Kia Carnival Complaints (2025)

197 consumer complaints on file.

#11718944February 18, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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 in the car. I’m majority of the time being a minivan. I have seen other people post on forms about this issue and it not being fixed by Kia
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714390January 30, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When driving my vehicle would not go over 31 MPH. Had to turn the vehicle off then restart to get it to clear.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713360January 26, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
12v Battery died 2 times first on 12/26 then on 1/25. We had to call in roadside assistance for jump start. This was reported to Kia Dublin and Kia Manteca in California. Kia Dublin ran the diagnostics and couldnt find anything. Kia Manteca later found the battery logs showing issues. But said it could have been related to the HVAC recall which is now fixed. But the problem re-occured. This is a brand new vehicle less than 1 year old, still unders warranty. Have reported this to Kia customer care as well. Kia Customer Care Case#XXX So far, we have had the following issues: 1. The front passenger seat recliner stopped working. Kia Manteca replaced the seat frame under warranty. 2. Both rear entertainment screens stopped working. Kia Dublin has ordered them under warranty. Replacement planned for 1/26. 3. Battery died 2 times, luckily car was in the garage we were not stranded anywhere outside. But its frustrating how the new car is not working as expected and stalls so frequently. 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
#11712026January 20, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Was driving to work this morning and the first time I tried to get accelerate, I was unable to get above 31 MPH no matter how hard I pushed the pedal. Had to stop and restart. Not sure if it is due to the -1 degree weather this morning?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710531January 12, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid produces externally audible audio while the vehicle is locked, with all doors and windows fully closed. Private phone calls, navigation instructions, and other in-vehicle audio can be clearly heard from outside the vehicle indefinitely, even after locking the car. This behavior occurs without warning to the driver and cannot be disabled or controlled through any user setting. The dealership and manufacturer have confirmed this behavior is “by design” and have declined to correct it. This presents a safety and security concern, as it exposes private communications, signals whether a vehicle is occupied, and may attract unwanted attention or increase the risk of harassment, stalking, or theft—especially in parking garages, residential areas, or public locations. The vehicle appears secure to the driver (locked, windows closed), yet continues to broadcast audio externally, which is unexpected and undocumented behavior. I believe this constitutes an unintended external output of vehicle systems while secured, creating a potential safety vulnerability.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710347January 12, 2026
ENGINE
TL;DR : Vehicle engages limp home mode without any notification to the driver that it is in limp home mode and doesn’t generate any codes for technicians to identify why the vehicle went into limp home mode. During oil changes, a significant amount of residual oil remains in the engine. When the lube tech fills the oil using the recommended amount, engine is actually over full of oil as indicated on the dip stick. The vehile will start and run fine for a while. Later however, an oil pressure sensor will detect the over full status and put the car into limp home mode. No check engine light, no oil light, no indicator saying it’s in limp home mode, and when the service tech investigates, no code thrown for the issue. A manual checking of the dip stick will reveal the oil is over full. The fix is to drain oil to normal levels as shown on the dipstick. It isn’t a defect considering that it’s reasonable to expect a vehicle to be operated with the correct amount of oil. A future software update for the oil sensor to throw a code for the tech would be appropriate.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709944January 9, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? While driving all of the lights in the car went off. Everything internal, and atleast the head lights externally. This lasted for a second or 2 before everything came back on. The screen said something about loss of something, but I don't remember what exactly. This has only happened once. Yes it can be inspected How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Atleast the head lights went off while driving at night. Possibly my break lights as well. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? no Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? no Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Just the message on the screen
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709696January 8, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I am submitting a safety-related complaint regarding my 2025 Kia Carnival with approximately 4,000 miles. The vehicle experienced an electronic system failure that required diagnosis by an authorized Kia dealership. The dealer has informed me that the issue is due to a failed Body Domain Controller (BDC), which must be replaced. The vehicle is currently not safe or suitable for normal operation and will remain at the dealership for at up to one week, with the possibility of a longer delay depending on parts availability. The vehicle has very low mileage and has been maintained normally. A failure of a central body control module at under 4,000 miles raises serious concerns regarding vehicle reliability, quality, and potential safety implications, as the Body Domain Controller manages multiple critical vehicle systems. Additionally, during this repair period, the dealership has provided only a Kia K5 sedan as a loaner vehicle. This is not a comparable replacement to a Kia Carnival minivan and does not adequately meet the functional needs of my household, which relies on the Carnival’s passenger and cargo capacity. While this is not a safety issue itself, it compounds the impact of the vehicle failure. I am concerned that this failure may indicate a broader defect affecting other 2025 Kia Carnival vehicles and request that NHTSA review this issue for potential investigation, recall consideration, or further monitoring.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705121December 15, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
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 stop running at any moment and could leave me stranded in the middle of the road. I brought the vehicle into the dealership, but they were unable to recreate the problem. While the vehicle was at the dealership, they performed the HVAC control unit upgrade due to a recall. After receiving the vehicle back, this issue has persisted. I do not know if the dealership inspected the vehicle. No other company or entity has inspected the van. This issue first appeared in the first week of November 2025. The issue didn't happen again until 2 weeks later. Now the issue persists almost daily.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702972December 4, 2025
ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701305November 24, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The component that has failed are both Rear Entertainment System (RES). The vehicle is at the dealership and they are unable to determine the cause hence the vehicle is at the dealership for an additional day. There were no warning lamps, messages or other systems of the problem prior to the failure. The failure happened Oct. 5, 2025. I also called KIA Connect Center on Oct. 9, 2025 and they recommended a soft reset which did not resolve the issue hence finally able to take it to the dealership on Nov. 24, 2025.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698946November 12, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The 12-volt battery fully discharges and leaves the vehicle inoperable ONLY when parked in my attached townhouse garage (overnight or 1–3 days). The vehicle starts and runs normally when parked elsewhere (work, airport, etc.) for the same duration. Symptoms: No warning lights prior to failure Dashboard completely dark; no power to doors, lights, or start button Requires jump-start or tow
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11697908November 6, 2025
POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle hesitated before accelerating while depressing the accelerator pedal. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was able to duplicate the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed, and the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000. The VIN was not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11697343November 4, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE, THEN THE SOUND OF GLASS SHATTERING. I PULLED OVER AND LOOKED AT ALL MY WINDOWS AND DIDNT SEE ANYTHING. I CONTINUTED DRIVING AND I COULD HEAR AIR COMING FROM ABOVE, WHILE AT A REDLIGHT I STARTED OPENING THE SUNROOF COVER AND SAW GLASS. I IMMEDIATELY CLOSED IT AND RETURNED HOME AND GOT MY OTHER VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO CARS IN FRONT OF ME AND NOTHING ABOVE ME.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11697106November 3, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I live in Alabama. Temperature here is 34 degrees so far in the morning. My check engine light is on. I have taken it in and had diagnostics and they can't find a code or code history. My heat and AC do not work properly if the ambient temperature on the cluster doesn't show up or is not correct. 72 degrees when it's not working right will run you out of the car it's so hot. The cluster currently says it's -15 degrees outside and has the snowflake beside it. I am scheduled bc they are booked out at the dealership to have diagnostics run on 11/14. I don't know if it is wiring, ambient temperature sensor, max air sensor, HVAC module (dealership had previously cleared water out of the module and then replaced the module, initially when they couldn't find the problem they disconnected the battery and reconnected to reset and clear the code). The dealership in Auburn Al has addressed all the issues and done all the services, updates, and trouble shooting. I'm having to run three different temps in the car and crack the windows when I need heat and AC just crack the windows and adjust the three temps again. I feel like I'm just getting a quick fix each time I go instead of the problem being resolved for good. This has been an ongoing issue especially when the temperature changes (seasons) or fluctuates (throughout the day). I've listed below the most recent start date. I would have to contact that dealership to get the exact timeframe that it ALL started.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11695410October 24, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I was stopped in in the left turn lane with my right foot on the brake pedal. Suddenly the car began to rapidly move forward. I jammed my right foot down and stopped the car, avoiding an accident.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11693029October 13, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The car fails to accelerate sporadically, occurred multiple times in a 2 day period. First time was getting on an on ramp to the highway, I got up to 55 MPH then couldn’t accelerate anymore even with my foot on the gas. I dropped down to 32 MPH and had to merge onto the highway at that speed. I had a semi fly up behind me and swerve around me because I was going so slow, I’m thankful there wasn’t an accident, I had 6 passengers and it could’ve been a very bad situation. It finally gave some acceleration but even then later gave out when driving on the highway. I went from 70 to 53 MPH before I could accelerate again. Other times it happens I was on a road going 35 MPH and it wouldn’t accelerate anymore, dropped down to 26 MPH. I can only coast and pressing the gas just revs the engine, going up to 4000 RPM. It only happens when already driving, not from a dead stop (at least so far). This has happened in all 3 driving modes, Eco (happened the most in this mode), Sport and Smart mode. This has to be addressed and fixed, I’m nervous to drive the car or have my family ride in it. There were no warning lights showing and the diagnostics are stating normal. I’m taking it to a dealership today. The one detail I noticed that happened consistently was the car seemed to be stuck in a mode not being able to determine if it’s in charging, electric or hybrid mode and tries to combine them. There’s a graphic on the display that shows the power either coming from the battery to the front wheels OR from the front wheels to the battery, never arrows both ways. When this happened, there were arrows going both ways from the batteries to the front wheels and from the front wheels to the battery at the same time. Finally when I could accelerate again, the arrows were going one direction. Please report this and make Kia fix this terrible safety issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11693064October 13, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
12V battery drains if the car is left unused for more than 3-4 days. Car needs to be jumped to start it up again. The issue occurred in August and I jumped it first time. It started happening again September and had a service appointment with Kia. They hard reset the software but the issue occured again every time I left the car unused for more than 3-4 days.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11691088October 2, 2025
POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
When the vehicle is idling, the battery refuses to charge, therefore, the car suddenly dies and makes it unsafe to pull over and dyes while driving, very dangerous and transmission doesn’t shift properly.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689323September 24, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was driving about 6:30ish in the morning and my whole dashboard went black and my head lights turned off couple seconds later it came back on while i am driving. I will be calling the dealership to see what can be checked.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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