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2022 Kia Carnival complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2022 record →

Structure › Body › Door
Filed Jun 16, 2022NJ

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.

Structure › Body1 injured
Filed Jun 13, 2022NJ

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.

Unknown or Other1 injured
Filed May 29, 2022PA

My daughter was closing the left sliding door with her right hand using the button and her left hand was in the doorway. There is no worthwhile sensor in the car to detect her hand and thus the door crushed her hand. She now has a fractured left thumb due to the Kia Carnival. I have tried to see if the sensor would detect my entire hand and it didn’t! I am appalled that a car could be sold that has ZERO sensor

Structure › Body › Door
Filed May 29, 2022TN

The automatic doors will close even if a child or something is in the way. Kia has acknowledged that the sensor may not work, but this is a huge safety issue when dealing with small children. I was loading the car and pressed the button to close the door. Then, I realized I forgot something and placed my hand in front of the sensor to stop the doors from closing, but the sensor failed.

Seats1 injured
Filed May 23, 2022PA

The middle seats seem to be spring loaded, when pushing them back into position the spring back with significant force if not "clicked" in. This resulted in a significant bruise after hitting me in the head.

Structure › Body › Door1 injured
Filed Apr 20, 2022KS

'Auto reopen' feature of power sliding side door FAILS TO REOPEN by not 'sensing' a SOFT item obstruction (i.e. arm, leg, hand, pet) when closing. Daughter had severe bruising to arm (i.e. sliding door significantly squeezed arm). Sensor replaced by KIA dealership, safety problem still persists. Continued talks with KIA eventually resulted in KIA stating (in written letter) that "the auto-reverse feature is supplemental feature and should never be relied upon as a primary safety feature".

Engine1 injured
Filed Mar 24, 20221,020 milesNE

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Carnival. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the rear driver's side automatic sliding door sensor malfunctioned, causing injury to the contact's daughter's shoulder when it closed while she was exiting the vehicle. No medical attention was received. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with an unknown failure. The dealer informed the contact that an unknown part needed to be replaced and deactivated the rear-powered sliding doors. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 1,020.

Engine
Filed Mar 24, 2022IN

Beginning of January, when I went to drive home from work my check engine light was on and my Kia Carnival wouldn't accelerate over 10 mph. I let it run longer and tried to drive again and it wouldn't go over 20 mph. Let it sit a while longer and it finally drove normally but the check engine light stayed on. I called and made an appt with Kia in Fort Wayne immediately after it happened but they couldn't get me in for almost 2 weeks. The day I took it in (Jan. 22) the vehicle/engine shook anytime I accelerated. It did this the entire drive from my home to the Kia dealership. They ran diagnostics and found there was a sensor error with the injectors. They test drove it and said everything was fine. I got it back on Jan. 25 or 26th and it was fine. Then on the 29th I went to drive my vehicle and it had the acceleration problem again. I immediately called Kia and they couldn't get my vehicle in until Feb. 7th. I didn't drive it that day after the acceleration problem, but the check engine light was on again. I've driven it all last week because I need a vehicle. The check engine light will come on sometimes and sometimes be off. On Friday Feb. 4th the shaking happened again. It would shake when I accelerate. The check engine light was on all weekend. They looked at my car on Feb. 7th and the check engine light isn't on and it's driving fine for them at Kia. They ran the diagnostic and said it was the sensor error again. They said it was fine to drive because it wasn't happening

Engine
Filed Mar 17, 2022NY

On three separate occasions when the temperature was below -20C, this brand-new vehicle stopped working due to ice in the throttle body. Vehicle had to be towed each time. The dealer service manager informed me that the new design no longer heats the throttle body, and condensation jams the mechanism. In my mind this is a safety risk because (1) the car stops working while driving in traffic and (2) it's a family vehicle, putting up to 8 passengers at severe risk of cold-related injuries when stranded. The dealer has confirmed that this has occurred for at least three other customers at this one dealership. Each time they have inspected and disassembled the assembly, cleared the ice buildup, and applied a silicone lubricant. On the first and third occasion only, the "Check Engine" light came on. On the second occasion, the car simply died while driving, and I had to roll to the highway shoulder. Note: On the "address" page, your form does not take a Canadian address, however this vehicle is also sold in America. My Correct postal code is J7V 8P4 and Province is Quebec.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Mar 14, 2022OH

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

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 12, 2022MO

I was tboned on 3/10/2022 at high speed in the back driver's side 1/3 of the car by another who ran stop sign at high speed (I am guessing 50 or 60 mph). I have some amnesia about the impact now....but with large hematoma on left side of my head & concussion, my head must have hit the left side body/frame of the vehicle without the benefit of side curtain airbags that sure would have made this accident less traumatic to my body and brain. Currently the vehicle is being moved from an impound lot to State Farm' lot. We have not seen any warning lights or had any problems with this car up til now. It has not been inspected by any mechanics yet either.

