2024 KIA Carnival

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

1RecallsNHTSA Verified50ComplaintsNHTSA Data0InvestigationsNHTSA Data
Expert Verdict
ℹ️Average Safety Profile

This 2024 model shows average reliability, primarily driven by 1 recall affecting the structure system.

Key Factor:structure recalls

📋Why This Matters

Understanding recall history helps predict future ownership costs. Each unaddressed issue represents potential repair expenses.

Insurance companies review vehicle reliability data when setting premiums. Models with elevated recall rates often see adjusted pricing.

Focus Area:general reliability
📊

Expert Analysis

  • 📈
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • ⚠️
    Primary Risk Area:Burn
  • ⚖️
    Vs Brand: Better than avg (1.9)
    📝
    Summary:
Critical Component: Burn

Safety & Reliability Score

90/100
Excellent

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-8
Complaint Impact-2.5
Investigation Impact-0

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2024 KIA Carnival

Model Year2024
MakeKIA
ModelCarnival
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Jun23
ISSUEFirst Report
Jan24
NEWProduction
Jan24
RECALLRecall Issued

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

8 complaints (16% of total)
➡️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data
✅

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 50 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟠High
8(16%)
🟡Medium
11(22%)
🟢Low
31(62%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

⚙️Engineering Insight

Based on consumer reports, issues for this vehicle tend to peak around the 0-20k mileage range. The average reported failure mileage is 13,187 miles.

📊 Mileage data extracted from 8 of 50 complaints (16% coverage)
0-20k
6 reports (75%)
20k-40k
1 reports (13%)
40k-60k
0 reports (0%)
60k-80k
1 reports (13%)
80k-100k
0 reports (0%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center

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

Primary Risk Areas

STRUCTURE

Official Safety Recalls (1)

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

0 investigations
✓

No active investigations for this vehicle.

Consumer Complaints

50 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2024 Carnival.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Burn16%
Warning14%
Accident10%
Fire8%
Shatter6%
Noise6%
Leak6%
Crack6%
Body/Interior🔶 Medium
SEATS

On 11/12, my 2024 Kia Carnival was parked as my children were getting settled in the vehicle. My son lifted the second-row passenger seat on the passenger side using the handle provided to access the third row. As he did so, the seatback suddenly collapsed forward with unexpected speed and force and locked in the forward position. Nothing broke, and the mechanism did not appear to jam. The seat moved along its normal path, but it did so so aggressively that it crushed my [XXX] daughter’s left leg while she was strapped into her car seat directly next to it. She was asleep, the car was not moving, and the seat feature was being used in a normal way to access the third row. The force of the collapsing seat fractured her left tibia, confirmed by X-ray. She is currently in a medical boot and under a doctor’s care. This vehicle has no accident history and no modifications. We have multiple witnesses (myself and our children), photos of the injury, and a video that shows how fast and forcefully the seat folds. This presents a serious safety risk in a family vehicle where children commonly sit behind folding second-row seats. A seat access mechanism should not be capable of moving with enough force to break a toddler’s bone in a parked vehicle. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this seat design and its operation in the 2024 Kia Carnival. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Dec 10, 2025Open
Engine/Powertrain🔶 Medium
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2024 Kia Carnival. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal gas odor would emit through the vehicle's ventilation system. The contact notified a local dealer, and an appointment was made to have the vehicle serviced. The vehicle was inspected, and the contact was informed that there was likely bacteria growing inside the vehicle, which caused the odor. The contact disputed this claim and recommended that the air filters be replaced; the contact paid for the repair. Despite the repair, the contact stated that the fuel odor had become a chemical odor, and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The dealer confirmed that they had smelled a fuel odor inside the vehicle and informed the contact that she had overfilled her fuel tank with gas. While the contact also disputed this claim, the dealer later concluded that the dipstick inside the oil pan was not properly sealed, and the dealer repaired the defect. Despite the dealer's claims and repairs, the fuel odor had become stronger. The contact stated that the odor had become so severe that she went to the emergency room to be treated for nausea and lightheadedness. The contact was given medication for her symptoms. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was given a case number. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Nov 19, 2025Open
Other🔵 Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Both horns went bad on my vehicle that is less than 2 years old. Dealership said ours is the 5th vehicle they have seen this week with the same issue. They have been unable to determine a cause.

Oct 16, 2025Open
Safety Systems🔵 Low
BACK OVER PREVENTION

Rearview camera not available and car is operational when car is processing an over the air update.

