Kia Carnival years to avoid (and the best years)
407 NHTSA owner complaints and 7 recalls across 5 model years, 2022 to 2026. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.
- 407complaints
- 7recalls
- 10reported crashes
- 0reported fires
- 61reported injuries
Which Kia Carnival years should you avoid?
No Kia Carnival model year stands out from the others in NHTSA owner complaints. The typical Kia Carnival year has 73 complaints on file. The busiest years are the 2022 (134) and 2025 (124).
What are the best Kia Carnival years?
The Kia Carnival year with the fewest complaints on file is the 2023 (50). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.
NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.
Every model year
| Year | Complaints | vs typical year | Recalls | Crashes | Injuries | Our read | Most reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 26 | 0.4× | 2 | 3 | 4 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2025 | 124 | 1.7× | 1 | 0 | 5 | Some concerns to check | Electrical system |
| 2024 | 73 | 1.0× | 2 | 2 | 11 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2023 | 50 | 0.7× | 4 | 1 | 7 | Few red flags | Body and structure |
| 2022 | 134 | 1.8× | 6 | 4 | 34 | Some concerns to check | Body and structure |
Most reported problem areas
Share of the 407 complaints sorted by system, all years together.
- Structure & body132 (32%)
- Electrical & infotainment123 (30%)
- Engine & powertrain83 (20%)
- Other systems33 (8%)
- Airbags & seat belts15 (4%)
Recalls (7)
Fuel system · 26V232000 · Apr 2026 · model years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026
A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
Electrical system · 26V046000 · Jan 2026 · model year 2026
An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer, tire pressure, or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Structure · 24V025000 · Jan 2024 · model years 2022, 2023, 2024
A detached roof molding can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
Structure · 23V236000 · Mar 2023 · model years 2022, 2023
A power sliding door that does not auto-reverse can close on an occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
Safety · 23V179000 · Mar 2023 · model years 2022, 2023
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Safety · 21V908000 · Nov 2021 · model year 2022
A power sliding door that fails to latch may open while moving, increasing the risk of injury.
Fuel system · 21V277000 · Apr 2021 · model year 2022
A damaged fuel rail tube may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.