2023 Kia Carnival recalls and problems

4 recalls and 52 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2023 Kia Carnival.

4
recalls
52
owner complaints
1
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2023 Kia Carnival recalls

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

NHTSA campaign 26V232000 · reported April 10, 2026 · Kia America, Inc. · 141,032 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
The fix
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. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 24, 2026.

Structure: body, roof and pillars

NHTSA campaign 24V025000 · reported January 18, 2024 · Kia America, Inc. · 101,049 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Sportage and 2022-2024 Carnival vehicles. The roof molding may loosen and detach.
The risk
A detached roof molding can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
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.

Structure: body, door

NHTSA campaign 23V236000 · reported March 31, 2023 · Kia America, Inc. · 51,568 vehicles potentially affected

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

Trailer hitches

NHTSA campaign 23V179000 · reported March 17, 2023 · Kia America, Inc. · 3,555 vehicles potentially affected

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

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 18, 2026 · Seat belts

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. The safety of me and others was put at risk because I could have been ejected in a crash or moved forward into the drivers seat, causing…

Sep 23, 2026 · Fuel/propulsion system

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. Manufacturer has confirmed defect is present in all Kia models from 2020 until now…

Aug 4, 2026 · Fuel system, gasoline · 58,425 miles

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 contact’s six children to become dizzy from the odor. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V232000 (FUEL SYSTEM…

Jul 24, 2026 · Unknown or other

Vehicle air conditioning sends off a vinegar like aroma. Likely condensation on coils.

Jul 23, 2026 · Unknown or other

I am filing a comprehensive complaint against Kia America and its authorized dealership for a prolonged failure to remedy a safety defect, ongoing consumer deception, and gross mismanagement of a federally mandated safety recall involving a severe fire hazard. Vehicle: 2022-2026 Kia Carnival NHTSA Recall Number…

Carnival model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2022 613640
2023 45210
2024 27520
2025 112600
2026 22930

Across all years, the 2022 Carnival has the most complaints (136). All Kia Carnival years →

Questions

Does the 2023 Kia Carnival have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2023 Kia Carnival, the most recent reported on April 10, 2026 (Fuel system, gasoline: delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittings). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Kia Carnival?
Owners have filed 52 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is unknown or other (22 complaints), followed by structure (12).
How many 2023 Kia Carnival complaints mention a crash or fire?
1 of 52 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 7 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 18, 2026.