NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Kia Carnival Safety Ratings
The 2025 Kia Carnival scores 79 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), 1 recall, and 115 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2025 Kia Carnival received an Average 79/100 rating on the NHTSA Safety Index, a two-point decline from the 2024 model's 81/100 Strong score. This year's Carnival carries one active recall. Federal crash-test data for the 2025 model remains incomplete. Buyers should consider these gaps in the safety profile.
The 2025 Kia Carnival earned a NHTSA Safety Index of 79/100 and a 4-star NHTSA frontal crash rating, according to federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 90 Sedans from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 Kia Carnival ranks 80 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
| NHTSA Safety Index | 79 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 14% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 115 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 80 of 90 Sedans tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Kia Carnival?
For the 2025 Kia Carnival, a notable absence in federal testing data means consumers cannot assess its side-crash performance or overall NHTSA rating. This incomplete picture contributes to a Safety Index score of 79 out of 100, placing it in the Average band, a decline from the 2024 model's 81. The vehicle's crash protection scores 56 out of a possible 70 points. Its avoidance technology earns only 5 of 10 points, a particularly weak component despite the standard inclusion of forward collision warning and lane departure warning. This indicates the evaluation considers the full scope and sophistication of these systems. The defect record contributes 18 of 20 points. One recall has been issued for fuel system hoses, lines, and fittings, an immediate concern for a new model. Owner complaints total 115, with 80 specifically citing the electrical system. The 2025 Carnival presents a serviceable safety profile, but with significant gaps in crash-test data and a notable number of early owner complaints.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Kia Carnival perform in crash tests?
The 2025 Kia Carnival's crash-test data presents a mixed safety profile. While its rollover risk is assessed at 14 percent, with dynamic tip testing yielding a "No Tip" result, NHTSA has only awarded 4 out of 5 stars for both frontal and rollover protection. Critical data for side crash protection and an overall safety score remain unrated by NHTSA for this model year. This absence of comprehensive data leaves a significant portion of the vehicle's full crash-test performance unquantified.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20740
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Kia Carnival have any recalls?
The 2025 Kia Carnival carries one recall campaign covering fuel system components, specifically hoses, lines, piping, and fittings. Kia identified a potential fuel leak at the pipe connection between the fuel pipe and related fuel system hardware. This recall spans 2022 through 2026 Carnival vehicles. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the available data, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN immediately.
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Kia Carnival?
NHTSA has logged 115 unverified consumer complaints against the 2025 Kia Carnival. Alleged problem areas are led heavily by the Electrical System with 80 reported allegations, followed by Unknown or Other at 18, Engine at 15, and Fuel/Propulsion System at 6. These are unverified allegations, not established defects.
115 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Kia Carnival?
Shoppers considering a used 2025 Kia Carnival should prioritize verifying the completion of the fuel system recall remedy. An open recall on a one-year-old vehicle is a critical item to address, and documentation of the fix should be confirmed in writing prior to purchase.
- The 2025 Carnival's Safety Index fell two points to 79/100 Average, dropping out of the Strong band held by the 2024 model, driven in part by a low avoidance tech sub-score of 5/10.
- An active NHTSA recall specifically targets fuel system hoses, lines, piping, and fittings on this model year, and remedy completion should be confirmed by VIN before any purchase.
- NHTSA has not issued a side-crash star rating or an overall star rating for the 2025 Carnival, meaning the crash-test record is incomplete and cannot be directly compared to fully tested competitors.
- 115 unverified consumer complaints have been filed with NHTSA, with 80 of those alleging electrical system issues, making the electrical system the single most-reported area of concern for this specific model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Kia Carnival places
The 2025 Kia Carnival qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Kia Carnival safety questions
Was the 2025 Kia Carnival crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 Kia Carnival, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 79 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2025 Kia Carnival crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 Kia Carnival earned 4 out of 5 stars for frontal 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 2025 Kia Carnival have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2025 Kia Carnival. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 Kia Carnival?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 115 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 Kia Carnival. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Carnival years
Rivals in Sedan (2025)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Audi A4 Allroad | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Audi S4 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Cadillac CT5 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Subaru Impreza | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20740), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Carnival 2025.
- 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 80 of 90 in the Sedan class for 2025.
- 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.