NHTSA has received 70 owner complaints about the 2024 Kia Carnival, or 26.2 per year on the road — fewer complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 0.62, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 89 model-year 2024 vehicles we track, it ranks #53 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Kia models its rate is 26% lower; against other Minivans it is 50% 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 2023-06-15 and 2026-09-02. Median delay from incident to filing: 4 days.
70Complaints
26.2Complaints per year on the road
0.62Complaint index vs. all tracked vehicles
2Recalls
2.9%Share involving a crash or fire
26Last 12 months
Analysis
The previous model year (2023) drew 13.6 complaints per year, fewer than this one. The following model year (2025) drew 107.6 per year, more than this one. In its first two years on the road the 2024 model collected 50 complaints, 29% lower than the average vehicle of the same model year.
The most common problem area is Electrical (22.9% of complaints), followed by Interior & equipment (21.4%) and Body & structure (12.9%). Within Electrical reports, owners most often mention “sliding”, “horn”, “electrical”, “redacted pursuant” and “information redacted”. 2 reports (2.9%) describe a crash or fire; owners mention 10 injuries and 0 deaths.
Half of the reported incidents happened within 9 months of the model year's start; the busiest period was the first year (54% of incidents). In the last 12 months 26 new complaints were filed, versus 15 in the 12 months before — the pace is rising.
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for this model year. 19% of the complaints fall in component areas that a recall addresses.
Complaint index
vs. all tracked vehicles0.62
vs. other Kia models0.74
vs. other 2024 models0.69
vs. other Minivans0.5
Complaints in first 2 years on the road · vs. same-year average (50)0.71
The contact owns a 2024 Kia Carnival. The contact stated that while her husband was loading the child into the car seat. The rear button for the door was depressed by the child. The husband became stuck in between the sliding doors.
Body & structure · 2026-05-11 · ODI 11736945
On 11/12, my 2024 Kia Carnival was parked as my children were getting settled in the vehicle. My son lifted the second-row passenger seat on the passenger side using the handle provided to access the third row.
Other · 2025-12-10 · ODI 11704247
On 8/25/2026 I dropped the vehicle at Plaza Kia, 2699 Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11210 (Kia Repair Facility #7119189) for four open recalls: PI2501, PI2602, SC320, and SC368. Brakes were functioning normally at drop-off.
Brakes · 2026-09-02 · ODI 11761672
For the past year I have taken my vechicle in due to a strong vinegar smell that comes from the AC in the summer upon start up. They have been unable to remedy this issue. However they have said there is mold in the system.
Interior & equipment · 2026-08-24 · ODI 11759022
On our 2024 KIA Carnival, which my wife is the primary driver, the blind spot warning on the passenger side does not work all the time. Driver side is 100% okay.
Driver-assist systems · 2026-08-17 · ODI 11757456
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.
No NHTSA investigation covers the tracked model years.
Frequently asked questions
How many complaints were filed for the 2024 Kia Carnival?
70 complaints were filed with NHTSA for the 2024 Kia Carnival, or about 26.2 per year on the road.
What is the most common problem reported for the 2024 Kia Carnival?
The most common category is Electrical, accounting for 22.9% of complaints.
Does the 2024 Kia Carnival have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 2 safety recall(s) for this model year.
Is the 2024 Kia Carnival still generating complaints?
In the last 12 months 26 new complaints were filed, versus 15 in the 12 months before — the pace is rising.
How does the 2024 Kia Carnival compare with similar vehicles?
NHTSA has received 70 owner complaints about the 2024 Kia Carnival, or 26.2 per year on the road — fewer complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 0.62, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 89 model-year 2024 vehicles we track, it ranks #53 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Kia models its rate is 26% lower; against other Minivans it is 50% lower.