2022 Kia Carnival Owner Complaints

The power sliding door on my Kia Carnival has repeatedly failed to reopen when an occupant was caught in the doorway. On multiple occasions, my young child has become trapped by the sliding door after it began closing. Instead of consistently detecting the obstruction and reversing as expected, the door continued to close and pinned my child until an adult intervened. This creates a serious safety hazard because children can become trapped or injured by the power sliding door. The issue has happened several times, making me concerned that the anti-pinch/obstacle detection system is not functioning properly or consistently. The problem appears intermittent but has occurred often enough that I no longer trust the safety feature. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. I am submitting this complaint because I believe this is a widespread safety defect affecting Kia Carnival sliding doors and understand other owners have reported similar incidents. I am concerned that a child could suffer a serious injury if this defect is not addressed.

NHTSA ID

11754169

Incident

Nov 29, 2025

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Carnival. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V908000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages, Structure); however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the rear passenger’s side power sliding door failed to latch securely. The contact used force while pushing the rear passenger’s side sliding door from the outside to latch the sliding door properly. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that it was unrelated to the recall repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ID

11753013

Incident

Jul 25, 2025

Mileage

80,000 mi

SC368 CROSS OVER FUEL PIPE recall incomplete by kia of des moines

NHTSA ID

11748281

Incident

Jun 10, 2026

I am writing to formally complain about the delay in repairing my vehicle under an active recall involving the fuel system/crossover fuel pump. I have been informed that the required part is on backorder and that the repair may not be available until the end of July. My concern is that I am experiencing strong fuel fumes in and around the vehicle. The odor is severe enough that it is causing headaches, and I do not feel it is safe for me or my children to ride in the vehicle. Given that this recall involves a fuel-related component, I am extremely concerned about both the health effects of continued exposure to the fumes and the potential risk of fire. At this time, I do not believe the vehicle is safe to operate. I am requesting that Kia provide an immediate solution, including one or more of the following: A loaner vehicle until the recall repair can be completed; Rental vehicle reimbursement; Expedited repair assistance; or Any other reasonable accommodation that ensures my family's safety.

NHTSA ID

11743703

Incident

May 18, 2026

Fuel leak at pipe connection between the fuel pipe and fuel rail. Nuts securing the high-pressure crossover fuel pipe to the fuel rail loosened, leaking raw fuel, leading to risk of fire. This has been reported and confirmed by Ron Bouchard Kia, of Lancaster, MA, USA. It is a part of Kia Recall SC368 (NHTSA ID: 26V232). We noticed the vehicle was leaking a substance in April 2025. After receiving recall notice in April 2026, we brought the vehicle in to be check on XXX. We were informed on XXX by phone that our vehicle was affected and fell under this recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11742041

Incident

Apr 20, 2026

My 2022 Kia Carnival, approximately 80,000 miles, had intermittent dashboard warning lights and grinding brake noise for a few weeks. I brought the vehicle to Tasca Kia White Plains first time on 4/14/26 then again on 5/8/26. The dealership initially could not reproduce the issue, then later suspected an ABS sensor issue and ordered the part. On 5/12/26, before the repair was completed, I was driving downhill with my children in the vehicle when the brakes failed to respond properly. I had to steer off the roadway and go over rocks/boulders to stop the vehicle. At that time, the brakes would not respond normally, and I could not immediately shift the vehicle into Park. Police and towing services were involved. The dealership later replaced an ABS sensor. However, when I reviewed the codes with the service manager, I was told the ABS sensor code did not appear on the date of the brake incident. I was also told that an ABS sensor failure itself would not typically cause hydraulic brake failure. I am concerned that the sensor replacement does not explain the brake failure and that this may involve a brake/ABS/electronic stability control safety issue.

NHTSA ID

11738446

Incident

May 12, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Carnival. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V320000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID

11734515

Incident

Apr 29, 2026

Engine light turns on every couple months. The Kia either stops accelerating and goes into “limp mode” or gives code for misfiring cylinders. Took to dealership several times, they did nothing but reset battery so light goes off. Unsafe when driving my family around and has turned into an unreliable vehicle. SO frustrating for a new vehicle to have these issues.

