NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2024 Kia Carnival Safety Ratings
The 2024 Kia Carnival scores 81 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 63 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2024 Kia Carnival achieved a 5 out of 5 star overall crash safety rating from the NHTSA. This strong performance in impact protection contributes to its NHTSA Safety Index of 81/100, placing it in the "Strong" safety band. However, the Carnival's safety profile is tempered by a modest assessment of its crash avoidance technology. Two active recall campaigns are also on record for the 2024 model year.
The 2024 Kia Carnival received an overall 5-star NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 81 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 91 Sedans from 2024 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2024 Kia Carnival ranks 75 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 81 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 14% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 63 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 75 of 91 Sedans tested for 2024 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2024 Kia Carnival?
The 2024 Kia Carnival PV Later Release FWD earns an 81 out of 100 Safety Index, placing it in the Strong band, though no prior-year data exists for comparison. Its most significant asset in this year's profile is its crash protection, contributing 61 of a possible 70 points. This strength is anchored by a 5-star overall NHTSA rating and a perfect 5-star result in side-impact testing. The 2024 model's avoidance technology, however, accounts for only 5 of a possible 10 points, preventing the overall Safety Index from reaching higher levels suggested by its crash performance. Forward collision warning is specified as both standard and optional across trims, while lane departure warning and electronic stability control are standard features. The defect record sub-score of 14.5 out of 20 reflects two active recall campaigns: one for potential fuel leaks at pipe connections and another for roof molding that may detach. While 63 unverified owner complaints, including alleged injuries in 10 cases, provide additional context, they do not change the Safety Index. For a vehicle entering the used market at approximately two years old, the concurrent presence of strong crash protection and two open recall campaigns defines its safety standing.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2024 Kia Carnival perform in crash tests?
The 2024 Kia Carnival achieved an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. This strong performance was bolstered by a 5-star rating for side protection. Frontal crash protection and rollover resistance each received 4 out of 5 stars. The vehicle's rollover risk was assessed at 14 percent, with the dynamic tip test recording no tip. All major safety categories for this model year have published ratings.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20793
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2024 Kia Carnival have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover this model year. The first involves fuel system delivery components, specifically hoses, lines, piping, and fittings, where fuel may leak at a pipe connection. The second involves roof structure, where roof molding may loosen and detach. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive designation in the data on file, but both remain open for VIN-level verification.
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2024 Kia Carnival?
Owners have submitted 63 unverified complaints to NHTSA. The top alleged problem areas are Unknown or Other components (21 reports), Electrical System (15), Engine (7), and Steering (7). Reported allegations include 2 crash events and 10 injury claims. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established findings.
63 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2024 Kia Carnival?
Two open recalls for the fuel system and roof molding on this 2-year-old vehicle warrant a VIN check through NHTSA's database. Prospective buyers should confirm remedy status in writing before purchase.
- The 2024 Carnival's crash protection sub-score of 61 out of 70 is the primary driver of its 81 Safety Index, anchored by a 5-star overall and a perfect 5-star side-impact NHTSA result specific to this model year's PV Later Release FWD configuration.
- Two recall campaigns are active for this model year: one for a potential fuel leak at fuel pipe connections affecting 2022-2026 Carnival vehicles, and one for roof molding that may loosen and detach on 2022-2024 Carnival vehicles.
- The avoidance technology sub-score of 5 out of 10 is a relative weak point for this model year, reflecting partial rather than uniform standard fitment of forward collision warning across trims.
- Sixty-three unverified NHTSA complaints have been filed against this model year, with the Electrical System (15 reports) and Engine (7 reports) among the most frequently alleged problem areas, alongside 10 reported injury allegations.
RANKINGSWhere the 2024 Kia Carnival places
The 2024 Kia Carnival qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2024 Kia Carnival safety questions
Was the 2024 Kia Carnival crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2024 Kia Carnival, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 81 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2024 Kia Carnival crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2024 Kia Carnival earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 14%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2024 Kia Carnival have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2024 Kia Carnival. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2024 Kia Carnival?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 63 owner complaints are on file for the 2024 Kia Carnival. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Carnival years
Rivals in Sedan (2024)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Audi A4 Allroad | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Audi S4 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Hyundai Elantra N | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Infiniti Q50 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20793), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Carnival 2024.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 75 of 91 in the Sedan class for 2024.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.