The biggest Kia Carnival recall covers 2022–2026 models whose fuel pipe can leak at the fuel rail connection (26V232). Early 2022–2023 Carnivals also had recalls for a damaged fuel rail tube, a tow-hitch harness fire risk, power sliding doors that may not latch or auto-reverse, and roof moldings that can detach.
CarWhere lists 7 documented Carnival issues, including 7 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source. Recall entries come from NHTSA's recall dataset on the DOT open-data portal, which may not list every campaign, so run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.
2022–present Carnival problems
Fuel may leak at the fuel pipe-to-rail connection (recall 26V232) (2022–2026)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2022–present
- Years:
- 2022–2026
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
Fuel can leak at the connection between the fuel pipe and the fuel rail, raising the risk of a fire. Dealers inspect and tighten or replace the fuel pipe, free of charge.
Symptoms
- Fuel smell from the engine bay
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 26V232 (2026-04-10) · 141,032 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [1]
Plastic fuel rail tube may be damaged and leak (recall 21V277) (2022)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2022–present
- Years:
- 2022
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
The plastic fuel rail tube may have been damaged and can leak fuel, a fire risk. Dealers inspect and replace the multi-port injection fuel rail if needed, free of charge.
Symptoms
- Fuel smell from the engine bay
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 21V277 (2021-04-21) · 2,744 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [2]
Tow hitch harness module may short and cause a fire (recall 23V179) (2022–2023)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2022–present
- Years:
- 2022–2023
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
On vehicles with a Kia tow hitch harness fitted at the factory or as a dealer accessory, water on the harness module's circuit board can cause a short and a fire. Dealers confirm whether a Genuine Kia hitch harness is fitted and, if so, install a new fuse and wiring extension kit, free of charge.
Symptoms
- Burning smell near the rear of the vehicle
- Trailer lights not working
Check before buying
- Until the repair is done, Kia advises parking outside and away from structures
- Check whether the vehicle has a Kia tow hitch harness; only equipped vehicles are affected
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 23V179 (2023-03-17) · 3,555 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [3]
Passenger power sliding door may not latch (recall 21V908) (2022)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2022–present
- Years:
- 2022
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
The remote controller assembly for the passenger-side power sliding door can malfunction so the door does not latch securely and may open while moving. Dealers replace the release actuator's drum and holder, free of charge.
Symptoms
- Door-ajar warning
- Passenger sliding door does not close fully or bounces back
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 21V908 (2021-11-19) · 2,956 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [4]
Power sliding door auto-reverse may not activate (recall 23V236) (2022–2023)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2022–present
- Years:
- 2022–2023
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
The auto-reverse feature on the power sliding doors may not work in every situation, so a closing door can catch an occupant. Dealers update the sliding door control module software, free of charge.
Symptoms
- Sliding door keeps closing when it meets an obstruction
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 23V236 (2023-03-31) · 51,568 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [5]
Roof molding may loosen and detach (recall 24V025) (2022–2024)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2022–present
- Years:
- 2022–2024
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
The roof molding can loosen and come off, creating a road hazard for other drivers. Dealers inspect and replace or secure it, free of charge. The 101,049-vehicle count is for the whole campaign, which also covers other models.
Symptoms
- Roof trim strip lifting, flapping or whistling at speed
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 24V025 (2024-01-18) · 101,049 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [6]
Instrument panel display may fail (recall 26V046) (2026 (incl. Hybrid))
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2022–present
- Years:
- 2026 (incl. Hybrid)
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
A software error can make the instrument panel display fail, so it may not show the speedometer, tire pressure or warning lights. The software is updated over the air or by a dealer, free of charge. The 42,677-vehicle count is for the whole campaign, which also covers other models.
Symptoms
- Blank or frozen instrument display
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 26V046 (2026-01-27) · 42,677 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [7]