NHTSA ID

11729561

Incident

Apr 2, 2026

I am submitting this complaint regarding the failure of the Kia Connect telematics system and the cessation of critical navigation support for my vehicle. Despite opening a formal support case with Kia (Ticket #25923650), the following issues remain unresolved: Loss of Trip History (Since January 2026): The Trip History feature within the Kia Connect suite has been completely non-functional since January 2026. This prevents the tracking of vehicle usage, mileage, and driving behavior data, which are core features of the paid subscription service. Failure of Connected Routing & Software Obsolescence: The "Connected Routing" feature is no longer operational. Kia support has stated this is due to the vehicle requiring a navigation update; however, Kia has ceased providing all navigation and software updates for this model as of April 2025. Safety Concern: The lack of software support and the failure of "Connected Routing" forces the vehicle to rely on navigation data that is nearly a year out of date. This creates a safety risk when the vehicle provides incorrect guidance on one-way streets, closed roads, or altered traffic patterns. Furthermore, the persistent failure of these telematics services raises serious concerns about the reliability of the vehicle's emergency communication systems, such as Automatic Collision Notification and the SOS Emergency Assistance button, which utilize the same underlying cellular module and software framework. Corrective Action Requested: I am seeking a mandatory software update from Kia that restores full functionality to the Kia Connect suite (specifically Trip History and Connected Routing) or a final navigation map update to ensure the vehicle’s guidance systems remain safe and accurate for the remainder of the service's lifecycle.

NHTSA ID

11723950

Incident

Apr 1, 2025

My engine smells like fire and fuel my can will not start or do anything. There was smoke coming out of it. The van has had several issues since buying it. Now it’s completely disabled I heard a popping noise as I was driving and then it died and has not started since.

NHTSA ID

11723675

Incident

Mar 6, 2026

The driver side passenger door will open by itself when the key fob is near. Today it injured me while pumping gas and almost knocked the gas tank door off and gas pump out. I locked my vehicle to go inside to pay for gas. When I came back to my car to open the gas tank door and inserted the gas pump, the sliding door opened and smashed my wrist in between it and the gas tank cover door. It almost knocked the tank door off but I was able to keep fighting it and pushing it back and it closed. I have deep indents in my wrist and it scuffed the gas tank cover. The sliding doors do not stop when someone is going in or out. It is a safety hazard and should function like a garage door. Stop when it senses something there. I almost lost my wrist today!!!

NHTSA ID

11719347

Incident

Feb 20, 2026

I am unsure as for what is wrong with my car the dealership keeps saying its running rich and there is a recall on several 2022 Kia Carnivals that say it could be a faulty fuel rail tube. They have also said my map sensor is failing. My check engine light appeared a few days ago and has since been cleared and hasn't came back on, however it is just a matter of time. My children ride in this car as it is my daily driver and I have extremely head headaches. The dealership inspected the car and stated it did not smell like fuel however it definitely does.

NHTSA ID

11709607

Incident

Jan 7, 2026

Fuel door will not open, there is no manual override, vehicle cannot be refueled and since there is no emergency release it caused me to be stranded at a gas station at night with my 4 kids which is a huge safety concern and should be taken seriously as this is a safety and drivability issue that I should not be held responsible to pay for when it is at no fault to me it is a design/system failure.

NHTSA ID

11705444

Incident

Dec 15, 2025

The dealer is attempting to classify the torn rubber and pulled-out wiring as “non-recall wear and tear,” but the damage is a direct result of: a latch that sticks, a door that does not close smoothly, a malfunctioning power sliding mechanism, and the repeated force required to compensate for the defect. Under recall law, when an unresolved defect causes additional damage, the owner cannot be held financially responsible for the resulting deterioration. This is a mechanical consequence of a defect, not a cosmetic issue.

NHTSA ID

11704051

Incident

Oct 6, 2025

Vehicle: 2022 Kia Carnival Component: Liftgate — right-side support/strut (shoulder) failure Safety Issue: The right-hand side trunk strut/support has completely broken, causing the liftgate to drop unexpectedly. The trunk will not stay open and can fall abruptly during use. This creates a significant safety hazard for adults and children standing underneath, and while loading/unloading cargo. There was no prior warning or misuse. The failure is structural and sudden. Resulting Risk: Risk of head/neck injury, especially for children or anyone attempting to open or hold the liftgate. The sudden drop makes the rear of the vehicle unsafe to use. Request: Investigation into whether this is a defect affecting other 2022 Kia Carnival vehicles.

NHTSA ID

11701168

Incident

Oct 4, 2025

In October 23, 2025 I started to notice a fuel smell while I was driving the vehicle. The smell of fuel seemed more strong while I had the air conditioning running.I would shut off the AC and put the windows down. There was no leaks of fuel on the ground or close to the motor. No check engine light or messages was displayed on dash at anytime. My concern was that I’m constantly driving my small children in car seats to and from school, sports, and appointments the smell the fumes will cause headaches or worse car will catch fire were we would need to make a fast exit out the vehicle. So I made an appointment with Kia of Stockton and they scheduled me for 10/29/26 at 9:30am. Kia first diagnosis was undetermined and charged me another $315 just to keep diagnosing on top of there first fee of $315. Kia discovered after removing the foam that protects the fuel rail the leak was coming from fuel injectors and fuel rail. Fuel injector leaking where injector inserts into rail. Repair was needed due to failure of fuel rail housing not sealing properly. Kia also replaced associated components with the fuel rail clips, bolts, flanges, high pressure sensor, foam, and injector wire harness. According to Kia there tech found short in the injector harness.

