VehicleVerdict

2023 Kia Carnival problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2023 Kia Carnival is among the quieter years of the Carnival on NHTSA's books: 59 complaints (32% below the model's median year), 4 recalls, and no open investigations.

Other leads the complaint categories with 22 reports (37% of the total).

59

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

9

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2023 compare to other Carnival years?

Carnival NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted176 complaints2022: 176 complaints2023: 59 complaints2024: 87 complaints2025: 159 complaints2026: 31 complaints
Carnival NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Carnival years to avoid →

What are the most common 2023 Kia Carnival problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other2237%
Body & Structure1220%
Electrical System610%
Engine58%
Driver Assistance35%
Fuel System23%
Steering23%
Latches & Locks23%
Seat Belts23%
Visibility & Wipers12%
Speed Control12%
Brakes12%

Does the 2023 Kia Carnival have recalls?

4 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“The car keeps shutting of while driving ,the car jerks when accelerating, I press on the gas and sometimes it doesn't accelerate at all .the car windshield cracked, the doors closed on my hands when I was retrieving my coat the doors didn't open back up i had to snatch my hands and arms back. I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 10, 2022

“Daughter presses the button on the inside of the van. She didn't move her hand soon enough out of the way for the door to close. The door closed on her hand, she had to press the button open from the door closing on her thumb. She came balling her eyes out to me. Her thumb swelled 3 x's as big. The…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · June 28, 2022

“Rear automatic door shut on adult even after bumping into the individual. The sensor did not stop the door from closing. This could have caused serious injury, especially if this were to happen to a kid.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 15, 2023

“The car keeps shutting of while driving ,the car jerks when accelerating, I press on the gas and sometimes it doesn't accelerate at all .the car windshield cracked, the doors closed on my hands when I was retrieving my coat the doors didn't open back up i had to snatch my hands and arms back. I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 10, 2022

“The contact owns a 2023 Kia Carnival. The contact stated there was oil leaking from the vehicle onto the floorboard nearby the brake pedal. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that a seal for the steering column was leaking and could cause the steering wheel to seize while…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · August 10, 2023

2023 Kia Carnival — common questions

Is the 2023 Kia Carnival reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 59 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Carnival year, with 4 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2023 Carnival problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (22 complaints), body & structure (12 complaints), electrical system (6 complaints).

Does the 2023 Kia Carnival have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2023 Kia Carnival. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.