Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 28 | −30% | 2 | Electrical | Average |
| 2025 | 126 | 2.8× | 1 | Electrical | Avoid |
| 2024 | 75 | typical | 2 | Electrical | Average |
| 2023 | 52 | — | 4 | Body | Limited data |
| 2022 | 136 | — | 6 | Body | Limited data |
* Complaints compared with the median Carnival year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Kia Carnival problems
Latest Kia Carnival recalls
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Carnival vehicles. Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the fuel pipe and fuel rail.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the fuel pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.
Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Kia K4, 2025-2026 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage PHEV, K5, EV9, Carnival, and Carnival Hybrid vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.
Remedy: The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 26, 2026.
Structure › Body › Roof and pillars
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Sportage and 2022-2024 Carnival vehicles. The roof molding may loosen and detach.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the roof molding and replace or secure it as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 15, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.
Structure › Body › Door
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling all 2022 and certain 2023 Carnival vehicles. The auto-reverse feature for the power sliding doors (PSD) may not activate in all situations.
Remedy: Dealers will update the power sliding door control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.
Trailer hitches
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Carnival vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and verify whether the vehicle is equipped with a Genuine Kia accessory trailer tow hitch…
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Kia Carnival should you avoid?
2025 — this year has the most complaints relative to other Carnival years at the same age, led by electrical system problems in the 2025.
What are the most common Kia Carnival problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (138), body & structure (59) and engine & cooling (48). Electrical complaints peak in the 2025 model year.
How many recalls has the Kia Carnival had?
7 recalls across 2022–2026. The model year with the most is 2022. See all Kia Carnival recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.