KnownCarProblems2023 Kia Carnival Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 52 complaints with NHTSA about the 2023 Kia Carnival, most often about the other or unspecified (42% of complaints). It is 4th of 5 Carnival model years by number of complaints and has 4 recalls.
⚠ Safety advisory1 recall for this car came with a park-outside warning. See below and check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Most common 2023 Kia Carnival problems
Other or unspecified
22 complaints · 42%Body and structure
12 complaints · 23%Parts named most often: body.
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Carnival. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the driverâs side roof molding ejected from the vehicle. The contact immediately stopped the vehicle but was unable to locate the molding. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local…
Electrical
6 complaints · 12%The contact owns a 2023 Kia Carnival. The contact stated that during freezing weather, the button was depressed to open the driver's side rear sliding door, and the door automatically opened; however, the motor reached a point of resistance and attempted to close the sliding door. Due to the failure of the cable in…
Engine
6 complaints · 12%Fuel system
5 complaints · 10%The contact owns a 2023 Kia Carnival. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to two separate dealers, where the contact was informed that the VIN…
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 contactâs six children to become dizzy from the odor. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 26v232000 (fuel system…
Driver assistance
3 complaints · 6%Parts named most often: blind spot detection, warnings, lane keep.
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Carnival. The contact stated there was oil leaking from the vehicle onto the floorboard nearby the brake pedal. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that a seal for the steering column was leaking and could cause the steering wheel to seize while driving. The lane keep…
Seat belts
3 complaints · 6%Parts named most often: rear/other.
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Carnival. The contact stated that the seat belt located in the rear middle row was inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the seat belt failed to retract. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the seat…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2023 Kia Carnival recalls
Fuel system: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Risk: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Full defect 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.
Body and structure: roof and pillars
Risk: A detached roof molding can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
Kia america, inc. (kia) is recalling certain 2023-2024 sportage and 2022-2024 carnival vehicles. The roof molding may loosen and detach.
Body and structure: door
Risk: A power sliding door that does not auto-reverse can close on an occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Full defect 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.
Equipment: trailer hitches
Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Full defect 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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2023 Kia Carnival
- What are the most common problems with the 2023 Kia Carnival?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: other or unspecified (22 complaints); body and structure (12 complaints); electrical (6 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2023 Kia Carnival have?
- 4 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from April 10, 2026 (fuel system). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2023 a bad year for the Kia Carnival?
- It is 4th of 5 Carnival model years by number of complaints, with 52 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.