Kia Carnival Engine problems
0.65 vs. all vehicles Rising
74 of the 507 complaints about the Kia Carnival (14.6%) concern Engine, making it the model's #4 problem area. That share is 0.7× the Engine share across all tracked vehicles.
74Complaints · Engine
14.6%Share of complaints
0.65×vs. all vehicles
35Last 12 months
1.4%Share involving a crash or fire
0Related recalls
Analysis
35 Engine complaints were filed in the last 12 months versus 21 in the 12 months before — up 67%.
1 of these reports (1.4%) describes a crash or fire, with 3 injuries and 0 deaths mentioned.
No recall campaign addresses Engine for the tracked model years.
By model year
When complaints were filed
Last 12 months: 35 · Previous 12 months: 21
What owners report
On XXX my nearly new 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid SX Prestige, with approximately 5,650 miles on the odometer, caught fire while I was driving in [XXX].
The contact owns a 2024 Kia Carnival. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal gas odor would emit through the vehicle's ventilation system.
On random occasions, car will display "check hybrid system" and go into limp mode (limiting speed significantly) check engine, oil, and battery lights also illuminate.
The contact owns a 2024 Kia Carnival. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle jerked violently and experienced a loss of motive power, with reduced power. Several unknown warning lights illuminated.
My vehicle keeps throwing a code “check hybrid system” and slowing me down to 30mph, it will not accelerate. This is extremely dangerous. I can restart the car and it’s fine but this is a major safety issue considering it keeps happening
I am writing to formally express my serious concern and disappointment regarding my Kia Carnival Hybrid. Shortly after purchasing the vehicle, with only approximately 6,000 miles on the odometer, the vehicle suddenly stopped operating while I was driving on…
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
Related recalls
No recall campaign addresses Engine for the tracked model years.
Problem areas · Kia Carnival
Related reading
- Why modern engines burn oil, and what owner complaints revealDesign choices linked to oil consumption in recent engines, the warning signs owners describe, what counts as normal, and which tracked models currently have the highest engine share in their complaints.