NHTSA ID

11699531

Incident

Oct 23, 2025

Frame of drivers side seat broke in half. I weigh under. 200 pounds and am the primary driver of the car

NHTSA ID

11698724

Incident

Nov 8, 2025

I went to use my vehicle horn when another driver pulled out in front of me and the sound was way off...it sounded like a clown horn. I subsequently took to the Kia dealer where they diagnosed that one of the horns failed and it was replaced under an extended warranty with a deductible payment. The failure of the horn compromised my safety and the other driver's as the other driver may not have heard my warning that my vehicle was where it was. There was no warning that the horn failed until I went to use it.

NHTSA ID

11687146

Incident

Aug 31, 2025

Left sliding door window (Drivers side) exploded while driving down the highway. Nobody was around us on a sunday afternoon at [XXX]. [XXX] We were on a flat road so no tension. There is no reason for it to have shattered (my daughter was sleeping laid back in the seat) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11682732

Incident

Aug 24, 2025

Dealer says recall sc211 doesn’t apply to this vehicle, however CEL is displaying (once again) with DTC “P0191 Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor Range/Performance”. Kia dealer has does minimal investigation/diagnosis with no resolution.

NHTSA ID

11682506

Incident

May 16, 2025

The Kia Carnival was parked a slight decline and when the button to close the passenger sliding door the door closed rapidly like a guillotine. Thankfully no children or body part were in the path of the door because it would have severely damaged them. After it closed rapidly the door was unable to be opened. The dealership is still working on the Carnival and it has been over 3 weeks and they said they have never seen anything like this since it tore off a bolt in the body frame and caused damage to the body frame and they were unable to open it. Still don't have a timeline for repair. Also concerned it may happen to the other side and the safety issues around it.

NHTSA ID

11682325

Incident

Jul 26, 2025

When traveling on the highway, the vehicle would not shift into a higher gear limiting the control of the vehicle to accelerate to the flow of traffic. The transmission would not shift for approximately 1/4 of a mile and was stuck at a max speed of ~35 mph and it would not accelerate. This loss of control almost caused an accident and put my family and self at extreme risk. Eventually the vehicle did finally shift gears allowing us to accelerate with the flow of traffic (60mph) This issue with a delay in shifting gears has intermittently happened on prior occasion when accelerating from a full stop, however, this was the first time it happened at an accelerated speed. The vehicle is not safe to operate and was towed to a service center; however, the issue is intermittent and not easily reproducible -- making it even more dangerous as you do not know when it will happen next.

NHTSA ID

11680096

Incident

Aug 2, 2025

While driving my 2022 Kia Carnival Prestige, the engine started knocking and the vehicle started sounding like it was going to turn off. There was no alert or light on until we got to the service center where the check engine light came on. I took to the nearest dealer with service center for Kia for inspection and repair which the dealer's service center indicated it was an engine failure at 62,203 miles. This failure was hundreds of miles away from my home. I had to return to my state on a rental vehicle. The vehicle remained at the service center for 2 months for engine replacement. Prior to this event, I had serviced the vehicle at my home dealer's service center since I bought it. I performed all maintenance and my home dealer never alerted to an engine trouble before this event. Once I retrieved my vehicle, the vehicle was fine for few weeks and at 66,427 miles the vehicle started having issues with a check engine light on again. I took to my home dealer's service center and after inspection they indicated it was a bad fuel injector. The vehicle became unreliable and unsafe for my regular commute. Once I received the vehicle with the new engine the performance and sound was very different than my old engine had been since I bought the car. I believe the original engine has been faulty since I bought the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11674792

Incident

Mar 10, 2025

My front windshield on my 2022 Kia Carnival has shattered in two places from a small hit. I have owned lots of cars and never had a windshield break in two places all the way across. There must be an issue or problem.

NHTSA ID

11672647

Incident

May 30, 2025

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Carnival. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the driver's side windshield exterior A-Pillar trim flew off and struck the vehicle behind, almost causing a crash. The contact pulled over to the side of the road temporarily. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and the vehicle was inspected. The dealer determined that the trim needed to be replaced; however, the repair was not covered under the bumper-to-bumper warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 22,023.

NHTSA ID

11664391

Incident

May 31, 2025

Mileage

22,023 mi