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NHTSA Vehicle Research

2023 Kia Carnival Research

Free safety data straight from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Recalls, consumer complaints, and crash test ratings — everything you need before you buy.

4 Recalls
46 Complaints
N/A Safety Rating
FREE Gov Data

🛡️ NCAP Crash Test Safety Ratings

Year Overall Front Crash Side Crash Rollover
2023 Not Rated Not Rated Not Rated Not Rated

⚠️ NHTSA Recalls (4)

The following safety recalls have been issued by NHTSA for the Kia Carnival. If you own this vehicle, check your VIN at our VIN lookup tool or NHTSA.gov to see if your vehicle is affected.

2023 Model Year (4 recalls)

Campaign #23V179000 17/03/2023
TRAILER HITCHES

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Carnival vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Water accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.

Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and verify whether the vehicle is equipped with a Genuine Kia accessory trailer tow hitch assembly. If equipped, dealers will install a new fuse and wire extension kit. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 16, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC265.

Campaign #23V236000 31/03/2023
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling all 2022 and certain 2023 Carnival vehicles. The auto-reverse feature for the power sliding doors (PSD) may not activate in all situations.

Risk: A power sliding door that does not auto-reverse can close on an occupant, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will update the power sliding door control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC266.

Campaign #24V025000 18/01/2024
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Sportage and 2022-2024 Carnival vehicles. The roof molding may loosen and detach.

Risk: A detached roof molding can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the roof molding and replace or secure it as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 15, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC292.

Campaign #26V232000 10/04/2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Carnival vehicles. Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the fuel pipe and fuel rail.

Risk: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the fuel pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC368. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 24, 2026.

💬 Consumer Complaints (46)

Real complaints filed with NHTSA by Kia Carnival owners. These reports help identify common issues and potential safety concerns.

Most Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 14
STRUCTURE 10
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES 2
ENGINE 2
Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness 2
SEAT BELTS 2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 1
SERVICE BRAKES 1
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 1
2023 model • STRUCTURE • 05/31/2026

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…

2023 model • ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING • 04/10/2026

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…

2023 model • UNKNOWN OR OTHER • 01/13/2026

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…

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