What is the 2022-2025 Kia Carnival High-Pressure Fuel Crossover Pipe / Fuel Rail Leak Fire Risk (Recall 26V232)?

Retention fasteners on the high-pressure crossover fuel pipe between the fuel pipe and fuel rail can back off due to insufficient torque applied during engine assembly, allowing gasoline to leak in the engine bay and raising underhood fire risk. This is NHTSA recall 26V232000 (Ki… Severity: high.

What is the 2025 Kia Carnival 12V Parasitic Battery Drain While Parked (Service Action SA593)?

A 'dark current' parasitic draw discharges the 12V battery while the Carnival is parked and off, sometimes leaving the vehicle dead within a few days and requiring repeated jump-starts. The root cause was tied to Central Communication Unit (CCU) software logic and addressed by Ki… Severity: high.

What is the 2025 Kia Carnival Carnival Hybrid Loss of Power / Limited Acceleration?

NHTSA complaints for the 2025 Carnival Hybrid are dominated by loss of acceleration — the vehicle suddenly limiting power, with owners held to roughly 30-35 mph, frequently in cold weather (sometimes below 10 F). Restarting the vehicle often temporarily clears it, and dealerships… Severity: high.

What is the 2022-2025 Kia Carnival A/C Compressor Premature Failure and Weak Cooling (Service Action SA632)?

Owners report the air conditioning gradually losing cooling or quitting entirely, sometimes at low mileage. Kia issued service action SA632 for certain 2025-2026 Carnivals citing excessive clearance between the compressor piston and cylinder that reduces its ability to compress r… Repairs typically run $0-$2,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2022-2025 Kia Carnival Phantom Braking / Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist False Activation?

Owners report the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) / AEB system braking or alarming with no real obstacle present (phantom braking), including on highways, on curved roads, and when cresting slopes where the radar misreads adjacent vehicles or terrain. Unexpected automati… Repairs typically run $0-$1,200. Severity: high.

What is the 2022-2026 Kia Carnival Second- and Third-Row Seat Belt Buckle Anchor Bolts Non-Compliant (Recall SC372)?

Kia is recalling 2022-2026 Carnival vehicles because the second- and third-row seat belt buckle anchor bolts do not meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 209 (Seat Belt Assemblies). The anchor bolts may not hold the buckle securely, so in a crash a rear-seat occupant may… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2022-2025 Kia Carnival Power Sliding Door Latch and Motor Failure?

The Kia Carnival (2022-2025) develops issues with the power sliding door system where the door fails to open, close, or latch properly. The power sliding door motor can fail or the latch mechanism becomes misaligned. Some owners report the door opening on its own while driving. K… Repairs typically run $200-$1,200. Severity: medium.

What is the 2022-2025 Kia Carnival 8-Speed Automatic Transmission Torque-Converter Shudder and Harsh/Delayed Shifts?

The 8-speed automatic exhibits torque-converter lockup-clutch shudder in ECO/Smart drive mode at low RPM (roughly 1,300-1,900 RPM, ~40-55 mph) under light acceleration, often described as a vibration or misfire-like sensation that does not occur in Sport mode. Owners also report… Severity: medium.

What is the 2022-2025 Kia Carnival Premature Front Brake Rotor Warping and Pedal Pulsation?

Multiple owners report front brake rotors warping early, producing steering-wheel/brake-pedal pulsation and vibration under braking, with some reporting recurrence even after rotors are replaced or resurfaced. Owners and forum discussion attribute it to the minivan's curb weight… Repairs typically run $300-$800. Severity: medium.

What is the 2022-2025 Kia Carnival Excessive Engine Oil Consumption on the 3.5L Lambda III GDI V6?

Some Carnival owners report the 3.5L GDI V6 consuming noticeable oil between changes (commonly 0.25-0.5 qt, with heavier cases reported), a pattern tied to low-tension piston rings and GDI carbon buildup that affects many direct-injection engines. The risk with the Carnival's lar… Repairs typically run $0-$6,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 2022-2025 Kia Carnival Panoramic Sunroof Drain Clog Causing Wet Headliner / Interior Water Leak?

Carnivals with the panoramic sunroof can leak water into the cabin, showing up as a wet headliner or damp footwells after heavy rain. The sunroof relies on corner drain tubes that route water down the pillars; debris clogs the tubes (or seals age/misalign), so water backs up and… Repairs typically run $100-$600. Severity: medium.

What is the 2022-2025 Kia Carnival Clear-Coat Delamination and Paint Peeling / Chipping (Especially Snow White Pearl)?

Owners report the paint on low-mileage, often garage-kept Carnivals chipping down to primer within weeks and, in some cases, the base coat/clear coat delaminating and lifting in sheets. Light colors, particularly Snow White Pearl, appear most affected, consistent with a wider Hyu… Repairs typically run $500-$3,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 2022-2025 Kia Carnival 3.5L V6 Cold-Start Ticking / Valve-Train Rattle?

Owners of 3.5L Lambda III V6 Carnivals report a distinct ticking or rattling noise for a few seconds on cold start that fades as the engine warms and oil pressure builds. Reported root causes include the timing-chain tensioner briefly losing its prime, the high-pressure GDI fuel… Repairs typically run $0-$1,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2022-2025 Kia Carnival Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM) Camera Blank / Distorted Feed?

The side-mirror Blind-Spot View Monitor cameras that display a live feed in the cluster when signaling can flicker, show a distorted image, or go blank. Owners report the cluster feed dropping out and the blind-spot/rear-cross-traffic systems disabling entirely, sometimes needing… Repairs typically run $300-$900. Severity: medium.

