2026 Kia Carnival
Only 20 complaints on file — too few 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.
Only 20 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 131 |
| 2023 | 46 |
| 2024 | 64 |
| 2025 | 117 |
| 2026 | 20 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 20 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 20 total reports mention: power train.
4 of 20 total reports mention: electrical system.
3 of 20 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
2 of 20 total reports mention: back over prevention.
1 of 20 total reports mentions: structure.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
Subject: Safety Complaint â Power Sliding Door Failure Injuring Child (2026 Kia Carnival) I am submitting a safety complaint regarding a 2026 Kia Carnival.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260611
SAFETY TIMELINE
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Kia K4, 2025-2026 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage PHEV, K5, EV9, Carnival, and Carnival Hybrid vehicles.
Remedy: The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 26, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542.
Campaign 26V046000 — 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
2026 Kia Carnival — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 26V046000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 26V232000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2026 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 2026 Kia Carnival?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2026 Kia Carnival have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.