Kia Carnival Complaints

397 consumer complaints on file.

#11747760July 1, 2026
CHILD SEAT:CRITICAL FASTENERS, CHILD SEAT:HARNESS RETAINER/CHEST CLIP
The contact owns a Chico Car Seat, Model Type: Fit 360, Model Number: 08087216240070, Manufactured Date: December 2025, and used in a 2025 Kia Carnival. The contact stated that the magnetic chest clip failed to remain closed as needed. The manufacturer was contacted and provided a replacement chest clip. The manufacturer stated that the chest clip operated as designed and was designed to come apart. The contact was concerned that the replacement chest clip was defective, and in the event of crash the car seat would not perform as intended. The contact requested a nonmagnetic chest clip from the manufacturer.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11747231June 29, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
**Vehicle:** 2025 Kia Carnival **Current Mileage:** Approximately 18,000 miles I am reporting a serious and ongoing safety defect involving the center LCD display in my 2025 Kia Carnival. The problem began immediately after the vehicle's first scheduled service at an authorized Kia dealership and has continued ever since. The center LCD screen intermittently flickers and then goes completely blank while I am driving. When this happens, the rearview camera image is also lost while the vehicle is in Reverse, leaving the display completely black and preventing me from seeing behind the vehicle during backing. This creates a significant safety hazard and increases the risk of striking a pedestrian, child, vehicle, or other object. The display failure while driving is also extremely distracting because critical vehicle information and functions become unavailable. I have taken the vehicle to authorized Kia dealerships multiple times for warranty repairs, but the defect remains unresolved. The LCD display has been replaced, yet the problem continues to occur. The dealerships have kept my vehicle for extended periods during several repair attempts without permanently correcting the issue. Service dates include: * September 9, 2025 * March 10, 2026 * March 18, 2026 * June 1, 2026 The issue is intermittent but repeatedly occurs without warning. I transport my family, including infants, in this vehicle, and I am extremely concerned about their safety and the safety of others. Losing the backup camera and display while reversing or driving creates an unacceptable safety risk. I believe this may be a safety-related defect affecting the vehicle's display system. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this issue because multiple warranty repair attempts, including replacement of the display, have failed to resolve the defect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11746424June 25, 2026
STEERING
The contact owns a 2026 Kia Carnival. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, while avoiding another vehicle that almost crashed into the vehicle, the contact attempted to turn the steering wheel, and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver, and the front passenger side of the vehicle crashed into a guard rail and the front bumper detached. No warning lights were illuminated. The air bags had not deployed. A Police report was filed. The contact sustained back, neck, and head pain from the impact in the crash. Medical attention was sought, and the contact was diagnosed with a whiplash. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 29,272.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
3
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
#11743596June 11, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
Subject: Safety Complaint – Power Sliding Door Failure Injuring Child (2026 Kia Carnival) I am submitting a safety complaint regarding a 2026 Kia Carnival. During normal use, the vehicle’s automatic power sliding door closed while my [XXX] child was partially outside the vehicle near the door track area. The door continued to close and did not stop or reverse when it encountered my child, resulting in the child being pinned between the sliding door and the vehicle body. I physically intervened by placing my body in the path of the door to stop it and remove my child. The child sustained bruising to the legs and torso. The concern is a potential failure of the anti-pinch / obstruction detection system on the power sliding door, which is intended to prevent this type of injury. I am requesting that this incident be documented and reviewed as a potential safety defect. Vehicle: 2026 Kia Carnival Incident involved: automatic power sliding door failure to reverse upon obstruction Injury: bruising to a [XXX] child (legs and torso) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11743531June 11, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
We purchased this vehicle toward the end of 2024. Within the first 10 months, there were two major recall issues with this vehicle. The recalls were for the 2nd row seating becoming detached from the frame of the vehicle and the other recall was for the computer logic board having the chance of dying and/or frying. These recalls were less than 10 months since date of purchase. There is now another National Recall on this vehicle that was initiated on April 10, 2026. We are a non profit organization and this vehicle is part of our necessary fleet. We called the dealership and was told to bring it in. We brought it in the following week and was told they were not notified yet of a recall. We were told to call back in like 2-3 weeks. We then called back three weeks later and were scheduled to bring the car in for repair. When we arrived at the dealership, we were told "Oh we don't have the parts to fix this. Call back in a few weeks." We waited another three weeks and called back and were scheduled to bring the car in for repair. Now today (June 11, 2026) I went to the dealership and was told once again..."Oh we don't have the parts. Call back in like a month." Now, this recall states that the car should not be driven as the fuel leak is a high chance for a fire. We are desperately trying to have this taken back to the dealership as a lemon car because after we bought this car there have now been three emergent recalls on this car. We paid a lot of money to be able to use this vehicles for our non profit work and over an 18 month period, the car has been out of service for well over 6 months. Dealership seems unable or unwilling to help us. Dealership is: Mark Kia 3333 N 89th St. Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742271June 5, 2026
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Carnival. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the driver’s side roof molding ejected from the vehicle. The contact immediately stopped the vehicle but was unable to locate the molding. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V025000 (STRUCTURE). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 77,000.
