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2022 Kia Carnival

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2022 Kia Carnival do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 73.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 16 of 134 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Structure. Review the 33 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 22 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 16 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

4 crash reports0 fire reports28 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

22 reports
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Mileage unknown · Aug 9, 2023
Electrical SystemEngine

I bought this car June of 2022. The car was days old and the front end started making a popping sound when you turn the wheels. The dealership changed front right axle. There is still a popping noise but now it’s from the front and the back. The transmission went out in February of 2023. They replaced the transmission. Since th…

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I bought this car June of 2022. The car was days old and the front end started making a popping sound when you turn the wheels. The dealership changed front right axle. There is still a popping noise but now it’s from the front and the back. The transmission went out in February of 2023. They replaced the transmission. Since then the car shakes violently when accelerating, loses power when accelerating, the self drive mode turns on by itself. I have contacted 2 different dealerships about these issues. They say “ they cannot duplicate the problem.” This car is not a safe vehicle for me or my family to ride in. They won’t do ANYTHING about it!

NHTSA ODI #11537506

Mileage unknown · May 10, 2023
Electrical System

Had maintenance and recall "fix" for sliding door issue done on 5/9/2023. Technicians explained to me that the actual sensor that detects when something is in the way of the door closing and in turn force the door to stop and reverse is called the "pinch sensor". That is separate from the speed of the door closing and the sound…

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Had maintenance and recall "fix" for sliding door issue done on 5/9/2023. Technicians explained to me that the actual sensor that detects when something is in the way of the door closing and in turn force the door to stop and reverse is called the "pinch sensor". That is separate from the speed of the door closing and the sound of it beeping as it closes (what the software update changes/"fixes"). They put a note to check my pinch sensor in addition to doing the software update. Even though I explained and they tested the pinch sensor, they did not do anything to change the sensitivity of that sensor. I put my arm in the door's path, letting it close until just a few inches are left, hoping that it'll detect my arm and reverse back open. It does not. I did this multiple times, same result. The second video is me just pushing on the sensor, from an angle I tried to do from inward to outward (as if I were in the vehicle reaching towards the door and pushing on that sensor). That is how the technician explained to me that the sensor works - it works to reverse if someone is "getting out of the vehicle and pushes on that sensor", it will reverse. That's good it can/will reverse that way, but I am still frustrated because there are issues with that being the only way it reverses. 1) Little kids aren't going to understand the logistics of how/where to push on the sensor "correctly", and 2) I'm more worried about how my kids get out of the vehicle, then push the close button, then reach BACK INSIDE for something (like my arm was reaching inside from the outside). Kia should recall the pinch sensor and replace with a sensor that is actually sensitive to an object being in the path of the closing door (from the outside too). Additionally, I have seen some Carnival owners post online that there doors ARE sensitive and reverse/open at the slightest touch. Since this vehicle is capable of that, Kia should fix this on all Carnivals on which it does not operate that way.

NHTSA ODI #11521338

Mileage unknown · Apr 21, 2023
Electrical System

Vehicle’s horn intermittently stops working. The length of outage varies. Restarting the vehicle does not resolve the issue. Safety is at risk due to having no way to alerting other drivers of potential hazards.

NHTSA ODI #11518254

Mileage unknown · Apr 14, 2023
Electrical System

Horn intermittently works. Some times it works and sometimes it doesn't work. This is a safety hazard if horn does not work. I cannot warn others before collision resulting in many close calls or evasive maneuvers. Other owners experiencing similar issue in Carnival Facebook group. Irvine Kia had my car for a week and s co…

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Horn intermittently works. Some times it works and sometimes it doesn't work. This is a safety hazard if horn does not work. I cannot warn others before collision resulting in many close calls or evasive maneuvers. Other owners experiencing similar issue in Carnival Facebook group. Irvine Kia had my car for a week and s could not fix our reproduce because it was working there. Afterwards, it will still intermittently work. Not sure if weather is affecting it or outside temperature. It doesn't matter, the horn needs to work 100% of the time.

