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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.

About this comparison →

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

What owners actually said

134 reports
Mileage unknown · Aug 27, 2022
Visibility

We have owned this vehicle for about 15 months. With this replacement, we will be on our third windshield. The first windshield needed to be replaced after a crack started across the windshield following a pebble that hit the edge of the glass. We went through our insurance as there was an impact—however minor. We waited over…

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We have owned this vehicle for about 15 months. With this replacement, we will be on our third windshield. The first windshield needed to be replaced after a crack started across the windshield following a pebble that hit the edge of the glass. We went through our insurance as there was an impact—however minor. We waited over three months for an OEM replacement windshield, and had it professionally installed. Now, two months later, we come out to our parked car and there is a crack in the middle of our windshield! There was no impact with anything, or a chip to be found anywhere. This crack is spreading through the driver’s line of sight and raises serious concerns as to the integrity of this glass and its ability to protect us on the highway. Of all the vehicles we’ve owned over the last twenty years of driving, we have never had to replace cracked windshields like this. At this point we are looking at the Kia OEM glass as being defective.

NHTSA ODI #11481534

Mileage unknown · Aug 10, 2022
Unknown Or Other

My 2022 Kia carnival’ s windshield cracked for no reason. No visible sign of damage from external forces. Attempted to rectify with Kia, but sadly given the run around. It's a brand new car ( 8000 miles) .

NHTSA ODI #11478618

Mileage unknown · Jul 29, 2022
Visibility/wiper

1st incident May 2022: Driving in the highway when a small rock hit the windshield. At that time there was a crack (3-4 cm wide) on the windshield. A technician came out to repair the area of injury. 2nd incident July 2022: Driving in the highway when I heard something hit the windshield. At that time, I did not notice any ob…

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1st incident May 2022: Driving in the highway when a small rock hit the windshield. At that time there was a crack (3-4 cm wide) on the windshield. A technician came out to repair the area of injury. 2nd incident July 2022: Driving in the highway when I heard something hit the windshield. At that time, I did not notice any obvious damage.When I first noticed there was a crack, my car was stationary in my garage. The crack was about 10 inches long. The windshield has quickly began to crack. That same day it went from 10 inches to 24 inches at minimum.

NHTSA ODI #11476534

Mileage unknown · Jul 25, 2022
Unknown Or Other

I left the car while it was still running to check that my trailer lights were working. I had the key FOB in my pocket, but when I got to the car the doors were locked. I tried unlocking it with the key FOB but nothing would happen. My 2 year old son and 3 year old daughter were locked in the car! Luckily, my daughter was able t…

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I left the car while it was still running to check that my trailer lights were working. I had the key FOB in my pocket, but when I got to the car the doors were locked. I tried unlocking it with the key FOB but nothing would happen. My 2 year old son and 3 year old daughter were locked in the car! Luckily, my daughter was able to get to the door and open it from the inside. This should never be something that can happen. The door locking from the inside and the key not working, especially while it is running!

NHTSA ODI #11475713

Mileage unknown · Jul 4, 2022
Unknown Or OtherInjury

Side sliding doors fail to automatically retract open when they encounter something in the way. Both doors present the same problem. Door failed to retract when child was in way, resulting in an injury.

NHTSA ODI #11472272

Mileage unknown · Jun 27, 2022
StructureUnknown Or Other

There is either no sensor, or one that is too weak/defective, in the sliding doors to stop it if a person’s (particularly a child’s) fingers, hands, arms, or other body parts were in the way. Anything in the way would just get crushed by the door! This is not just my vehicle. All Carnivals seem to have a very weak or defective …

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There is either no sensor, or one that is too weak/defective, in the sliding doors to stop it if a person’s (particularly a child’s) fingers, hands, arms, or other body parts were in the way. Anything in the way would just get crushed by the door! This is not just my vehicle. All Carnivals seem to have a very weak or defective sensor and it’s a serious safety hazard, particularly considering it’s supposed to be a family vehicle! I have prevented injuries so far (thankfully) but have tested the door and it in fact will not stop if something is in the way.

NHTSA ODI #11471232

Mileage unknown · Jun 27, 2022
StructureInjury

Child got hand smashed in rear sliding door. There is no pressure sensor to avoid the door closing on hands or fingers.

NHTSA ODI #11471224

Mileage unknown · Jun 21, 2022
Visibility/wiper

We purchased our Carnival in November of 2021. A few months ago a rock hit our windshield. I could tell that the small rock chip was quickly making crack lines. We called a windshield repair company who suggested that we put a piece of tape over it until we could get it fixed. Luckily we followed his advice and put tape on it un…

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We purchased our Carnival in November of 2021. A few months ago a rock hit our windshield. I could tell that the small rock chip was quickly making crack lines. We called a windshield repair company who suggested that we put a piece of tape over it until we could get it fixed. Luckily we followed his advice and put tape on it until we could get in a few days later for a chip repair. If we would not have followed his advice I have no doubt the cracks would have spread. Fast foward to last Saturday, June 18th. We were driving down the freeway and suddenly we notice that there is a large crack in the windshield, directly in front of the driver's view. It's maybe 8 inches long and we have no idea where it came from. We thought for sure we would have a few days to take care of it before it spread. It has already doubled in size. There have been no extreme temperatures to explain the quickly spreading crack. When we looked to see the source of the large crack, we noticed a very very small chip in the very edge of the windshield. The chip is not even visible from the inside of the car. It seems to me that the windshield is make from weak materials. I have never had this many problems with a car. And keep in mind we've only owned this car for 7 months! I believe Kia needs to address this issue. The windshield is the only thing between the face of the driver and the outside elements. It should be durable and reliable. This type of situation makes me concerned about the quality of the windshield, especially over the life of the vehicle. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI #11470164

Mileage unknown · Jun 16, 2022
Structure

The power sliding doors fail to stop closing unless excessive force is used. If an arm or hand is in the way it gets hurt and the door will try to close on it. The dealership inspected it and said it's a known issue that extra force is needed. There's nothing they can do. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk…

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The power sliding doors fail to stop closing unless excessive force is used. If an arm or hand is in the way it gets hurt and the door will try to close on it. The dealership inspected it and said it's a known issue that extra force is needed. There's nothing they can do. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My child's was being closed in the door and when I tried to stop it to save my daughter my arm was bruised. Yes, the dealer knows of the issue but plays it off as just a door that requires more force to stop. Yes, Kia inspected it, found you need to apply more force then normal but has no solution but to make sure to keep far away when it's closing. They However said nothing can be done, it's just how the van comes.

NHTSA ODI #11469661

Mileage unknown · Jun 13, 2022
StructureInjury

The doors sensors do not work. I am 200+ lbs and have to push with force to get it to stop closing. My 2 year old last minute stuck her hand into the car while the door was closing to get a blanket and it CRUSHED her fingers. These doors are extremely unsafe. Then we took it to Kia and they said “just keep the kids away from the…

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The doors sensors do not work. I am 200+ lbs and have to push with force to get it to stop closing. My 2 year old last minute stuck her hand into the car while the door was closing to get a blanket and it CRUSHED her fingers. These doors are extremely unsafe. Then we took it to Kia and they said “just keep the kids away from the doors” which is INSANE when you’re talking about little kids.

NHTSA ODI #11468938

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.