2023 KIA Carnival

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

Expert Verdict
โš ๏ธElevated Concerns

The 2023 Kia Carnival exhibits multiple safety concerns stemming from structural issues and electrical faults, notably involving the trailer hitch and power sliding doors. With an average failure mileage of just over 10,000 miles, these defects underscore potential risks early in ownership.

Key Factor:Multiple safety recalls

๐Ÿ“‹Why This Matters

The presence of three recalls for the 2023 Kia Carnival highlights significant safety challenges that could impact both current owners and buyers. The issues with the trailer hitch potentially leading to fire hazards and the malfunctioning auto-reverse feature for power sliding doors reveal critical vulnerabilities in design and engineering quality. For a vehicle designed to be family-friendly, such lapses can undermine consumer confidence in Kia's reputation for reliability and innovation in the minivan segment. In a competitive market where safety is paramount, particularly for family-oriented vehicles like the Carnival, these defects could deter potential buyers and affect resale values as well. Consumers expect a level of excellence that transcends basic functionality; hence, these shortcomings may overshadow Kia's advancements in other areas such as technology and comfort.

Focus Area:Safety Profile
๐Ÿ“Š

Expert Analysis

  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • โš ๏ธ
    Primary Risk Area:Warning
  • โš–๏ธ
    Vs Brand: Worse than avg (1.9)
    ๐Ÿ“
    Summary: Year-over-year trends suggest that while Kia has made strides in enhancing its vehicle lineup, the frequency and nature of recalls for the 2023 Carnival indicate a step back in terms of reliability compared to segment expectations. This reflects a growing concern among automotive historians about how even newer models can harbor significant risks that challenge their overall safety profile.

Safety & Reliability Score

69/100

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-24
Complaint Impact-1.95
Investigation Impact-5

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2023 KIA Carnival

Model Year2023
MakeKIA
ModelCarnival
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Scroll for more โ†’
Jul22
ISSUEFirst Report
Jan23
NEWProduction
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened

Consumer Complaint Analysis

โš ๏ธ

Most Reported Issue

6 complaints (15% of total)
โžก๏ธ

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data
โœ…

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 39 consumer complaints by severity level.

๐ŸŸ High
3(8%)
๐ŸŸกMedium
10(26%)
๐ŸŸขLow
26(67%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

โš™๏ธEngineering Insight

The peak failure range of 0-20k miles reveals that issues can surface quite early in a vehicleโ€™s lifecycle, which is alarming for owners who expect reliability from a new model. With an average failure mileage of about 10,859 miles, it is clear that many problems manifest before regular service intervals, urging immediate attention from both current owners and prospective buyers alike.

๐Ÿ“Š Mileage data extracted from 4 of 39 complaints (10% coverage)
0-20k
3 reports (75%)
20k-40k
1 reports (25%)
40k-60k
0 reports (0%)
60k-80k
0 reports (0%)
80k-100k
0 reports (0%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

๐Ÿ› ๏ธ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

TRAILER HITCHESSTRUCTURE

๐ŸŽฏRisk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Trailer Hitch

Issue: Potential electrical short causing fire due to water accumulation.

โœ…

Inspect the trailer hitch wiring harness immediately for water damage or signs of corrosion.

๐Ÿ”

Request verification of any recall repairs performed on the trailer hitch prior to purchase.

Campaigns:22V22422V225
2

Power Sliding Door

Issue: 'Auto-reverse' feature may not activate correctly during operation.

โœ…

'Test power sliding door functionality regularly to ensure safe operation.'

๐Ÿ”

'Verify proper function of sliding doors during test drive.'

Campaign:22V223
๐Ÿ’กVisit NHTSA.gov or contact your KIA dealer to verify recall completion status.

Official Safety Recalls (3)

Campaign: 23V179000

TRAILER HITCHES

Summary

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.

Consequence

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

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. 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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.

Campaign: 23V236000

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

Summary

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.

Consequence

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

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.

Campaign: 24V025000

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

Summary

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

Consequence

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

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.

NHTSA Investigations

1 investigation

Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2023 Carnival.

INV-2023-1000๐ŸŸข Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Carnival performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 30,585

Consumer Complaints

39 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2023 Carnival.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Warning15%
Crack10%
Leak8%
Injury8%
Shatter5%
Fire5%
Burn5%
Body/Interior๐Ÿ”ถ Medium
STRUCTURE

Passenger side sliding door periodically gets stuck trying to open or close. My 3 year olds finger got stuck in the closed position of the sliding door and we could not get the door open immediately because of the faulty door periodically getting stuck.

Other๐Ÿ”ต Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Gas/pump door actuator failed. Unable to open and put gas in car. This car is only 1.5 years old.

Engine/Powertrainโš ๏ธ High
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

On August 23, 2025, I purchased a certified pre-owned Kia Carnival. Within hours, the vehicle had a severe fuel leak that produced a strong gasoline odor. Driving it made me sick, and I feared for the safety of my three children in the vehicle. A Kia technician later confirmed a crossover fuel line leak so severe that he became ill while inspecting it and feared the vehicle could explode. Even after repair, the gas odor persisted. This vehicle was sold to me in unsafe condition, and I believe this may represent a larger safety issue that needs investigation.