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
#11741634June 2, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2023 KIA Carnival. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V320000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local 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
#11740593May 28, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
We have been having persistent safety issues with this vehicle. The issues have ranged from unsecured gas cap to loss of power. We’ve also had severe transmission issues where the car will not shift out of first gear. This happened on the Garden State Parkway and nearly caused an accident as the car wasn’t able to go above 27 mph safely.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740406May 27, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
For the third time the 2025 KIA Carnival Prestige I own lost power while driving on the interstate! Without warning, the vehicle would no longer respond to the accelerator pedal. No matter what I did I could not get the vehicle to accelerate past 35 mph. The minimum speed limit on the interstate is 45 mph. I had to immediately engage my hazard lights and make my way over to the shoulder of the road from the passing lane. This was a dangerous situation for me and my family and others on the highway. Warning lights came on, check engine light, charging system, and a maintenance service message. Driving in Sport mode, Smart mode, nor Econo mode could change the negative situation. This took place multiple times during the final leg of my last trip to [XXX] , extending for over 120 miles. This is a very unsafe, unreliable vehicle, that should never be driven on public roadways… especially not highways nor interstates. Three negatively, traumatic experiences is ENOUGH!!! I’m DONE!!!! 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
#11740309May 27, 2026
AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS
The contact owned a 2026 Kia Carnival. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently hit a deer. The check engine warning light illuminated after the collision. The contact's wife was occupying the front passenger's side seat and the contact's daughter was occupying the rear driver's side seat during the collision. The air bags failed to deploy, and the seat belts failed to retract as needed. There was no reported injury. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The vehicle was then towed to an autobody, where it was totaled by the insurance company after further investigation. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle operated as designed upon reviewing pictures of the damaged vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 2,379.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11739601May 22, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM, POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a . The contact stated that while parked when the brake was depressed, press start button, when put in reverse, it says gear is selected, the vehicle stayed in neutral. This happens intermittently. The stop button was pressed, all of the instrument panel warning indicators would not illuminate. When pressing p for parking to engage parking, it appeared as if it was in park; however the vehicle unexpectedly reversed. The vehicle was able to be stopped. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the issue could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The approximate mileage was 2,200.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11739119May 20, 2026
SEATS
The contact owns a 2025 Kia Carnival. the driver seat automatically pushed on the rear passenger driver side seat that had a minor occupant in a child seat. The seat was able to move forward with the seat adjustment buttons. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage 20,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11738682May 19, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery died at under 3,300 miles. After roadside came and jumped the batter, it died again after two days. Jumped again for the second time, when driving the car around it would randomly shut off even when the car is moving at higher speeds on freeway. The shut off would be for just one second and comes back on - everything starts resetting. And goes to user authoriztions notifications. Car shut off three times while driving around.
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
#11737829May 14, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Our Carnival had the SC266 recall repair done on July 3rd, 2023, at 3074 miles. Then our [XXX] daughter was injured as a result of the safety function not working and the door closed without any chimes. [XXX] (my spouse) is a cardiac nurse at our local hospital, and I have combat medical training, so we took care of the minor injury. Her small hand was spared the devastation a larger one would suffer. The dealership is pretending it’s unreproducible (even though I supplied them with video evidence to the contrary), and Kia Corporate (case # XXX) doesn’t appear any more likely to help. I reported the injury when it occurred on January 13th, 2026, to the dealership. They said they were sorry and would look into it. Nothing happened. I call, and they say they can’t fix it. I call again after I see the XXX v. XXX, et al., case was allowed to proceed, and I produce videos confirming the safety issue with sticks. They bring it in and claim in their exact words in the paperwork, “Found Doors to chime when an “abstruction” was present in the doorway and vehicle doors to stop when detecting an object. Started T/L case for documentation purposes.” In private, they tell me, “We cannot stop the force of the closing or fix it” and do not allow me to reproduce the safety issue for them to witness. I file a complaint with Corporate, and they tell me the dealership is saying it’s fine. I send the videos, and they say they will look into it. No resolution. Today, I produced a second set of videos to show the devastation the safety issue causes and the lack of response from the sensor, chimes, or the reopening of the door from an obstruction using bananas after the dealership declared it not reproducible. My special needs [XXX] daughter was harmed as pictured. The van itself is unsafe for children, which is the only reason anyone (including me) would purchase it. My children could be harmed again, but we cannot afford the burden of another car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 55
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11737633May 13, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2025 Kia Carnival. The contact received the recall letter for NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V320000 ( NA) The local dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737299May 12, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Passenger sliding door failed to detect my son and closed completely on his arm. The doors will push the kids and don’t detect even adults at times. He now has a buckle fracture that they are concerned is a full fracture in both bone on his forearm. He is [XXX] old. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11737111May 11, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2025 Kia Carnival. The contact’s daughter stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly lost motive power with no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer. The dealer informed the contact that the battery solenoid needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure recurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 4,200.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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