Oct 15, 2025Open
Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
ENGINE

I am submitting this complaint regarding my Kia Carnival. The vehicle has a recurring and dangerous problem where the engine suddenly jumps and, if I continue pressing the gas, it shuts off while driving. This has happened multiple times, including in the middle of the highway, creating a serious safety risk for myself, my passengers, and other drivers. I have taken the vehicle to a Kia dealership on multiple occasions, but they have not been able to identify or repair the issue. I also contacted Kia corporate, obtained a case number, and was told someone would follow up with me. Unfortunately, no one has ever called me back. This is an ongoing and unresolved defect that puts my family and the public in danger. I request that the NHTSA investigate this matter to determine if this is part of a larger safety defect in Kia Carnival vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) Kia case number XXX

Sep 28, 2025Under Review
Body/Interior🔵 Low
STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2024 Kia Carnival. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V025000 (Structure). The contact stated that the driver's side roof molding was detaching, and the contact attempted to secure the molding in place several times. The dealer was contacted to schedule an appointment for the recall repair, but the dealer informed the contact that the recall repair had already been performed while the vehicle was at the dealer for an unrelated service, a month prior. The contact stated that the dealer had failed to perform the recall repair correctly because the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed; however, no assistance was provided. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

Sep 23, 2025Under Review
Electrical🔵 Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

A/C system on my 2024 Kia Carnival failed twice within weeks. First at 60,100 miles, repaired at dealership for $398. Then again shortly after, leaving vehicle undrivable in summer heat. Kia has done nothing despite having a case number (#25267950). This is a recurring failure that affects safety and comfort during high-temperature seasons. I believe this is a manufacturer defect and request a formal investigation.

Jul 19, 2025Under Review
Other🔵 Low
Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness

My child’s seat buckles are still not locking into place. I’ve contacted Nuna and their response was they needed 24-48 hours to find a solution as I’ve already don’t the seat recall solution. But they told me I can’t use this seat for my child. So I’m stuck without a car seat until they find some solution for me. I found this issue because my child was able to move the seat straps on his own, while I was driving down the highway.

Jul 14, 2025Under Review
Engine/Powertrain⚠️ High
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Vehicle vents gasoline fumes into the passenger cabin causing drowsiness, headaches, and impaired cognitive function as well as exposure to a carcinogen. Vehicle has significantly high levels of CO2 inside the cabin at all times (2000-4000ppm) as well as TVOC and HCHO being higher than OSHA allows. Engine temperature gauge does not function properly and sliding doors have closed on myself and my children leaving bruises. If car were to be in an accident it would likely explode. Critical levels of CO2 have caused me to fall asleep while driving on several occasions including on the highway. I have brought car to Kia dealership in Tucson, AZ on 4 occasions, is currently back again for gas smell and high levels of CO2, with no resolution. Dealer manager and service team did confirm gas fumes in cabin and are currently using my CO2 monitor to test for CO2 levels. Vehicle component hasn't been inspected by police, insurance rep., or others. There are no warning lights of any kind on any instance of these occurrences. Images will not upload- email or call.

Jul 5, 2025Under Review
Other🔵 Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Was driving through a roundabout, at slow speed, and heard a very loud pop, then I felt something poking me on my right arm and it was glass. Looked up and my sunroof was shattered. Nothing above me, nothing falling out of the sky, but totally shattered.

Jul 2, 2025Under Review

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any recalls for the 2024 KIA Carnival?

Yes, the 2024 KIA Carnival has 1 recorded recall from NHTSA. These recalls cover various components including STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS.

Is the 2024 KIA Carnival safe to drive?

The 2024 KIA Carnival has 1 recall. If you own this vehicle, check with your dealer to ensure all recall repairs have been completed. Most recalls have free remedies available.

Where can I check if my 2024 KIA Carnival has open recalls?

You can check for open recalls by visiting NHTSA.gov and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or by contacting your local KIA dealer.

📊Year-over-Year Context

📈Improving Trend

Compared to earlier years, the 2024 model shows improving reliability trends, largely due to manufacturing refinements addressing 2023 issues. Recall frequency decreased 67%.

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Structure

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

✅

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm structure recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.

🔍

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all structure recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaign:24V025000
💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your KIA dealer to verify recall completion status.

🧭What 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.

🔑

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Verify all 1 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your KIA dealer.
  • If any recalls are open, schedule service immediately—recall repairs are always free.
  • Consider setting up VIN-specific alerts to receive notification of future recalls.
🛒

If You're Buying Used

  • Request documentation proving all recalls were addressed before finalizing purchase.
  • Factor potential recall-related service time into your ownership cost estimates.
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Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: January 10, 2026.