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2026 Kia Carnival Problems: 2 Known Issues

2026 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated August 2026

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2026 Kia Carnival has 2 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Instrument Cluster Goes Blank While Driving (Overheat-Protection Software Fault, Recall SC361) ($0-$0 repair) and Second- and Third-Row Seat Belt Buckle Anchor Bolts Non-Compliant (Recall SC372) ($0-$0 repair). DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Kia Carnival problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2026 Kia Carnival has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Instrument Cluster Goes Blank While Driving (Overheat-Protection Software Fault, Recall SC361), Second- and Third-Row Seat Belt Buckle Anchor Bolts Non-Compliant (Recall SC372). Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Kia Carnival reliable?

The 2026 Kia Carnival has 2 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Instrument Cluster Goes Blank While Driving (Overheat-Protection Software Fault, Recall SC361) 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 $0, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Instrument Cluster Goes Blank While Driving (Overheat-Protection Software Fault, Recall SC361), typically costs $0-$0 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

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

Certain Carnival and Carnival Hybrid digital instrument clusters can unnecessarily enter an overheat-protection mode due to excessive signal noise from the cluster's power-management circuit. When this happens the screen temporarily goes blank while driving, so the speedometer, w… Repairs typically run $0-$0. 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.

2026 Kia Carnival Problems: 2 Known Issues

All 2 Known Issues

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

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

Research This Issue

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