VehicleVerdict

2024 Kia Carnival problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2024 Kia Carnival sits mid-pack among Carnival years: 87 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 87, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 13 injuries in total across these filings.

Other leads the complaint categories with 22 reports (25% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

87

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

13

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2024 compare to other Carnival years?

Carnival NHTSA complaints by model year, 2024 highlighted176 complaints2022: 176 complaints2023: 59 complaints2024: 87 complaints2025: 159 complaints2026: 31 complaints
Carnival NHTSA complaints by model year, 2024 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Carnival years to avoid →

What are the most common 2024 Kia Carnival problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other2225%
Electrical System1517%
Engine89%
Seats78%
Steering78%
Body & Structure67%
Fuel System45%
Visibility & Wipers33%
Driver Assistance33%
Airbags33%
Transmission22%
Seat Belts22%
Latches & Locks11%
Lighting11%
Tires & Wheels11%
Brakes11%
Speed Control11%

Does the 2024 Kia Carnival have recalls?

2 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

Floor rails are so hot, I had to cover them so my toddler and child could walk across them to get out of the van. The middle seats were taken out and the metal in the floor track gets so hot to even touch. Underneath the car when the car is running is enough to burn one’s legs also.. this is a…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 26, 2024

Horn stops working and needs to be replaced within a year or less. I reported the first time my horn stopped working and it took 4 months until I can have an appointment and order the part. The second time it stopped working was within a year and scheduling an appointment was difficult. I was…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 3, 2024

"Continuous engine oil leak for 12 months. After 4 failed repair attempts, the dealer used liquid sealer instead of a gasket. This is a deceptive repair that creates a severe fire hazard. The leak is still active today, March 2026."

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 27, 2026

Driver was approaching the end of [XXX] and attempted to turn left onto the ramp to [XXX] but without prior warning the brakes and the steering wheel failed and he couldn’t turn or stop the car which resulted in the vehicle hitting the guardrail. The driver endured injuries on his hand, and…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · October 6, 2023 · crash

The rails/tracks that the seats slide forward and back on get extremely hot while the car is on. The seat rails/tracks are exposed so the seats can slide and passengers have to step on them to get in and out. The amount of heat coming from the seat rails/tracks poses a burn risk, especially to…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · July 29, 2024

2024 Kia Carnival — common questions

Is the 2024 Kia Carnival reliable?

It is close to typical for the Carnival: 87 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2024 Carnival problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (22 complaints), electrical system (15 complaints), engine (8 complaints).

Does the 2024 Kia Carnival have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2024 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.

How safe is the 2024 Kia Carnival?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2024 Kia Carnival earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

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.