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2022-2026 · 5 model years

Kia Carnival Problems by year

Owners have filed 428 complaints about the Kia Carnival across 5 model years, and it has 7 recalls. The 2025 has the most complaints once its age is allowed for (128), while 2023 has far fewer than a typical year. The most reported problem area is the electrical system, followed by the body, doors & structure.

Most complaints for its age2025128 complaints · 1 recallSee the 2025
Complaints
428
Recalls
7
Crashes
11
Fires
0
Injuries
63
Deaths
0

Carnival complaints by model year

Highlighted: the year with the most complaints for its age. Older vehicles have had more time to collect complaints - the Safety Index grade allows for that.

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
202631230Electrical systemC
2025128100Electrical systemD
202476220Electrical systemC
202354420Body, doors & structureA
2022139640Body, doors & structureC

Most common Carnival problems

Kia Carnival recalls 7

Latest Carnival complaints

2023 Kia CarnivalOther & unknown

Bought for it to be a family car only to find out the defect of the sliding doors. Even after the recall "fixed" it my niece was crushed this morning by the door that obviously doesn't sense resistance fast enough. Since then I've tested it and it is dangerous enough that we have disabled the doors. The automatic doors are not safe for children.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11777356
2022 Kia CarnivalFuel system

Recall SC368 / 26V232 is incomplete, dealer won't complete the recall. Kia was willing to cover 50% for new fuel injectors (known recall on fuel injectors). The long list of issues we've had with this vehicle needs to be investigated properly.

Filed Incident Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11777081
2025 Kia CarnivalElectrical system

Unknown Went to start my car and the whole system would not respond (key fob and battery was just replaced in july)

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11776492
2024 Kia CarnivalBody, doors & structure

Sliding door repeatedly gets stuck opening or closing. I'm afraid to transport our infant grandchildren in fears of being stranded with them because we can't close the door. It had been to the dealership twice along with videos of it happening but they said since it's not a TSB from kia, they can't replace door control module. Videos won't attach to this submission. Please advise additional way I can submit.

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 11776357
2025 Kia CarnivalOther & unknown

I was driving about 65 mph down the highway with my 3 children and husband in the car when out of nowhere my front sunroof EXPLODES. It sounded like a gunshot and was absolutely terrifying for my entire family. I went back and forth with Kia (dealership and service advisors acknowledged this is a known occurrence/recall for KIAs) however, after multiple attempts of a goodwill replacement, I was continuously denied.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11776003
2026 Kia CarnivalElectrical system

Battery dies after car sitting for 1-3 days and requiring jumping to recharge. Parasitic tests have been inconclusive but issue remains. This is a safety issue where it's unclear when the vehicle will start and be usable.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11775835

Questions about the Kia Carnival

Which Kia Carnival years have the most problems?

By the number of complaints owners filed with NHTSA: 2022 (139), 2025 (128), 2024 (76). Allowing for how long each has been on the road, the 2025 stands out most. Complaint counts also rise with sales, so compare years of the same model rather than different models.

Which Kia Carnival years have the fewest complaints?

Among model years that have been on the road for at least three years, 2023 have the best Safety Index - the fewest complaints, crashes and recalls for their age compared with other Carnival years. Always check the exact vehicle's recalls by VIN before you buy.

What are the most common Kia Carnival problems?

Across every model year, owners report problems with the electrical system (142), body, doors & structure (68), engine & cooling (48) most often.

How many recalls does the Kia Carnival have?

NHTSA lists 7 recalls across all Kia Carnival model years. Each year's page lists the recalls for that year; check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether the repair has been done.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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