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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 133 |
| 2023 | 49 |
| 2024 | 72 |
| 2025 | 122 |
| 2026 | 23 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
24% of complaints: structure — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and door.
INJURYShow 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, 20240527
Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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, 20230420
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, 20230112
12% of complaints: electrical system — 6 distinct reports on file.
INJURY8% of complaints: engine — 4 distinct reports on file.
4% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 2 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Carnival. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle, causing the contactâs six children to become dizzy from the odor. No warning light was illuminated.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260804
4% of complaints: chest clip, buckle, harness — 2 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 23V236000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 23V179000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 24V025000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 26V232000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2023 Kia Carnival — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 23V236000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V179000 (trailer hitches) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V025000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 26V232000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.