NHTSA ODI #11516991

Mileage unknown · Feb 17, 2023
Electrical SystemStructure

When helping my child into the car, she pressed the door close button and the sliding door closed on my body and did not stop. The door sensors on this vehicle do not work and it will close on anything in its path, including tiny fingers. I have not personally called the dealership regarding this issue but I will have them repro…

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When helping my child into the car, she pressed the door close button and the sliding door closed on my body and did not stop. The door sensors on this vehicle do not work and it will close on anything in its path, including tiny fingers. I have not personally called the dealership regarding this issue but I will have them reproduce this issue at the dealership at my next service appointment. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone. There is no warning that the car sliding door sensors will not work and will close on anything in its path.

NHTSA ODI #11507880

Mileage unknown · Oct 26, 2022
Electrical SystemStructure

The safety feature on the sliding back doors is not safe for children. Previous vans I have owned had a sensor that would trigger the door to open back up if it were closing and ran into something, like a child getting caught in the sliding door. I am a grown adult and the door closing on the Kia Carnival is too strong for me to…

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The safety feature on the sliding back doors is not safe for children. Previous vans I have owned had a sensor that would trigger the door to open back up if it were closing and ran into something, like a child getting caught in the sliding door. I am a grown adult and the door closing on the Kia Carnival is too strong for me to even stop with my entire body weight. A child is going to get crushed in those sliding doors.

NHTSA ODI #11491053

Mileage unknown · Mar 14, 2022
Electrical SystemVehicle Speed Control

Car will not accelerate. Error code P211800. Engine control system. Throttle control. Temp outside was 19degrees F. Check engine light is on.

NHTSA ODI #11456566

9,000 miles · Mar 4, 2022
Electrical System

The contact owns 2022 Kia Carnival LX. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the engine misfired, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. In addition, the vehicle would shudder when warming up. The vehicle was driven to local repair and diagnosed several times with the same failure, but not repaired. The m…

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The contact owns 2022 Kia Carnival LX. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the engine misfired, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. In addition, the vehicle would shudder when warming up. The vehicle was driven to local repair and diagnosed several times with the same failure, but not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 9,000

NHTSA ODI #11455242

Mileage unknown · Jan 22, 2022
Electrical SystemEngineVehicle Speed Control

The throttle body froze up and the Van went into "limp mode". I was driving on a semi-busy road and I could not go above 10mph. It would not let me shift either. Like it was not getting any gas to let me accelerate. The check engine light was on, I used a scan reader and the code came as P2118. Also when it went to the dealershi…

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The throttle body froze up and the Van went into "limp mode". I was driving on a semi-busy road and I could not go above 10mph. It would not let me shift either. Like it was not getting any gas to let me accelerate. The check engine light was on, I used a scan reader and the code came as P2118. Also when it went to the dealership the check engine light was still on. It was inspected by the dealership, but only deleted it and it was given back to us. Yes, the first symptom was the idle was rough and the exhaust was making a deep noise. *Dealership wrote that it had high rpms*, which I never said that to them, I told them( dealership) that it was low rpms with the rough idle. I had it idle for 5 minutes so it could warm up since it was 15 degrees that night. This issue is not safe because I could get hit from behind because the van can not go faster or drive at the marked speed limit on city/highway roads. Also, having issues like this is not safe for my kids or other passengers in the Carnival. The dealership said it is from condensation getting into the throttle body. But I have never had this issue with any other car/truck I have owned.

NHTSA ODI #11448472

Mileage unknown · Jan 22, 2022
Electrical System

My check engine light keeps coming on due the throttle freezing in the winter and the car won’t go over 14mph when light is on

NHTSA ODI #11448444

Official recalls

6

26V232000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Apr 10, 2026

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Carnival vehicles. Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the fuel pipe and fuel rail.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

24V025000 · Structure:body:roof And Pillars

Jan 18, 2024

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Sportage and 2022-2024 Carnival vehicles. The roof molding may loosen and detach.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

23V236000 · Structure:body:door

Mar 31, 2023

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling all 2022 and certain 2023 Carnival vehicles. The auto-reverse feature for the power sliding doors (PSD) may not activate in all situations.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

23V179000 · Trailer Hitches

Mar 17, 2023

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Carnival vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Water accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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 may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC265.

