Kia Carnival problems by model year

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 414 owner complaints and 7 recalls on file for the Kia Carnival (2022–2026). The 2022 Carnival has the most serious complaints, most often about body & structure.

Complaints
414
Recalls
7
Model years
5
Worst year
2022

Complaints by model year

13620225120237520241262025262026
NHTSA complaints per Kia Carnival model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst Kia Carnival years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

  1. 2022 Kia Carnival — 136 complaints, 4 crashes; top problem: Body & Structure
  2. 2024 Kia Carnival — 75 complaints, 2 crashes; top problem: Electrical System
  3. 2025 Kia Carnival — 126 complaints; top problem: Electrical System
  4. 2023 Kia Carnival — 51 complaints, 1 crash; top problem: Body & Structure
  5. 2026 Kia Carnival — 26 complaints, 3 crashes; top problem: Electrical System

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2023 (51 complaints).

Every Kia Carnival model year

YearComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesRecallsTop problem
2026 Carnival263042Electrical System
2025 Carnival1260051Electrical System
2024 Carnival7520122Electrical System
2023 Carnival511074Body & Structure
2022 Carnival13640346Body & Structure

Most common Kia Carnival problem areas (all years)

  • Electrical System
    137 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    67 complaints
  • Engine
    48 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    37 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    24 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    21 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    21 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    19 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    14 complaints
  • Steering
    13 complaints

Complaint trend

20222023202420252026
Complaints about the Kia Carnival received by NHTSA each month.

Kia Carnival recalls

  • Recall 26V232000Apr 10, 2026141,032 vehiclesModel years 2022–2026

    Risk: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.

  • Recall 26V046000Jan 26, 202642,677 vehiclesModel years 2026

    Risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer, tire pressure, or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 24V025000Jan 18, 2024101,049 vehiclesModel years 2022–2024

    Risk: A detached roof molding can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 23V236000Mar 31, 202351,568 vehiclesModel years 2022–2023

    Risk: A power sliding door that does not auto-reverse can close on an occupant, increasing the risk of injury.

  • Recall 23V179000Mar 17, 20233,555 vehiclesModel years 2022–2023

    Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

  • Recall 21V908000Nov 19, 20212,956 vehiclesModel years 2022

    Risk: A power sliding door that fails to latch may open while moving, increasing the risk of injury.

  • Recall 21V277000Apr 21, 20212,744 vehiclesModel years 2022

    Risk: A damaged fuel rail tube may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.

Other Kia models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology