VehicleVerdict

2022 Kia Carnival problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 176 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.0 times the median Carnival year — the 2022 model ranks #1 of 5 Carnival years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 41 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across other (33), body & structure (31), and electrical system (23), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

176

NHTSA complaints

6

Recalls

1

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

41

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2022 compare to other Carnival years?

Carnival NHTSA complaints by model year, 2022 highlighted176 complaints2022: 176 complaints2023: 59 complaints2024: 87 complaints2025: 159 complaints2026: 31 complaints
Carnival NHTSA complaints by model year, 2022 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Carnival years to avoid →

What are the most common 2022 Kia Carnival problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other3319%
Body & Structure3118%
Electrical System2313%
Visibility & Wipers2011%
Engine1710%
Fuel System148%
Transmission74%
Latches & Locks63%
Driver Assistance53%
Speed Control42%
Seats42%
Steering32%
Lighting32%
Brakes21%
Airbags21%
Suspension11%
Tires & Wheels11%

Does the 2022 Kia Carnival have recalls?

6 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

26V232000Fuel SystemApril 10, 2026 · 141,032 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.

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. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 24, 2026.

24V025000Body & StructureJanuary 18, 2024 · 101,049 units

Defect

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.

23V236000Body & StructureMarch 31, 2023 · 51,568 units

Defect

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.

23V179000Trailer HitchMarch 17, 2023 · 3,555 units

Defect

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.

21V908000Latches & LocksNovember 19, 2021 · 2,956 units

Defect

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2022 Carnival vehicles. The remote controller assembly for the passenger-side power sliding door may malfunction, preventing the passenger-side sliding door from securely latching.

Consequence

A power sliding door that fails to latch may open while moving, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the passenger-side power sliding door release actuator's drum and holder inside the remote controller assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC221.

21V277000Fuel SystemApril 21, 2021 · 2,744 units

Defect

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2022 Carnival vehicles. The plastic fuel rail tube may have been damaged.

Consequence

A damaged fuel rail tube may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the multi-port injection fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began April 30, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC211.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“Auto hold engaged on car and failed to hold car. Resulted in a crash to my front gate and damage to the car as well as gate. Would not brake when pumping on brake upon collision to front gate. Sensor is now malfunctioning and Kia is not taking responsibility. Most recently the front windshield has…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 27, 2021 · crash

“The automatic doors are supposed to stop when they sense an interference but they don’t stop. My daughter got her hand smashed in ours. I thought maybe it was just where her hand ones but I used my own arm to test the door and it smashed by arm before re-opening. Left an awful bruise. I have…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · January 20, 2022

“My 2022 Kia Carnival, approximately 80,000 miles, had intermittent dashboard warning lights and grinding brake noise for a few weeks. I brought the vehicle to Tasca Kia White Plains first time on 4/14/26 then again on 5/8/26. The dealership initially could not reproduce the issue, then later…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 12, 2026 · crash

“The rear side passenger window busted from the bottom. Only top half of window remained while driving down the road. No warnings. I only knew this was possible with car due to Facebook group and others having this happen to them. Big bomb sound no one else on road car is 2022 bought September 2021.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · December 11, 2023

“Engine light turns on every couple months. The Kia either stops accelerating and goes into “limp mode” or gives code for misfiring cylinders. Took to dealership several times, they did nothing but reset battery so light goes off. Unsafe when driving my family around and has turned into an…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 2, 2026

2022 Kia Carnival — common questions

Is the 2022 Kia Carnival reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 176 complaints put the 2022 model at #1 of 5 Carnival years. It is one of the Carnival years to avoid.

What are the most common 2022 Carnival problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (33 complaints), body & structure (31 complaints), electrical system (23 complaints).

Does the 2022 Kia Carnival have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 2022 Kia Carnival. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2022 Kia Carnival under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Kia Carnival years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Carnival years to avoid are 2022, 2025. The cleanest record among Carnival years belongs to 2026.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.