21V908000 · Latches/locks/linkages:electronic Lock/latch Actuator; Structure:body:door

Nov 19, 2021

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2022 Carnival vehicles. The remote controller assembly for the passenger-side power sliding door may malfunction, preventing the passenger-side sliding door from securely latching.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A power sliding door that fails to latch may open while moving, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the passenger-side power sliding door release actuator's drum and holder inside the remote controller assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC221.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Latches/locks/linkages:electronic Lock/latch Actuator

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2022 Carnival vehicles. The remote controller assembly for the passenger-side power sliding door may malfunction, preventing the passenger-side sliding door from securely latching.

Consequence: A power sliding door that fails to latch may open while moving, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the passenger-side power sliding door release actuator's drum and holder inside the remote controller assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC221.

Structure:body:door

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2022 Carnival vehicles. The remote controller assembly for the passenger-side power sliding door may malfunction, preventing the passenger-side sliding door from securely latching.

Consequence: A power sliding door that fails to latch may open while moving, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the passenger-side power sliding door release actuator's drum and holder inside the remote controller assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC221.

21V277000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:fuel Rail

Apr 21, 2021

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2022 Carnival vehicles. The plastic fuel rail tube may have been damaged.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A damaged fuel rail tube may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the multi-port injection fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began April 30, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC211.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE22004 · Power Sliding Door Auto Reverse Failure

Opened Apr 10, 2022 · Closed Jun 13, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure:body:door

On April 10, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) after receiving 5 consumer complaints alleging the Power Sliding Doors (PSD) auto-reverse function failed to work properly in the model year (MY) 2022 Kia Carnival minivan vehicles.At that time, ODI was aware of 3 complaints alleging injuries to consumer?s arm, hand or shoulder caused by the closing PSD.Additionally, consumers alleged being trapped against the closing door while it was traversing in the closing direction.The initial complaints also alleged excessive force is needed to reverse the direction of the closing door.At this time, ODI is aware of 26 complaints and 11 injuries on the MY 2022 Carnival vehicles.In its August 2022 responses to ODI's Information Request on the PE, Kia provided 36 customer complaints, 21 field reports, and 5 related warranty claims.Kia also provided ODI with 21 reports of alleged injuries, however, Kia stated that it was able to confirm only 9 injuries.Typically, these injuries are attributed to fingers and arms.The Kia Carnival automatic stop and reversal system is designed to automatically reverse the direction of the closing PSD if it meets resistance from an object or person.It relies on resistance sensing technology which requires a minimum input force or pressure to trigger activation.The primary sensing components used to regulate the auto-reverse system activation are the anti-pinch sensor and the PSD motor torque systems.Following several discussions with ODI during this investigation, on March 31, 2023, Kia filed a safety recall (NHTSA No. 23V-236) of 51,568 MY 2022 and 2023 Kia Carnival vehicles (produced through February 22, 2023) to reduce the risk of injury from the closing PSD.The remedy will be to reprogram the PSD control module with an updated software that provides two warning chimes when the door begins to close or open (to alert the vehicle users the door is about to move).Also, the updated software will change the door speed to move more slowly as the door approaches its latching point.In view of the recall action being taken by Kia, ODI is closing this PE.The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.The ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at www.NHTSA.gov under the following ODI identification numbers: 11423165, 11442133, 11447955, 11448290, 11450964, 11458125, 11461462, 11466619, 11466623, 11468938, 11469661, 11471224, 11471232, 11472272, 11487649, 11487671, 11489378, 11489577, 11491053, 11498214, 11501337, 11507176, 11507880, 11509037, 11512506, and 11516428.