NHTSA // SAFETY RECORD
2023 Kia Carnival
Recall and complaint safety record from NHTSA. This configuration has not been crash-tested.
CRASH
DATANot crash-tested
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.
NHTSA has not crash-tested the 2023 Kia Carnival, but it carries a park-outside or do-not-drive recall, which is the most serious class of safety campaign. Treat the recall status below as urgent and confirm your VIN with NHTSA.
- shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
Reviewers 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.
NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS26V232000
Risk: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2026-04-10
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS24V025000
Risk: A detached roof molding can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2024-01-18
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR23V236000
Risk: A power sliding door that does not auto-reverse can close on an occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2023-03-31
TRAILER HITCHES23V179000
Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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 ma
Reported 2023-03-17
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
46 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.