What is the 2022-2025 Kia Carnival Musty/Moldy Odor from A/C Vents (Evaporator Mold)?

A common Carnival complaint is a musty/mildew or sour smell from the vents, sometimes appearing within days of a new purchase. The cause is moisture and organic debris collecting on the A/C evaporator and in the HVAC case, where bacteria/mold grow, worsened by constant recirculat… Repairs typically run $40-$400. Severity: low.

Kia · Known Issues

2025 Kia Carnival Problems: 17 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2025 model year · 312+ owner reports · Updated July 2026

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According to Au7o's analysis of 312+ owner reports, the 2025 Kia Carnival has 17 documented known issues, with 8 rated critical. The most serious are Engine Stalling and Unexpected Loss of Motive Power While Driving ($150-$2,500 repair), Instrument Cluster Goes Blank While Driving (Overheat-Protection Software Fault, Recall SC361) ($0-$0 repair), High-Pressure Fuel Crossover Pipe / Fuel Rail Leak Fire Risk (Recall 26V232), 12V Parasitic Battery Drain While Parked (Service Action SA593), Carnival Hybrid Loss of Power / Limited Acceleration, A/C Compressor Premature Failure and Weak Cooling (Service Action SA632) ($0-$2,000 repair), Phantom Braking / Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist False Activation ($0-$1,200 repair) and Second- and Third-Row Seat Belt Buckle Anchor Bolts Non-Compliant (Recall SC372) ($0-$0 repair). at .

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Kia Carnival problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 312+ owner reports, the 2025 Kia Carnival has 17 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Engine Stalling and Unexpected Loss of Motive Power While Driving, Instrument Cluster Goes Blank While Driving (Overheat-Protection Software Fault, Recall SC361), High-Pressure Fuel Crossover Pipe / Fuel Rail Leak Fire Risk (Recall 26V232). Of these, 8 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Kia Carnival reliable?

The 2025 Kia Carnival has 17 known issues documented across 312+ owner reports. 8 issues are rated critical: Engine Stalling and Unexpected Loss of Motive Power While Driving and Instrument Cluster Goes Blank While Driving (Overheat-Protection Software Fault, Recall SC361) and High-Pressure Fuel Crossover Pipe / Fuel Rail Leak Fire Risk (Recall 26V232) and 12V Parasitic Battery Drain While Parked (Service Action SA593) and Carnival Hybrid Loss of Power / Limited Acceleration and A/C Compressor Premature Failure and Weak Cooling (Service Action SA632) and Phantom Braking / Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist False Activation and Second- and Third-Row Seat Belt Buckle Anchor Bolts Non-Compliant (Recall SC372). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Kia Carnival problems?

Repair costs for known Kia Carnival issues range from $0 to $6,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Engine Stalling and Unexpected Loss of Motive Power While Driving, typically costs $150-$2,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2022-2025 Kia Carnival Engine Stalling and Unexpected Loss of Motive Power While Driving?

Owners report the Carnival stalling or losing motive power while driving, sometimes in moving traffic, frequently accompanied by an illuminated check-engine light. Several NHTSA filings describe the vehicle cutting off multiple times, shaking uncontrollably, or being unable to ex… Repairs typically run $150-$2,500. Severity: high.

All 17 Known Issues

Other Kia Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Kia Carnival problems?

Is the Kia Carnival reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Kia Carnival problems?

What is the 2022-2025 Kia Carnival Engine Stalling and Unexpected Loss of Motive Power While Driving?

2025-2026 Kia Carnival: Instrument Cluster Goes Blank While Driving (Overheat-Protection Software Fault, Recall SC361)#

2025 Kia Carnival: 12V Parasitic Battery Drain While Parked (Service Action SA593)#

2022-2025 Kia Carnival: Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM) Camera Blank / Distorted Feed#

2022-2025 Kia Carnival: Phantom Braking / Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist False Activation#

2022-2026 Kia Carnival: Second- and Third-Row Seat Belt Buckle Anchor Bolts Non-Compliant (Recall SC372)#

2022-2025 Kia Carnival: Engine Stalling and Unexpected Loss of Motive Power While Driving#

2022-2025 Kia Carnival: Excessive Engine Oil Consumption on the 3.5L Lambda III GDI V6#

2022-2025 Kia Carnival: 3.5L V6 Cold-Start Ticking / Valve-Train Rattle#

2022-2025 Kia Carnival: A/C Compressor Premature Failure and Weak Cooling (Service Action SA632)#

2022-2025 Kia Carnival: Musty/Moldy Odor from A/C Vents (Evaporator Mold)#

2022-2025 Kia Carnival: High-Pressure Fuel Crossover Pipe / Fuel Rail Leak Fire Risk (Recall 26V232)#

2025 Kia Carnival: Carnival Hybrid Loss of Power / Limited Acceleration#

2022-2025 Kia Carnival: Power Sliding Door Latch and Motor Failure#

2022-2025 Kia Carnival: Panoramic Sunroof Drain Clog Causing Wet Headliner / Interior Water Leak#

2022-2025 Kia Carnival: 8-Speed Automatic Transmission Torque-Converter Shudder and Harsh/Delayed Shifts#

2022-2025 Kia Carnival: Premature Front Brake Rotor Warping and Pedal Pulsation#

2022-2025 Kia Carnival: Clear-Coat Delamination and Paint Peeling / Chipping (Especially Snow White Pearl)#

What is the 2025-2026 Kia Carnival Instrument Cluster Goes Blank While Driving (Overheat-Protection Software Fault, Recall SC361)?