Kia Carnival Complaints (2022)

136 consumer complaints on file.

#11767623September 29, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On June 20, 2026, the instrument cluster in my 2022 Kia Carnival became completely inoperative. The failure prevents me from viewing vehicle speed, fuel level, gear position, warning indicators, mileage, and other information normally displayed by the cluster. Because the cluster is the driver's primary source for operating and warning information, I believe the complete loss of the display creates a safety risk while driving. An authorized Kia dealership confirmed the failure on August 17, 2026. The dealer documented the complaint as “cluster inop” and “unable to get miles.” The technician found no diagnostic trouble codes and checked the fuse, wiring harness, and connectors, all of which were documented as OK. The dealership concluded: “CLUSTER INTERNAL ISSUE. REC REPLACE CLUSTER.” The dealer recommended replacement and programming of the complete instrument cluster at a customer-pay cost of $9,783.40. Kia has been notified. Customer Care twice declined assistance based on the vehicle being outside warranty. My concern is that this has been treated only as a warranty matter rather than evaluated as a potential safety-related defect. The precise internal cause is UNKNOWN. The cluster has not been disassembled or subjected to engineering analysis. It has not yet been replaced and remains available for inspection upon request. I request that NHTSA review this failure with any similar complaints, manufacturer communications, warranty claims, field reports, Techline cases, or failed-component data involving 2022 Kia Carnival instrument clusters to determine whether a broader safety-related defect pattern exists. Prior warning lamps, messages, or symptoms before complete failure: UNKNOWN.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766039September 22, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The power sliding door actuator motor drive cables on my 2022 Kia Carnival snapped on both the passenger and driver sides. The doors are stuck shut, even in manual mode, creating a safety hazard for passengers since the only way to exit in an accident would be through the rear hatch or the front doors. The Kia dealer said they couldn’t open the doors without removing the interior sliding door panels, which would require damaging them because the doors are stuck shut. There were no warning signs before either cable broke. I have also researched online and it seems many Kia Carnival Owners are having the same sort of issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11764494September 15, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
The rear latch on both sliding doors rusts and the buildup prevents the door from closing eventually because the latch mechanism stays up. There is a video on this from a Kia master tech.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754169August 1, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The power sliding door on my Kia Carnival has repeatedly failed to reopen when an occupant was caught in the doorway. On multiple occasions, my young child has become trapped by the sliding door after it began closing. Instead of consistently detecting the obstruction and reversing as expected, the door continued to close and pinned my child until an adult intervened. This creates a serious safety hazard because children can become trapped or injured by the power sliding door. The issue has happened several times, making me concerned that the anti-pinch/obstacle detection system is not functioning properly or consistently. The problem appears intermittent but has occurred often enough that I no longer trust the safety feature. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. I am submitting this complaint because I believe this is a widespread safety defect affecting Kia Carnival sliding doors and understand other owners have reported similar incidents. I am concerned that a child could suffer a serious injury if this defect is not addressed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11753013July 27, 2026
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES, STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Carnival. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V908000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages, Structure); however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the rear passenger’s side power sliding door failed to latch securely. The contact used force while pushing the rear passenger’s side sliding door from the outside to latch the sliding door properly. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that it was unrelated to the recall repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11748281July 4, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
SC368 CROSS OVER FUEL PIPE recall incomplete by kia of des moines
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743703June 12, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I am writing to formally complain about the delay in repairing my vehicle under an active recall involving the fuel system/crossover fuel pump. I have been informed that the required part is on backorder and that the repair may not be available until the end of July. My concern is that I am experiencing strong fuel fumes in and around the vehicle. The odor is severe enough that it is causing headaches, and I do not feel it is safe for me or my children to ride in the vehicle. Given that this recall involves a fuel-related component, I am extremely concerned about both the health effects of continued exposure to the fumes and the potential risk of fire. At this time, I do not believe the vehicle is safe to operate. I am requesting that Kia provide an immediate solution, including one or more of the following: A loaner vehicle until the recall repair can be completed; Rental vehicle reimbursement; Expedited repair assistance; or Any other reasonable accommodation that ensures my family's safety.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742041June 4, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel leak at pipe connection between the fuel pipe and fuel rail. Nuts securing the high-pressure crossover fuel pipe to the fuel rail loosened, leaking raw fuel, leading to risk of fire. This has been reported and confirmed by Ron Bouchard Kia, of Lancaster, MA, USA. It is a part of Kia Recall SC368 (NHTSA ID: 26V232). We noticed the vehicle was leaking a substance in April 2025. After receiving recall notice in April 2026, we brought the vehicle in to be check on XXX. We were informed on XXX by phone that our vehicle was affected and fell under this recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11738446May 18, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My 2022 Kia Carnival, approximately 80,000 miles, had intermittent dashboard warning lights and grinding brake noise for a few weeks. I brought the vehicle to Tasca Kia White Plains first time on 4/14/26 then again on 5/8/26. The dealership initially could not reproduce the issue, then later suspected an ABS sensor issue and ordered the part. On 5/12/26, before the repair was completed, I was driving downhill with my children in the vehicle when the brakes failed to respond properly. I had to steer off the roadway and go over rocks/boulders to stop the vehicle. At that time, the brakes would not respond normally, and I could not immediately shift the vehicle into Park. Police and towing services were involved. The dealership later replaced an ABS sensor. However, when I reviewed the codes with the service manager, I was told the ABS sensor code did not appear on the date of the brake incident. I was also told that an ABS sensor failure itself would not typically cause hydraulic brake failure. I am concerned that the sensor replacement does not explain the brake failure and that this may involve a brake/ABS/electronic stability control safety issue.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734515April 29, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Carnival. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V320000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11729561April 6, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