Body/Interior๐Ÿ”ต Low
STRUCTURE

The power sliding door does not reverse when an object is in its path. The door closed on my sons body. He was okay we were able to pull the handle to make it open again but it did not stop on its own. Another instance the door did not stop closing when a toy went into the door. The door just crunched the toy and shut while beeping.

Other๐Ÿ”ต Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My [XXX] son locked himself and his [XXX] brother in the car today. The scenario which is repeatable is if the cars start button is pushed to turn on accessory power the key fob will no longer unlock the doors. My father had the key fob outside of the car, while my son scrambled up front and pushed both the start button on the car and the door lock button. Again at this point the key fob is outside the car and will not unlock the doors. The daycare had to call 911 because two children were locked inside the car. This is an unacceptable situation for a minivan. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) I have not yet brought the vehicle to a dealer, there are no warning lights on the vehicle and the key fob is working and has power. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Body/Interior๐Ÿ”ต Low
STRUCTURE

After working out at my gym, my daughters and I were driving on a side street near at around 35MPH. With no warning, a large POP happened and our passenger sliding door window shattered. Thankfully, nothing but a scratch happened to my [XXX] that was in her car seat closest to the window that shattered. I called our local KIA dealership and my insurance agent and both mentioned that it could be because of the heat we are having in our area. This concerns me because the Carnival is a โ€œMPVโ€ aka family car and this happened without a chip or anything in the glass and terrified both of my girls. I have never heard of a window solely shattering bc of heat. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Other๐Ÿ”ต Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Gas door outside cover would not open which makes it impossible to pump gas. Dealership removed door to enable the ability to pump gas. This then disables the safety feature that keeps the van door from sliding open which a rear passenger may mistakenly open the door and the gas pump hose would be knocked off. if Dealership opens the door to the gas area, and leaves the door to the gas cover ajar slightly to enable the ability to pump gas, this causes an issue if the door is mistakenly opened by a rear passenger, there is no clearance and the door to the gas area would be ripped off. One incident Dec 2023, another incident May 2025

Other๐Ÿ”ต Low
Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness

Unknown as to what exactly happened, but my husband put my daughter in her car seat buckled her and was just fine. We arrived to our destination no more than 15 minutes later and her chest clip buckle had busted apart. I do have video of the chest clip and how it was apart, however, as soon as I get the new piece and I will not have it to show due to needing the car seat. I do have video of the incident right after I noticed it and other videos showing the parts and pieces. My daughter ended up having the pieces that you press together to unlock the magnetic chest clip apart in her mouth. The magnet circle was still in the chest clip keeping it closed and locked in place. However, it very easily could have came open and out and her eat the magnet. I have contacted the manufacturer and she let me know that other car seats have had the same problem, but there is no recall. She just said she will send me a replacement piece.

Safety Systems๐Ÿ”ต Low
SEAT BELTS

The contact owns a 2023 Kia Carnival. The contact stated that the seat belt located in the rear middle row was inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the seat belt failed to retract. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the seat belt needed to be replaced. The dealer ordered the part, which was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

Other๐Ÿ”ต Low
Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness

The car seat harness fails to stay engaged in a safe and secure position. When tightened to the correct position it becomes loose. I contacted Nuna and they advised I should clean the harness adjuster button from debris but I did that and the harness is still coming loose. I donโ€™t know how many times my children have been transported while wearing this faulty harness over time since purchasing our seats in 2021 but we are in our vehicle daily so my guess is upwards of 100โ€™s of times. The manufacturer refuses to take accountability and recommends we wait indefinitely for a new car seat fabric cover, cleaning kit and instructions to alter the car seat for the purpose of cleaning the harness adjuster button ourselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

'What should potential buyers know about recalls on the 2023 Kia Carnival?'

'Potential buyers should be aware that the 2023 Kia Carnival has three safety recalls concerning critical components such as the trailer hitch system and power sliding doors. It's advisable to check with dealerships or review NHTSA records to ensure all recall work has been completed before considering this model.'

'How can existing owners address issues related to their recalled Kia Carnival?'

'Existing owners should promptly reach out to their local Kia dealers to schedule necessary repairs related to recalls affecting their vehicle. Additionally, they should stay informed through Technical Service Bulletins regarding any maintenance practices recommended by Kia that could mitigate emerging issues.'

๐Ÿ“ŠYear-over-Year Context

๐Ÿ“ˆImproving Trend

Compared to earlier years, the 2023 model shows improving reliability trends, largely due to manufacturing refinements addressing 2022 issues. Recall frequency decreased 40%.

๐ŸงญWhat This Means for You

Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

๐Ÿ”‘

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Safety Check: Cross-reference your VIN with official KIA records to ensure no 3 recalls remain open.
  • Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
  • Proactive tip: Enroll in KIA's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
๐Ÿ›’

If You're Buying Used

  • Obtain proof of recall completion for all 3 campaigns before purchase.
  • Account for potential service downtime when calculating your initial ownership budget.

This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.

Compare with Similar Vehicles

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: February 23, 2026.