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Mar 4, 20229,000 milesPA

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

Structure › Body › Door1 injured
Filed Feb 8, 2022OK

My passenger doors do not appear to have a sensor and do not stop when someone or something is in the way. Could be very dangerous. My arm almost got stuck in it. Had it been a child, they may not have had the reflexes to get out in time. Also. If the door is accidentally opened when pumping gas, will it stop? Likely not.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 22, 2022DE

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

Engine
Filed Jan 22, 2022IL

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.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 21, 2022NY

Will not accelerate over 10 Mph in cold temp even after warming up vehicle. Will lose acceleration at a intersection and dangerous while taking a left turn. Check engine light goes on. Throttle bottle issue. Believe it is moisture/water in the throttle body causing it to freeze in colder temps. NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. Many many other Kia Carnivals having same issue. Model is brand new and should not be having these issues. FAMILY CAR.

Engine
Filed Jan 21, 2022PA

This morning was the coldest morning this year (7F) and I could not accelerate the vehicle after turning it on. It won't go faster than 15mph or so and the engine warning sign popped up. The code said P211800. I have heard that there were many people complaining this issue and I had felt mine was safe from this issue, but the weather hasn't been that cold to cause the issue. I had to drive with the panic button on and all the other cars passed me and I felt I was in danger while driving back home.

Structure › Body › Door1 injured
Filed Jan 20, 2022AZ

The automatic doors are supposed to stop when they sense an interference but they don’t stop. My daughter got her hand smashed in ours. I thought maybe it was just where her hand ones but I used my own arm to test the door and it smashed by arm before re-opening. Left an awful bruise. I have heard many other carnival owners have had little hands smashed in their doors

Structure › Body › Door
Filed Jan 18, 2022TN

Power sliding doors are way to powerful. They take a lot of force to be stopped.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jan 12, 2022CA

At roughly 9,000 miles we noticed that the lights illuminating the climate control buttons stopped working. We also noticed the gear shift indicators (P, R, N, D) were not lighting up either, and neither was the light that told you what gear you were in. At night it is impossible to see what gear you are in or what button to push to change anything on the climate control. My wife took the car to a car wash and when she tried to put the car in neutral, she put it in reverse because there was no indication as to what gear she was in and she couldn't see, putting her and others around her at risk of an accident. The vehicle was brought into our local Kia Dealership where it was purchased and they ran various tests, all of which showed nothing was wrong even though everyone could clearly see that the lights were not displaying properly. It is still in the dealerships hands with no timetable or even an idea on how to fix it.

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 21, 2021PA

The back window on the hatch spontaneously exploded.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch
Filed Dec 6, 2021500 milesIL

The contact's husband owns a 2022 Kia Carnival. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the rear passenger’s side sliding door would independently open while the vehicle was in motion. The door ajar warning message would illuminate on the instrument panel. Despite multiple attempts to close the door, the door would not latch, and the contact could not lock her vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where they performed an ECU software update and lubricated the latches; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 500.

Structure › Body
Filed Dec 1, 2021ND

Rear passenger sliding door shows that it is still open, even when closed. Rear passenger sliding door will open while driving even if the automatic doors are turned off.

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 30, 2021CO

The sliding doors on the MPV do not have a sensor to stop the door from opening when it hits resistance. My 4 year olds leg was sucked down into the door as it was opening and it pinned his leg. The door met resistance on his leg and did not stop opening. The door also doesn't stop closing unless you push it open, but not if it meets resistance. The vehicle is brand new. It has not been inspected but I called Kia and they haven't called back. I was able to recreate the problem.

Structure › Body › Door
Filed Nov 19, 2021820 milesVA

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Carnival. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, the sliding door inadvertently opened without warning. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the latching mechanism replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and was awaiting a response. The failure mileage was approximately 820. The VIN was not available.

Service BrakesCrash1 injured
Filed Nov 4, 2021CA

Auto hold engaged on car and failed to hold car. Resulted in a crash to my front gate and damage to the car as well as gate. Would not brake when pumping on brake upon collision to front gate. Sensor is now malfunctioning and Kia is not taking responsibility. Most recently the front windshield has a crack that was not caused by anything. Car is parked and covered in my driveway.