Engine light turns on every couple months. The Kia either stops accelerating and goes into “limp mode” or gives code for misfiring cylinders. Took to dealership several times, they did nothing but reset battery so light goes off. Unsafe when driving my family around and has turned into an unreliable vehicle. SO frustrating for a new vehicle to have these issues.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723950March 12, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am submitting this complaint regarding the failure of the Kia Connect telematics system and the cessation of critical navigation support for my vehicle. Despite opening a formal support case with Kia (Ticket #25923650), the following issues remain unresolved: Loss of Trip History (Since January 2026): The Trip History feature within the Kia Connect suite has been completely non-functional since January 2026. This prevents the tracking of vehicle usage, mileage, and driving behavior data, which are core features of the paid subscription service. Failure of Connected Routing & Software Obsolescence: The "Connected Routing" feature is no longer operational. Kia support has stated this is due to the vehicle requiring a navigation update; however, Kia has ceased providing all navigation and software updates for this model as of April 2025. Safety Concern: The lack of software support and the failure of "Connected Routing" forces the vehicle to rely on navigation data that is nearly a year out of date. This creates a safety risk when the vehicle provides incorrect guidance on one-way streets, closed roads, or altered traffic patterns. Furthermore, the persistent failure of these telematics services raises serious concerns about the reliability of the vehicle's emergency communication systems, such as Automatic Collision Notification and the SOS Emergency Assistance button, which utilize the same underlying cellular module and software framework. Corrective Action Requested: I am seeking a mandatory software update from Kia that restores full functionality to the Kia Connect suite (specifically Trip History and Connected Routing) or a final navigation map update to ensure the vehicle’s guidance systems remain safe and accurate for the remainder of the service's lifecycle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723675March 11, 2026
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My engine smells like fire and fuel my can will not start or do anything. There was smoke coming out of it. The van has had several issues since buying it. Now it’s completely disabled I heard a popping noise as I was driving and then it died and has not started since.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11719347February 20, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The driver side passenger door will open by itself when the key fob is near. Today it injured me while pumping gas and almost knocked the gas tank door off and gas pump out. I locked my vehicle to go inside to pay for gas. When I came back to my car to open the gas tank door and inserted the gas pump, the sliding door opened and smashed my wrist in between it and the gas tank cover door. It almost knocked the tank door off but I was able to keep fighting it and pushing it back and it closed. I have deep indents in my wrist and it scuffed the gas tank cover. The sliding doors do not stop when someone is going in or out. It is a safety hazard and should function like a garage door. Stop when it senses something there. I almost lost my wrist today!!!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11709607January 8, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am unsure as for what is wrong with my car the dealership keeps saying its running rich and there is a recall on several 2022 Kia Carnivals that say it could be a faulty fuel rail tube. They have also said my map sensor is failing. My check engine light appeared a few days ago and has since been cleared and hasn't came back on, however it is just a matter of time. My children ride in this car as it is my daily driver and I have extremely head headaches. The dealership inspected the car and stated it did not smell like fuel however it definitely does.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705444December 16, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Fuel door will not open, there is no manual override, vehicle cannot be refueled and since there is no emergency release it caused me to be stranded at a gas station at night with my 4 kids which is a huge safety concern and should be taken seriously as this is a safety and drivability issue that I should not be held responsible to pay for when it is at no fault to me it is a design/system failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704051December 9, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The dealer is attempting to classify the torn rubber and pulled-out wiring as “non-recall wear and tear,” but the damage is a direct result of: a latch that sticks, a door that does not close smoothly, a malfunctioning power sliding mechanism, and the repeated force required to compensate for the defect. Under recall law, when an unresolved defect causes additional damage, the owner cannot be held financially responsible for the resulting deterioration. This is a mechanical consequence of a defect, not a cosmetic issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701168November 24, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle: 2022 Kia Carnival Component: Liftgate — right-side support/strut (shoulder) failure Safety Issue: The right-hand side trunk strut/support has completely broken, causing the liftgate to drop unexpectedly. The trunk will not stay open and can fall abruptly during use. This creates a significant safety hazard for adults and children standing underneath, and while loading/unloading cargo. There was no prior warning or misuse. The failure is structural and sudden. Resulting Risk: Risk of head/neck injury, especially for children or anyone attempting to open or hold the liftgate. The sudden drop makes the rear of the vehicle unsafe to use. Request: Investigation into whether this is a defect affecting other 2022 Kia Carnival vehicles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699531November 15, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
In October 23, 2025 I started to notice a fuel smell while I was driving the vehicle. The smell of fuel seemed more strong while I had the air conditioning running.I would shut off the AC and put the windows down. There was no leaks of fuel on the ground or close to the motor. No check engine light or messages was displayed on dash at anytime. My concern was that I’m constantly driving my small children in car seats to and from school, sports, and appointments the smell the fumes will cause headaches or worse car will catch fire were we would need to make a fast exit out the vehicle. So I made an appointment with Kia of Stockton and they scheduled me for 10/29/26 at 9:30am. Kia first diagnosis was undetermined and charged me another $315 just to keep diagnosing on top of there first fee of $315. Kia discovered after removing the foam that protects the fuel rail the leak was coming from fuel injectors and fuel rail. Fuel injector leaking where injector inserts into rail. Repair was needed due to failure of fuel rail housing not sealing properly. Kia also replaced associated components with the fuel rail clips, bolts, flanges, high pressure sensor, foam, and injector wire harness. According to Kia there tech found short in the injector harness.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698724November 11, 2025
SEATS
Frame of drivers side seat broke in half. I weigh under. 200 pounds and am the primary driver of the car
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Kia Carnival