VehicleVerdict

2025 Kia Carnival problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 159 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.8 times the median Carnival year — the 2025 model ranks #2 of 5 Carnival years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: electrical system issues account for 50% of all reports (80 of 159), far ahead of other at 19.

159

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2025 compare to other Carnival years?

Carnival NHTSA complaints by model year, 2025 highlighted176 complaints2022: 176 complaints2023: 59 complaints2024: 87 complaints2025: 159 complaints2026: 31 complaints
Carnival NHTSA complaints by model year, 2025 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Carnival years to avoid →

What are the most common 2025 Kia Carnival problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System8050%
Other1912%
Engine159%
Driver Assistance106%
Fuel System74%
Seats53%
Transmission53%
Lighting53%
Body & Structure43%
Speed Control32%
Visibility & Wipers21%
Airbags21%
Brakes11%
Seat Belts11%

Does the 2025 Kia Carnival have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“We have been having persistent safety issues with this vehicle. The issues have ranged from unsecured gas cap to loss of power. We’ve also had severe transmission issues where the car will not shift out of first gear. This happened on the Garden State Parkway and nearly caused an accident as the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 26, 2026

“Passenger sliding door failed to detect my son and closed completely on his arm. The doors will push the kids and don’t detect even adults at times. He now has a buckle fracture that they are concerned is a full fracture in both bone on his forearm. He is [XXX] old. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 7, 2026

“We have been having persistent safety issues with this vehicle. The issues have ranged from unsecured gas cap to loss of power. We’ve also had severe transmission issues where the car will not shift out of first gear. This happened on the Garden State Parkway and nearly caused an accident as the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 26, 2026

“The "consider taking a break" feature pops up every 5 minutes when I am driving and it is beyond distracting and leads me to believe I have something wrong with my vehicle. There is no way to turn it off. Please demand that Hyundai/Kia issue a software update so I can turn this off. Thnaks!”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · May 11, 2025

“I was turning onto a main thoroughfare fare, and the van was slow to accelerate, Engine light briefly blinked, then went off, and then when I was on the interstate I had to pull over the van was running rough. Once I went back on the road, the steering wheel was shuddering and finally the engine…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 26, 2025

2025 Kia Carnival — common questions

Is the 2025 Kia Carnival reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 159 complaints put the 2025 model at #2 of 5 Carnival years. It is one of the Carnival years to avoid.

What are the most common 2025 Carnival problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (80 complaints), other (19 complaints), engine (15 complaints).

Does the 2025 Kia Carnival have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2025 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.