Visibility › Windshield
Filed Oct 15, 2021KY

Bought brand new 2022 Kia carnival first family road trip something very small broke front windshield causing visibility issues. Waited 49 days for windshield components to come in. Took a second family trip on the way home passenger quarter side glass popped and shattered. Feeling a safety concern for me and my family if something bigger hit the glass of it would even attempt to slow it down.

Visibility › Windshield
Filed Sep 30, 2021FL

Since we purchased the car in March 2021, none of the 12V or 115V outlets work in the car. It has been months since our dealership, City Kia, said they ordered the parts but we still have no ETA and on this site it says our vehicle has no outstanding recalls....which it does...the outlets. Dealership has been notified but no warning lights have gone off on the dash board. The outlets simply do not work. Our front windshield also developed a small chip near the bottom of the windshield under the wiper blades and the crack has expended rapidly while sitting still in our driveway. The crack now has splintered off into multiple cracks and expands our entire windshield. The quality and integrity of the windshield glass seems to be of poor quality and I do not feel safe to continue to drive it in fear that it will shatter. Our windshield has also been ordered through Greenway Kia through our car insurance and has no ETA on when it will be replaced either!

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Sep 29, 2021FL

A small rock barely hit my windshield and cracked it completely across. It started as a small crack from a small pebble that progressed significantly overnight. What’s worse is that the windshield is on back order so I been waiting over a month for it to get fixed. This seems like a common occurrence as multiple Kia carnival owners had the same thing occurred. Kia needs to acknowledge the windshield is defective and cover it I should not have to go through my insurance for a defective windshield.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 23, 2021OH

Vehicle mileage was about 1,750. Check engine light came on immediately after starting the engine and vehicle had a slight vibration. Drove to dealer and vehicle started shaking badly while accelerating and had slight burning smell inside the cab. Was told #6 cylinder was miss firing and fuel injector needed to be replaced. Dealer has fixed the issue and seems to be ok as of now.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Sep 21, 2021DE

Windshield cracked while driving with nothing even hitting it .

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Sep 20, 2021CO

Driving down the road, nothing flew at the windshield, it just cracked. Currently can’t replace it either as there is no stock.

Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear
Filed Sep 20, 20213,000 milesTX

The contact owned a 2022 Kia Carnival. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 MPH, the passenger’s side rear window shattered. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they informed the contact that an object had struck the window. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 3,000.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings
Filed Jul 22, 2021MO

We have had 3 instances where the forward collision warning system kicked in without another car in front of our van causing the breaks to engage, then disengage within a second or two. We have noticed that if stopped at a red light with another car in front of us, if the other car has rear sensors in their bumper, it will set off our system as well and it will make the warning sounds. More recently, our cluster warning light has come on and the message "Check Rear Cross Traffic Safety System" has appeared. After shutting the car off and on multiple times, this warning has not gone away.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 1, 2021OH

Sliding doors seem unsafe. They take a tremendous amount of force to stop the automatic door from closing. There is no safety mechanism to prevent a child from getting stuck and/or extremely hurt due if caught in sliding doors while closing. Seems like there should be a lesser resistance necessary to cause doors to open back up if encountering an object to prevent injury.

Seats1 injured
Filed May 12, 20211,000 milesNV

2022 KIA CARNIVAL. THE OUTER MIDDLE SEATS IN THE 8 PASSENGER MODEL. I HAVE ACCIDENTALLY USED THE LEVER TO FOLD THE SEAT FOWARD WHEN I MEANT TO USE THE ONE THAT PULLS IT FOWARD ON THE TRACK. WHEN THE SEAT CAME FOWARD IT HIT ME IN THE HEAD SUCH FORCE I THOUGH I WAS GOING HAVE A CONCUSSION. I WAS LEFT WITH A MINOR HEADACHE AFTERWARD.THE SECOND TIME I THOUGHT IT BROKE MY NOSE. I CAN STILL FEEL IT AS I TYPE THIS. THIS IN MY OPINION WOULD CAUSE SEVER INJURY TO A SMALL CHILD OR ELDERLY PERSON IF THEY WERE TO DO THE SAME. TO ME THOSE SEATS ARE DANGEROUS IF NOT PREPARED WHEN FOLDING THE SEATS FOWARD.

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NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

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