Kingda Ka remained closed until the start of the 2012 operating season on April 5. Shortly before 5:00 p.m. on July 26, 2012, a young boy was sent to the hospital after suffering minor injuries from being struck by a bird during normal operation. The ride resumed normal operation shortly after the incident.

Kingda Ka, which was the world's tallest roller coaster until its permanent closure and demolition in early 2025, had a relatively solid safety record despite its extreme stats, but it did have several notable incidents. In 2005, during a test run, a "bolt failure" caused the launch cable to fray, resulting in a temporary shutdown, though no one was on board. The most significant injury occurred in 2012, when a young boy was struck in the face by a bird (specifically a pigeon) during the 128-mph launch. He suffered minor scratches and bruising but no life-threatening injuries. In 2023, a train "rollbacked" and experienced a mechanical failure in the braking fin area, which caused some riders to report neck and back soreness due to the sudden deceleration, leading to a temporary closure for inspections. While the ride was intimidating, most "injuries" reported over its 20-year lifespan were minor (such as headaches or lightheadedness from the G-forces). By 2026, the ride has been fully removed from Six Flags Great Adventure to make way for a new world-record-breaking coaster.