repaired · 2026 Q3
Delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
NewRisk. A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
2026 Kia CarnivalProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 31 owner complaints about the 2026 Kia Carnival, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 5, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Bull-Doser, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2026 Kia Carnival has problems
31 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
9Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
5Power train
3Vehicle speed control
3Structure1 crash/fire/injury
2Forward collision avoidance
2Lane departure1 crash/fire/injury
2Seats
2Back over prevention
1Fuel/propulsion system
44 other systems3 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 9 | 1 |
| Power train | 5 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 3 | 0 |
| Structure | 3 | 1 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 2 | 0 |
| Lane departure | 2 | 1 |
| Seats | 2 | 0 |
| Back over prevention | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 |
| 4 other systems | 4 | 3 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2026 Kia Carnival recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
NewRisk. An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer, tire pressure, or warning lights, increases the risk of a…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Kia.
Best & worst years
2026 vs. every other Carnival year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Carnival median. How we score
'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2026 Kia Carnival safety ratings
2026 KIA CARNIVAL PV N/A FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (14.0% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard & Optional
- Lane departure warning: Standard
In owners' words
What Carnival owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Battery dies after car sitting for 1-3 days and requiring jumping to recharge. Parasitic tests have been inconclusive but issue remains. This is a safety issue where it’s unclear when the vehicle will start and be usable.
Battery shuts down overnight. To get the car to start you need to pop the hood the night before use a jump start and keep your manual key handy. All electronics shut down completely
I purchased a new 2026 Kia Carnival EX and noticed an unusually intense amount of heat coming from underneath the vehicle on the passenger side, particularly around the rear passenger door/second-row seating area. I first noticed the issue while the vehicle was parked and I was standing outside the…
Own a 2026 Carnival?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.