2023 Kia Carnival: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2023 Kia Carnival: 4 recalls, 51 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.
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Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Trailer hitch Vehicle recall #23V179000 · 2023 · 3,555 vehicles
What's wrong: Kia america, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2023 carnival vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Water accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (pcb) May cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
Why it matters: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and verify whether the vehicle is equipped with a genuine Kia accessory trailer tow hitch assembly. If equipped, dealers will install a new fuse and wire extension kit.…
Body & structure Vehicle recall #23V236000 · 2023 · 51,568 vehicles
What's wrong: Kia america, Inc. (Kia) is recalling all 2022 and certain 2023 carnival vehicles. The auto-reverse feature for the power sliding doors (psd) May not activate in all situations.
Why it matters: A power sliding door that does not auto-reverse can close on an occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the power sliding door control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2023.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #24V025000 · 2024 · 101,049 vehicles
What's wrong: Kia america, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2024 sportage and 2022-2024 carnival vehicles. The roof molding May loosen and detach.
Why it matters: A detached roof molding can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the roof molding and replace or secure it as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 15, 2024.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #26V232000 · 2026 · 141,032 vehicles
What's wrong: Kia america, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2026 carnival vehicles. Fuel May leak at the pipe connection between the fuel pipe and fuel rail.
Why it matters: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the fuel pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2026.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 7 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Other / unknown (22): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Body & structure (12): the most common themes are door / lock issues (11).
- Electrical (6): the most common themes are door / lock issues (4), warning light on (2).
- Engine (5): the most common themes are warning light on (2), leaks (2).
The 2023 Kia Carnival has 51 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 5 Carnival model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 83). Complaints peaked in 2023 (18 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 1 year old, at a median of 32,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2022 (136 complaints, 6 recalls), 2024 (75 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 22 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2023 Kia Carnival.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2023 Kia Carnival have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2023 Kia Carnival. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2023 Kia Carnival problems?
Owners have filed 51 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are other / unknown (22), body & structure (12), electrical (6).
What gas mileage does the 2023 Kia Carnival get?
EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (3.5 L, Automatic (S8)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2023 Kia Carnival repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.