NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Kia Carnival Safety Ratings
The 2026 Kia Carnival scores 77 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), 2 recalls, and 20 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Kia Carnival enters the market with a partial crash-test record, a point of concern for prospective buyers. With two active recalls currently open, consumers must verify that any remedies have been applied before purchase. This model year's Safety Index score stands at 77/100, placing it in the Average band, a two-point decrease from the 2025 model's 79/100.
The 2026 Kia Carnival received a 4-out-of-5-star frontal crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 77/100 based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 72 Sedans from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Kia Carnival ranks 67 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
| NHTSA Safety Index | 77 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 14% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 20 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 67 of 72 Sedans tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Kia Carnival?
A notable gap in federal crash testing marks the 2026 Kia Carnival. While NHTSA published 4-star ratings for frontal impact and rollover resistance, no side-crash rating or overall star rating is available for this model year. This incomplete picture contributes to the Carnival's Safety Index of 77 out of 100, placing it in the Average band, a two-point decline from the 2025 model's 79. The defect record component of the Safety Index scores 16 out of 20, reflecting two recall campaigns. One recall addresses a fuel system issue, spanning 2022-2026 Carnival models, suggesting a broader manufacturing concern with pipe connections. A separate recall was issued for the instrument cluster. These two open actions differentiate the 2026 model's safety profile from previous iterations. The crash-protection component contributes 56 of a possible 70 points. In avoidance technology, the Carnival scores 5 out of 10; forward collision warning is standard but also listed as optional in certain configurations, while both lane departure warning and electronic stability control are standard features.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Kia Carnival perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Kia Carnival achieved a 4 out of 5-star rating in both frontal and rollover crash tests from NHTSA. Its rollover risk stands at 14 percent, with dynamic tip testing confirming a No Tip result. However, comprehensive safety data for this model year remains incomplete, as ratings for side protection and the overall score have not yet been published.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21165
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Kia Carnival have any recalls?
Yes. Two recalls cover the 2026 Carnival. The first targets the fuel system, specifically hoses, lines, piping, and fittings, where fuel may leak at a pipe connection - a concern spanning 2022 through 2026 Carnival models. The second addresses the electrical instrument cluster panel, shared with several other Kia models. Neither campaign has been designated a do-not-drive order, but owners should confirm remedy status by VIN.
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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL26V046000
Risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer, tire pressure, or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 26, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC361. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 9, 2026.
Reported 2026-01-27
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Kia Carnival?
Twenty owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2026 Carnival, including alleged 2 crash events and 4 injuries. The most frequently cited components are Unknown or Other (7 reports), Electrical System (5), and Power Train (4). All complaints are unverified consumer allegations and have not been established as fact.
20 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Kia Carnival?
Two open recall campaigns for the 2026 Carnival, addressing the fuel system and instrument cluster, necessitate a VIN-specific check through NHTSA's recall lookup tool. This step is critical to confirm the completion of required remedies before delivery or purchase.
- The 2026 Carnival's Safety Index dropped to 77/100 from the 2025 model's 79/100, a two-point year-over-year decline within the same Average band.
- Two recalls are active for this model year: one for fuel-system hoses and pipe connections (spanning 2022-2026 Carnivals) and one for the electrical instrument cluster panel.
- NHTSA has rated frontal protection at 4 stars and rollover at 4 stars with a 14 percent risk figure and a No Tip dynamic result, but side-crash and overall ratings remain not rated for this model year.
- Twenty unverified complaints have been reported, with alleged injuries in 4 cases and the Electrical System and Power Train among the top cited components alongside an Unknown or Other category that leads all reports.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Kia Carnival places
The 2026 Kia Carnival qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Kia Carnival safety questions
Was the 2026 Kia Carnival crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Kia Carnival, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 77 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 2026 Kia Carnival crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 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 2026 Kia Carnival have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Kia Carnival. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Kia Carnival?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 20 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 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 (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Acura Integra | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2026 Acura Integra Type-S | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Honda Accord | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus IS 350 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Subaru Impreza | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21165), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Carnival 2026.
- 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 67 of 72 in the Sedan class for 2026.
- 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.