This page covers 4 recalls, 44 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2023 Kia Carnival.
22 mpg combined
10.7 L/100km
Minivan - 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2023 Kia Carnival centers on the sliding door structure. Owners frequently report the power sliding doors malfunctioning, most commonly describing the door motor stalling against resistance and the door attempting to reverse direction unexpectedly, sometimes with cable failures behind the door glass. These incidents occur across normal operating conditions, including cold weather. Outside of the door system, a handful of owners report a recurring fuel odor that persists even after dealership service attempts, with at least one case involving a confirmed fuel leak at the injectors. A smaller cluster of complaints mentions steering and brake behavior, including one report of ABS activating on dry pavement without bringing the vehicle to a full stop.
44
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
7
With Injuries
By System
The 2023 Kia Carnival has 4 recalls, the most serious being two separate fire risks: a tow hitch harness that can develop an electrical short from water accumulation and ignite, and a fuel line connection that can leak fuel near the engine.
The roof molding on certain Carnivals can loosen and shed from the vehicle while driving, becoming a road hazard for other vehicles. The power sliding doors on some models have a separate concern: the auto-reverse feature may not activate when it should, allowing the door to close on a person rather than stopping and reversing, which raises the risk of injury to passengers entering or exiting the vehicle.
At a glance
What can fail
The connection between the fuel pipe and fuel rail may loosen or fail, allowing fuel to leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the connection, tighten it, or replace the fuel pipe if needed, at no cost.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The roof molding can loosen and detach from the vehicle roof.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the roof molding and replace or secure it as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The auto-reverse feature on the power sliding doors may not activate in all situations, potentially allowing the doors to continue closing when they encounter an obstacle.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the power sliding door control module software at no charge to restore proper auto-reverse function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Water can collect on the tow hitch harness circuit board, causing an electrical short that may start a fire.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the tow hitch assembly and install a new fuse and wire extension kit at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
