NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Kia Carnival
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
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 2026 Kia Carnival earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 77 out of 100, an average result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 2 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- 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.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
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 // 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
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 // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
20 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.