2023 Kia CARNIVAL problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
50 owner complaints analyzed
4 distinct recall campaigns
32,500 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2023 model year. Data snapshot: . 8 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Unknown Or Other is the most frequently named component, appearing in 22 of 50 complaints (44.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 4 | 8.0% |
| Steering behavior | 3 | 6.0% |
| Fuel system concerns | 3 | 6.0% |
| Transmission and shifting | 2 | 4.0% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other | 22 |
| Structure:Body | 10 |
| Electrical System | 6 |
| Engine | 5 |
| Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness | 2 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 2 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 1 |
Unknown Or Other: 22; Structure:Body: 10; Electrical System: 6; Engine: 5; Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness: 2; Fuel System, Gasoline: 2; Fuel/Propulsion System: 2; Engine And Engine Cooling: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 3 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 2 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 2 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 1 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 3; 25,000 to 49,999: 2; 50,000 to 74,999: 2; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (3). 42 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 18 |
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 10 |
| 2026 | 11 |
2022: 3; 2023: 18; 2024: 8; 2025: 10; 2026: 11
Pattern summary
Unknown Or Other leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 4 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 3 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns appears in 3 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11521238 · 2023-05-09 (May 9, 2023)
The contact's daughter owns a 2023 Kia Carnival. The contact stated that while driving 65-70 MPH, within 48 hours of purchasing the vehicle brand new, the vehicle lost motive power. Additionally, the brakes and power steering became inoperable. Several unknown warning lights illuminated, and alarms sounded. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that it was a known failure, and that the manufacturer was working on a fix. The contact stated that the taillights also fa…
Owner-reported narrative. 100 miles reported. Look up ODI 11521238 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11540995 · 2023-08-27 (August 27, 2023)
The vehicle throws a forward collision warning and then suddenly brakes to slow down while driving with no road hazard in front. This occurs about once every 10 days. This is a safety hazard because the forward collision warning has to be turned off every time the car is turned on. It will not stay off. During sudden braking, an accident may occur behind the vehicle. We have left the car at the dealer for 3 days while paying for a rental car and they said they could not reproduce the error. I have contacted KIA through their website about a …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11540995 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11541931 · 2023-08-31 (August 31, 2023)
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Carnival. The contact stated there was oil leaking from the vehicle onto the floorboard nearby the brake pedal. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that a seal for the steering column was leaking and could cause the steering wheel to seize while driving. The Lane Keep Assist and Steering Assist would deactivate independently. The contact was informed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The …
Owner-reported narrative. 3,337 miles reported. Look up ODI 11541931 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11598816 · 2024-07-04 (July 4, 2024)
We drove an hour then sat in the car while it was on for about 30 minutes. The gas tank was 14% full. We started driving again down a bit of a hill & got to a stop light. The car started beeping & said “engine off! Switch to N then start engine” We turned the car off and back on & it started working.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11598816 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11685602 · 2025-09-07 (September 7, 2025)
On August 23, 2025, I purchased a certified pre-owned Kia Carnival. Within hours, the vehicle had a severe fuel leak that produced a strong gasoline odor. Driving it made me sick, and I feared for the safety of my three children in the vehicle. A Kia technician later confirmed a crossover fuel line leak so severe that he became ill while inspecting it and feared the vehicle could explode. Even after repair, the gas odor persisted. This vehicle was sold to me in unsafe condition, and I believe this may represent a larger safety issue that needs …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11685602 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11535166 · 2023-07-28 (July 28, 2023)
Purchased in Aug 2022 brand new I express concern very early on that the back door would reopen after starting the car I express concern about shifting/breaking being automatic/ice light coming on when you hit bumps coming in parking lots and the doors not unlocking. All were evaluated and basically all for nothing “ could not be duplicated” I called, left voicemails, emailed the dealership with concerns Advised there was a recall on Back door which was one of my complaints did recall update still and issue The back door should not re open a…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11535166 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11752515 · 2026-07-23 (July 23, 2026)
I am filing a comprehensive complaint against Kia America and its authorized dealership for a prolonged failure to remedy a safety defect, ongoing consumer deception, and gross mismanagement of a federally mandated safety recall involving a severe fire hazard. Vehicle: 2022-2026 Kia Carnival NHTSA Recall Number: 26V232 (High-Pressure Fuel Pipe Leak) [Chronology of Complete Events] June 29, 2026 (First Attempt): I brought my vehicle to Kia dealer shop to have Safety Recall 26V232 performed. The service department informed me that they did no…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11752515 at NHTSA ↗