2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 22, 2026UTElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   On random occasions, car will display "check hybrid system" and go into limp mode (limiting speed significantly) check engine, oil, and battery lights also illuminate. Had car serviced twice by dealership who cannot replicate the error, nor can they find any engine codes stored. However, this incident keeps occurring. Planning on having the car serviced again and not picking it up until it's figured out, but also wanted to report this incidence as I have seen several posts…

   NHTSA complaint #11766261 · source
2. Filed Sep 6, 2026WVElectrical SystemEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control

   My vehicle keeps throwing a code “check hybrid system” and slowing me down to 30mph, it will not accelerate. This is extremely dangerous. I can restart the car and it’s fine but this is a major safety issue considering it keeps happening

   NHTSA complaint #11762493 · source
3. Filed Jul 26, 2026DEElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown

   My 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid is experiencing repeated electrical and hybrid battery failures. The battery has died multiple times, and the vehicle has shut off while driving, including at higher speeds. When the vehicle shuts off, all electrical systems reset, warning lights flash, and the dashboard displays “User Authorization” notifications. This creates a serious safety hazard for me and my passengers. The defect has occurred multiple times and remains unresolved despite…

   NHTSA complaint #11752888 · source
4. Filed Jun 16, 2026TXEngine

   Van made a loud pop noise and lost power. The HSG belt tensioner spring fell off it's seat loosing tension on the HSG belt. Was unsafe but luckily it happened before getting on the freeway, and coasted into a parking lot. Yes, it's at the dealership getting a replacement tensioner and belt. I believe so. No notification prior to failure, it was sudden.

   NHTSA complaint #11744526 · source
5. Filed Jun 1, 2026FLElectrical SystemEngine

   I am filing this complaint to report a recurring, life-threatening safety defect in my 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid involving the battery and hybrid propulsion system. This defect has occurred twice, and despite dealer repair attempts, it has not been resolved. On both occasions, while the vehicle was in operation, the hybrid system failed without warning. The vehicle displayed a hybrid system failure alert, lost the ability to accelerate normally, and became unable to maintain…

   NHTSA complaint #11741345 · source
6. Filed May 1, 2026FLEngine

   Despite being only 18 months old with under 26,000 miles, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic failure with no prior dashboard warnings. While driving at highway speeds, loud cracking noises occurred while the engine was running, though we were able to pull off safely. The incident resulted in a burning smell, fumes, and rapid battery drain; subsequent inspection revealed a sheared tensioner spring and a critical VDCU diagnostic code (P1A7795), indicating a "Check Generator…

   NHTSA complaint #11735023 · source
7. Filed Feb 22, 2026KYElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The vehicle shows a Driver Assistance System Warning randomly. Then the vehicle is unable to accelerate past ~30MPH. We almost got hit when this happened. The warning does not show up in notifications nor does it show up in diagnostics. It gets reverts back to normal when the vehicle is turned off then turned back on. It seems to reset.

   NHTSA complaint #11719729 · source
8. Filed Feb 18, 2026NVElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   While driving the car it will stick in the electric mode and not go back into gas mode. You will only be able to go up to 30-35 miles an hour and in order to fix this issue as of right now all I could do was have to pull over to the side of the road put the car in park turn it off and turn it back on. I worry that this issue will be even worse if I was on the interstate and my car was getting stuck in electric mode and then it’s a safety issue, especially since I have kids…

   NHTSA complaint #11718944 · source
9. Filed Dec 15, 2025TXElectrical SystemEngine

   While driving around, the van will go into "limp mode" effecting my speed and acceleration. Then the battery will become drained and the car alarms me to "Check Hybrid System. Stop safely." It seems the hybrid system fails to switch from battery to engine when the battery gets too low, creating the alert. While the vehicle is still running, I will check the diagnostics on the dashboard and it shows no faults: "all systems normal." This is very dangerous as the vehicle can…

   NHTSA complaint #11705121 · source
10. Filed Dec 4, 2025KSEngine

    Vehicle will randomly not engage into 3rd gear or go faster than 31 mph. The engine temp will increase as the RPMs continue to stay elevated since the vehicle isn’t engaging 3rd gear.

    NHTSA complaint #11702972 · source
11. Filed Aug 29, 2025FLElectrical SystemEngine

    While driving, the vehicle intermittently fails to accelerate when the accelerator is pressed; it will only coast at about 30 mph. At the same time, the hybrid battery indicator shows a low charge that continues to drop rather than recharge. The “Check Hybrid System – Stop Safely” warning also comes on. This recurring loss of propulsion creates a significant safety risk because we cannot reach or maintain normal traffic speeds. We have taken the van to our local Kia…

    NHTSA complaint #11683819 · source
12. Filed Aug 27, 2025TXEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

    The hybrid car intermittently switches into EV mode after coming to a complete stop (e.g., at a traffic signal or after briefly stopping to pick up my child). When this happens, the vehicle does not accelerate properly once back on the road and feels stuck in EV mode, unable to accelerate beyond ~45 mph. This creates a safety concern when merging or crossing intersections.

    NHTSA complaint #11683507 · source

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. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology