NHTSA has received 51 owner complaints about the 2023 Kia Carnival, or 13.5 per year on the road — far fewer complaints than typical (complaint index 0.33, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 92 model-year 2023 vehicles we track, it ranks #32 of 92 by complaints per year (#1 = fewest). Against other Kia models its rate is 61% lower; against other Minivans it is 74% lower.
Counts are normalized by time on the road, not by sales volume: a popular model generates more reports than a rare one, and complaints are not verified individually. How we count
Complaints filed between 2022-07-01 and 2026-09-23. Median delay from incident to filing: 9 days.
51Complaints
13.5Complaints per year on the road
0.33Complaint index vs. all tracked vehicles
4Recalls · ⚠ 1
2.0%Share involving a crash or fire
14Last 12 months
Analysis
The previous model year (2022) drew 28.4 complaints per year, more than this one. The following model year (2024) drew 26.9 per year, more than this one. In its first two years on the road the 2023 model collected 29 complaints, 65% lower than the average vehicle of the same model year.
The most common problem area is Unspecified or other (31.4% of complaints), followed by Body & structure (23.5%) and Engine (11.8%). Unspecified or other complaints are 3.5 times as common here as across all tracked vehicles. 1 report (2.0%) describes a crash or fire; owners mention 7 injuries and 0 deaths.
Half of the reported incidents happened within 17 months of the model year's start; the busiest period was the first year (47% of incidents). In the last 12 months 14 new complaints were filed, versus 9 in the 12 months before — up 56%.
NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for this model year, 1 with a do-not-drive or park-outside warning.
Complaint index
vs. all tracked vehicles0.33
vs. other Kia models0.39
vs. other 2023 models0.32
vs. other Minivans0.26
Complaints in first 2 years on the road · vs. same-year average (29)0.35
Our Carnival had the SC266 recall repair done on July 3rd, 2023, at 3074 miles. Then our [XXX] daughter was injured as a result of the safety function not working and the door closed without any chimes.
Unspecified or other · 2026-05-14 · ODI 11737829
ABS was activating inappropriately creating a grinding/pulsating noise while I was attempting to stop at a light. The vehicle did slow down but despite the completely dry road service and sufficient stopping distance, the vehicle never came to a stop and ran…
Brakes · 2026-02-05 · ODI 11715948 · Crash
Fuel door actuator is electrically tied to cabin door locks with no manual release and frequently fails to open after repeatedly cycling cabin door locks. Issue is not due to bad batteries or other vehicle related electrical faults.
Fuel system · 2026-09-23 · ODI 11766404
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Carnival. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle, causing the contact’s six children to become dizzy from the odor. No warning light was illuminated.
Fuel system · 2026-08-04 · ODI 11754708
Vehicle air conditioning sends off a vinegar like aroma. Likely condensation on coils.
Unspecified or other · 2026-07-24 · ODI 11752598
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS Campaign 26V232000 · 2026-04-10
Summary: 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.
Risk: 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.
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS Campaign 24V025000 · 2024-01-18
Summary: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Sportage and 2022-2024 Carnival vehicles. The roof molding may loosen and detach.
Risk: 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.
Summary: 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.
Risk: 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.
Summary: 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.
Risk: 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.
