has 24.6 fewer complaints per 10k sold
3Kia EV6 scores 2 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

2Kia EV6

—

1Tesla Model Y

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateSafety Rating

Kia EV6 vs Tesla Model Y: Which Is More Reliable?

Kia EV6 vs Tesla Model Y at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Kia EV6	Tesla Model Y
Reliability Score	57/100	55/100
Years Tracked	5	6
Total Recalls	8	83
Complaints per 10k Sold	48.9	24.3
Safety RatingNHTSA overall	2026 NHTSA	2025 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins	0	4

What Are the Common Problems With the Kia EV6 and Tesla Model Y?

The Tesla Model Y exhibits a high frequency of complaints in forward collision avoidance, vehicle speed control, and the electrical system, with significant crash-linked incidents, particularly in steering (60) and air bags (42). In contrast, the Kia EV6's most reported issue involves the electrical system, though it results in relatively few crash-linked incidents. The Model Y's forward collision avoidance is a notably severe area with 41 crash-linked complaints, a concern not mirrored in the EV6's profile. Additionally, the EV6 shows fewer overall complaints across categories, suggesting fewer reliability issues compared to the Model Y.

Kia EV6 vs Tesla Model Y common problem areas comparison
Component	Kia EV6	Tesla Model Y
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	28.4High	2.4Low
POWER TRAIN	7.8Above Avg	0.4Very Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	0.3Very Low	6.3Average
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	3.3Average	2.3Low
SERVICE BRAKES	1.8Low	1.9Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	0.6Very Low	3.1Average
STEERING	0.3Very Low	2.4Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	1.3Low	—None
STRUCTURE	1Very Low	0.2Very Low
AIR BAGS	0.4Very Low	0.6Very Low
SUSPENSION	—None	0.9Very Low
LANE DEPARTURE	0.4Very Low	0.2Very Low
TIRES	0.4Very Low	—None
ENGINE	0.4Very Low	—None
BACK OVER PREVENTION	—None	0.2Very Low
SEAT BELTS	—None	0.1Very Low
VISIBILITY/WIPER	—None	—None

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

How Does Kia EV6 vs Tesla Model Y Reliability Compare by Year?

Kia EV6 vs Tesla Model Y year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Kia EV6	Tesla Model Y	Edge
2025	69/1000R / 0C	70/1002R / 69C	Tesla Model Y
2024	59/1002R / 38C	63/1005R / 254C	Tesla Model Y
2023	52/1003R / 98C	53/10015R / 997C	Tesla Model Y
2022	46/1003R / 215C	50/10018R / 783C	Tesla Model Y

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Kia EV6 scored 69/100 and the 2025 Tesla Model Y scored 70/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Kia EV6 vs the Tesla Model Y?

If you prioritize fewer recalls and a slightly higher reliability score, the Kia EV6 may be the better choice for you. With a reliability score of 43/100 and only 8 total recalls, it offers a more stable ownership experience compared to Tesla Model Y's 83 recalls. However, keep in mind that the EV6 has a higher rate of owner complaints at 48.9 per 10,000 sold, indicating some dissatisfaction among owners, particularly with its electrical system and power train. On the other hand, if you value innovative technology and can manage the higher number of recalls, the Tesla Model Y might suit you. Despite its lower reliability score of 41/100, the Model Y has fewer owner complaints at 24.3 per 10,000 sold and is known for its cutting-edge features. Consider this model if you are willing to navigate potential issues with forward collision avoidance and vehicle speed control for the benefit of Tesla's advanced technology.

Kia EV6 vs Tesla Model Y: Common Questions

Is the Kia EV6 more reliable than the Tesla Model Y?: Based on our data, the Kia EV6 is more reliable with an average score of 57/100 compared to 55/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Kia EV6 or the Tesla Model Y?: The Tesla Model Y has more recalls (83) 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 Kia EV6 or the Tesla Model Y?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Tesla Model Y has a lower complaint rate at 24.3 per 10,000 sold versus 48.9 for the Kia EV6. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Is the Kia EV6 or Tesla Model Y safer?: Both the Kia EV6 and Tesla Model Y received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.

More Kia EV6 comparisons

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More Tesla Model Y comparisons

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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

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.

Repair Costs

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

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.

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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