2022 Kia Carnival Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2022 Kia Carnival, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Body & structure3222.4%
- Electrical2215.4%
- Visibility1812.6%
- Engine1711.9%
- Fuel system1510.5%
- Interior & seats117.7%
- Driver assistance96.3%
- Powertrain (other)74.9%
- Exterior lighting32.1%
- Steering32.1%
- Airbags21.4%
- Brakes21.4%
- Other / unspecified10.7%
- Suspension10.7%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
The windshield cracked while driving. Nothing hit it, it just cracked. Was 8inches long and now covers half the windshield. Obvious defect in the windshield. It is availability to see or I can take a picture. Safety is compromised by a cracked windshield that could get worse and hurt us. It has not been inspected and no warning lights went off
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
SC368 CROSS OVER FUEL PIPE recall incomplete by kia of des moines
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.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Frame of drivers side seat broke in half. I weigh under. 200 pounds and am the primary driver of the car
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Carnival. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, she noticed that the windshield was cracked from the passenger's side to the driver's side of the windshield. The vehicle was taken to an auto glass repair shop, where it was determined that the windshield needed to be replaced; however, the replacement windshield was not available. The windshield was replaced and was recalibrated after a month. The contact stated that after the repair, the Forward Collision Avoidance system was intermittently inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated that while the vehicle was parked on another occasion, she noticed that the windshield was cracked. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
The rear turn signals are too low and small in the vehicle and people are unable to notice it. Almost ended up in crash few times.
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Carnival. The contact stated that while her daughter was inside the vehicle, the door closed on her rib cage and arm, but medical attention was not provided. Additionally, the taillights were inoperable. While driving, the vehicle stalled. While accelerating and making a turn, the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the weather stripping sensor needed to be replaced. The bulb was broken, and a wiring harness replacement was needed. The system was reset. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 1,187.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
When trying to alert a vehicle that was merging into my lane but did not see me, my horn did not work. It randomly does not work at times. Every once in a while it will. This poses as a danger and safety risk to drivers and passengers of my 2022 Kia Carnival for instances as such where another driver may need to be alerted if they don’t have safety features for blind spots, backing up, etc. I would have gotten struck by the other vehicle if I hadn’t slammed on my brakes and swerve towards the side of the road. I was lucky there was room on the side of the road to swerve to. If my horn would have worked, this could have been prevented. It’s still an ongoing issue with the horn randomly not working 90% of the time when needed. I can’t attach a video of my horn not working when the steering wheel horn is pressed or I would.
Steering column leaking oil.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
With very low miles on our Carnival, I had just left a stop sign and someone ran their stop sign at high speed and tboned my vehicle in the driver's side. I woke up from being unconscious while still in driver seat and my car was still limping down the road not far from the intersection. Pretty serious head, back and other injuries and was taken via ambulance to the hospital. The problem is that despite a high speed impact into the side of my vehicle, NOT ONE of the airbags deployed! I am confident that my injuries, that now seem permanent, would have been MUCH less if the airbags had deployed as designed. The car was totalled by Insurance. I do have pictures of it.
I was tboned on 3/10/2022 at high speed in the back driver's side 1/3 of the car by another who ran stop sign at high speed (I am guessing 50 or 60 mph). I have some amnesia about the impact now....but with large hematoma on left side of my head & concussion, my head must have hit the left side body/frame of the vehicle without the benefit of side curtain airbags that sure would have made this accident less traumatic to my body and brain. Currently the vehicle is being moved from an impound lot to State Farm' lot. We have not seen any warning lights or had any problems with this car up til now. It has not been inspected by any mechanics yet either.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Auto hold engaged on car and failed to hold car. Resulted in a crash to my front gate and damage to the car as well as gate. Would not brake when pumping on brake upon collision to front gate. Sensor is now malfunctioning and Kia is not taking responsibility. Most recently the front windshield has a crack that was not caused by anything. Car is parked and covered in my driveway.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
I repaired my front strut and in less than a year it is now “internally bent” is what the dealership told me. I now have 4 balled tires and 2 rear toe in tires and done 3 alignments in 1 year and I was told it’s my fault.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
I repaired my front strut and in less than a year it is now “internally bent” is what the dealership told me. I now have 4 balled tires and 2 rear toe in tires and done 3 alignments in 1 year and I was told it’s my fault.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .