2026 Kia Carnival problems and complaints

Owners have filed 31 complaints with NHTSA about the 2026 Kia Carnival. The most-reported areas: Unknown Or Other (14), Electrical System (9), Power Train (5).

Key takeaways

  • 31 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
  • 3 involve a crash, 0 a fire, 5 reported injuries.
  • Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
Complaints by component
ComponentComplaintsShare
Unknown Or Other1445%
Electrical System929%
Power Train516%
Structure310%
Vehicle Speed Control310%
Seats26%
Lane Departure26%
Back Over Prevention26%
Forward Collision Avoidance26%
Fuel/Propulsion System13%
Steering13%
Air Bags13%

One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

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NHTSA 5-Star crash ratings
VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
2026 KIA CARNIVAL PV N/A FWD5/54/55/54/5

Latest complaints, as filed

Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.

Electrical System - filed 2026-11-05

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.

Power Train,unknown Or Other - filed 2026-10-26

I have taken my car 3 times to 3 different Kia dealerships for this issue. First on 9/13/2026, then 10/13/2026 and on 10/26/2026. While driving at highway speed my vehicle suddenly begins to loose power and the check engine light comes on. This is dangerous for myself as well as other drivers.

Seats - filed 2026-10-23

Subject: Formal Consumer Complaint: Alleged False Representation of Completed Vehicle Safety Repair I am filing a formal consumer protection complaint regarding a XXX Kia dealership's representation that a safety-related repair was completed on my vehicle. Vehicle: 2026 Kia Carnival SX VIN: [XXX] The dealership repr...

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More for the 2026 Kia Carnival

Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.