Kia Carnival Complaints

397 consumer complaints on file.

#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
#11713267January 25, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Due to cables being lined in soy in attracts rodents which cause damage to the car. Multiple electric malfunctions from power lift gate to automatic windows. It is a known issue and is very common.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712335January 21, 2026
ENGINE
Strong fuel smell that comes and goes. Dealership replaced fuel injection related parts after finding a leak. Problem is still present.
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
#11710508January 12, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, STEERING
Out of nowhere, we started our vehicle that was no more than a year old, and all of the emergency alert indicators on the dash came on. All of the warning lights in the dash. The power steering went out and would go from very stiff to very loose. the car would shutter and then drive normal for a few min and then slow way down without warning. Again, all dash warning lights and alarms would go off. This first appeared on [XXX], we took to the Kia service on Nov. 17, 2025, and it was been in the shop with no repair since that day and todays date is Jan, 12, 2026. As of today they still do not know what is wrong with the vehicle and have no end in sight. 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
#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
#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
#11708175January 1, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My car has just under 3,000 miles. While driving home from a friend's house this morning my car would not go above 31 mph. I could put my pedal all the way down and nothing beyond 31 mph. I am reading a lot of people with this same exact issue with their hybrid Kia Carnival. Most note it happens in cold weather. So it is worth noting that it is 21 degrees here today. Regardless this is a serious concern especially as some report is happening on highways
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706687December 23, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING, BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
I am submitting a safety complaint regarding unexpected and inappropriate automatic braking behavior at low speeds involving the parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, and/or automatic emergency braking system. While performing normal, low-speed maneuvers such as backing out of street parking spaces or parking in tight urban environments, the vehicle abruptly applies the brakes even when no imminent collision exists and when obstacles or traffic are clearly visible to the driver. In one frequent scenario, while exiting a parallel out of a parking spot into traffic, the vehicle suddenly stops itself while partially in the roadway due to a car approaching in the rear. This occurs despite sufficient clearance and approaching vehicles slowing to yield or even happens AFTER the approaching vehicle has passed already! This creates a dangerous situation where my vehicle is immobilized in active traffic, increasing the risk of rear-end or side collisions. The driver behind me sees me stopped in middle thinks that I'm waiting for him, when really my intention was to come out of the spot and then finally it releases the emergency brake and then my vehicle juts out into the roadway. Also, during parking maneuvers, the vehicle applies emergency braking despite having enough space, SLOW speed, & the driver having full visual awareness via the backup camera. This removes the driver’s ability to make precise low-speed adjustments. The override behavior is also unsafe. Regaining control requires a firm brake press, after which releasing the pedal causes the vehicle to move abruptly, eliminating precise control and increasing collision risk. This behavior is unpredictable, inappropriate for dense urban driving, & creates hazardous situations rather than preventing them. I believe this constitutes a safety defect in the vehicle’s braking and driver-assist systems. Concerned this could lead to serious accidents, particularly in urban environments. Friends have same problems!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706341December 20, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The car will not accelerate past 31 mph no matter the gas petal position, during cold mornings. Downhill or uphill, in any “drive mode” it will not go past 31 with the petal all the way down. Acceleration onto a highway is impossible. Stopping and restarting the entire vehicle seems to reset this and allow for speed over 31mph. This has happened 5-6 separate times when the temperature is below 35F.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706008December 18, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
System failure the warning lights on dash went crazy all of them flashing Speedometer wouldn’t work, lights won’t work, camera system won’t work, abs won’t work, tailgate won’t open, side doors won’t open, heat/ac controls stop working , windshield wipers stop working. They had 20 error codes the first time this happened Yes vehicle has been in shop 2 different times This happened the first time on November 24 shop had my car until November 28. Drove car for 9 days took car back in on dec 8 shop has had it still do not have as of 12-18-25 They have said the first time they had no idea what was wrong with it but got it to stop doing it. On dec 8 it started doing the same thing. I brought it back and they at first couldn’t get it to stop. From my understanding it has stopped and tests are coming back good but that is what I was told the first time. They are trying to get it to do it again by driving it before Kia motors will allow them to release it to me. I am getting no where with Kia motors, they are not calling me to let me know what they are going to do for me. I feel this vehicle is unsafe there is no garintee this won’t happen again while I am driving. All I want is out of this lease. 9 days and brought it back in for same issue. I was driving when all of this took place
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
#11704869December 13, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
On Dec 12th the speedometer repeatedly showed very incorrect values, both displaying much faster than the vehicle was traveling and displaying zero when the vehicle had accelerated. We have not been able to replicate the issue. And it went away after shutting down and restarting the vehicle. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by anyone. From a safety perspective the speedometer accuracy is in question. Prior to this incident the screens had all shut themselves off. After the incidents the main screen (with the speedometer) rebooted itself a few times while driving. We have video of the speedometer acting incorrectly but unable to upload the correct format. See included screenshot while driving about 30mph with the speedometer showing zero.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704247December 10, 2025
SEATS
On 11/12, my 2024 Kia Carnival was parked as my children were getting settled in the vehicle. My son lifted the second-row passenger seat on the passenger side using the handle provided to access the third row. As he did so, the seatback suddenly collapsed forward with unexpected speed and force and locked in the forward position. Nothing broke, and the mechanism did not appear to jam. The seat moved along its normal path, but it did so so aggressively that it crushed my [XXX] daughter’s left leg while she was strapped into her car seat directly next to it. She was asleep, the car was not moving, and the seat feature was being used in a normal way to access the third row. The force of the collapsing seat fractured her left tibia, confirmed by X-ray. She is currently in a medical boot and under a doctor’s care. This vehicle has no accident history and no modifications. We have multiple witnesses (myself and our children), photos of the injury, and a video that shows how fast and forcefully the seat folds. This presents a serious safety risk in a family vehicle where children commonly sit behind folding second-row seats. A seat access mechanism should not be capable of moving with enough force to break a toddler’s bone in a parked vehicle. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this seat design and its operation in the 2024 Kia Carnival. 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
#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
#11701699November 26, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle parked for 48 hours (Sunday 23 Nov evening) under carport, no keys near it. When approached on 26 Nov 10am , it was found with dead battery. Nothing was on when it was parked.
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

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