2023 Kia Carnival
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 51
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Structure
Campaigns on file for 2023
None on file
24% of complaints
Complaints per year
2023: 51 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 136 |
| 2023 | 51 |
| 2024 | 74 |
| 2025 | 125 |
| 2026 | 30 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Structure
24% · 12 reportsMost commonly citing body and door.
Show complaint excerpts
The driverâs side sliding door was closing and crushed my wife between the door and B pillar. It did not retract upon encountering the resistance of my wifeâs body, and continued to close. She has bruising on her arm, and shoulder pain.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-05-27
Also filed under Electrical system
The side sliding (rear) doors do not stop when there is an object in between. Even when you put heavy force (this is in some angles), the door continues to close. With mild force, the door just refuses to recognize and closes out.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-04-20
The door closing automation applies excessive force before the safety function engages to re-open. This poses a high risk to children and small adults with narrow limbs and/or the fingers of any aged person.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-01-12
Electrical system
12% · 6 reportsEngine
8% · 4 reportsSeat belts
6% · 3 reportsMost commonly citing retractor.
Show complaint excerpts
The seatbelt anchor for the second row seat immediately behind the driver's seat failed to latch properly sometimes and it would take several attempts to get it latched properly.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-18
Fuel/propulsion system
4% · 2 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Fuel door actuator is electrically tied to cabin door locks with no manual release and frequently fails to open after repeatedly cycling cabin door locks. Issue is not due to bad batteries or other vehicle related electrical faults.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-23
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2023-04-28Structure23V236000 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.
Remedy: 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.
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2023-05-16Trailer hitches23V179000 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.
Remedy: 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.
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2024-03-15Structure24V025000 Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Sportage and 2022-2024 Carnival vehicles. The roof molding may loosen and detach.
Remedy: 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.
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2026-06-02Fuel system, gasoline26V232000 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.
Remedy: 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2023 Kia Carnival — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Structure: 12 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 4 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 23V236000 · Structure
- Recall 23V179000 · Trailer hitches
- Recall 24V025000 · Structure
- Recall 26V232000 · Fuel system, gasoline
FAQ
- Is the 2023 Kia Carnival reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2023 Kia Carnival?
- The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2023 Kia Carnival have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.