MODEL
Kia Carnival Safety
NHTSA safety across every Kia Carnival model year we cover.
Across the 5 model years of the Kia Carnival we cover (2022 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2024 at 81 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2026 at 77. 15 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Kia Carnival is a three-row minivan, not a sedan, squarely targeting families who want the practicality of a van without the stigma of driving one. Offered in a range of trims from 2022 onward, it competes with the Chrysler Pacifica and Toyota Sienna as a people-mover built around comfort, versatility, and increasingly, safety. It is a mainstream family hauler with real safety data worth examining closely.
The 2024 Kia Carnival achieved an 81 out of 100 on our computed NHTSA Safety Index, placing it in the Strong band, a commendable result for a multi-passenger vehicle. This index score reflects a mixed but generally acceptable safety profile across the 2022 to 2025 model years. The Carnival's crash-test geometry shows a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in side-impact protection, a genuinely reassuring outcome for a vehicle of its stature. Frontal crash ratings and the rollover assessment both register 4 out of 5 stars; these are solid, though the rollover figure reflects the inherent physics of a higher center of gravity common to minivans. However, the recall record requires serious attention. Thirteen recalls have been issued across four model years, a notable volume for a relatively new nameplate. Two of these campaigns carry park-outside or do-not-drive severity designations from NHTSA, indicating immediate risk. Owners should verify their vehicle's VIN for open campaigns. Among 354 owner complaints, 55 allege injuries and 7 report crashes. While these are unverified, the injury count warrants awareness. The Carnival provides strong side protection and a respectable overall safety index, but its recall history and complaint volume necessitate diligent owner attention.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the Carnival for its spacious, well-organized interior, smooth ride, and competitive feature set at its price point. Most find it a practical and pleasant alternative to more anonymous minivan options. Criticism tends to center on driving dynamics that prioritize comfort over engagement, though reviewers broadly agree it delivers solid value for family buyers.
- Two of the Carnival's 13 recalls across 2022 to 2025 carry park-outside or do-not-drive designations, the most serious severity level NHTSA issues. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov before every trip if you own one with open recalls.
- The Carnival earned a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA side-impact testing in its best year, which is meaningful protection for rear-seat passengers, including children in car seats positioned along the sides of the cabin.
- Frontal and rollover ratings both sit at 4 out of 5 stars. The rollover figure is partly a product of the minivan's taller ride height, a trade-off families should understand when comparing it to lower-profile crossovers.
- Owner complaints across the covered model years include 55 alleged injuries across 354 total filings. These are unverified allegations and not confirmed safety findings, but the volume is worth monitoring as the nameplate matures in the US market.
Most-recalled year on record: 2022 Kia Carnival with 6 recalls.