Kia Carnival problems
The Kia Carnival (Korean: 기아 카니발) is a minivan manufactured by Kia since 1998. It was marketed globally under various nameplates, prominently as the Kia Sedona.
The first generation Carnival was introduced in January 1998, and was marketed in a single, short wheelbase version. Second generation models were marketed (2006–2014) in short and long wheelbase variants. A rebadged variant of the second generation was offered in North America as the Hyundai Entourage (2007–2009). Beginning in 2010, the second generation model received updated equipment, including Kia's corporate Tiger Nose grille, as introduced by its then new design chief, Peter Schreyer. Kia introduced its third generation minivan in 2014, solely in a long wheelbase format. The fourth generation was introduced in 2020, when Kia also began using the Carnival nameplate worldwide.
First generation (KV-II; 1998)
The first generation model was manufactured and marketed differently for specific regions, including under a joint venture in the Chinese market with Dongfeng Yueda Kia, as well as the Naza Ria in Malaysia.
In Indonesia and the Philippines, both Carnival/Sedona names were used. Initially introduced as the Carnival in 2001, from 2003 onwards, it was renamed as the Sedona.
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Kia Carnival model years
Common Kia Carnival problems
The Kia Carnival, a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) produced by the South Korean automaker Kia since 1998, has been a popular choice for families and businesses due to its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and stylish exterior. However, like any vehicle, the Kia Carnival has had its share of common problems reported by owners.
One of the most common issues reported by owners of the 2022 Kia Carnival is power sliding door (PSD) problems. Specifically, there have been numerous complaints about the failure of the auto-reverse feature of the PSDs. The doors are supposed to reverse direction if they encounter resistance, but consumers report that excessive force is needed to trigger this feature. This has led to injuries, particularly to arms, hands, and shoulders.
Another common problem reported by owners of the 2022 Kia Carnival is windshield cracking. There are numerous complaints about windshields cracking, sometimes without any apparent cause. This can cause visibility issues and potential safety concerns. Some consumers have reported difficulty getting their windshields replaced due to insufficient stock at dealerships.
Fuel/propulsion system problems have also been reported by owners of the 2022 Kia Carnival. Several complaints highlight various acceleration issues, some blaming cold weather for the problem. There are also problems with the fuel pump that have resulted in a recall. Some consumers had reported that their vehicle wouldn’t accelerate over 10-20 mph, and the car started shaking when they tried to accelerate.
Problems caused by cold weather have also been reported by owners of the 2022 Kia Carnival. There are reports of the vehicle stopping working due to ice in the throttle body when the temperature was below 20° C (4° F). This has raised safety concerns as the vehicle stops working while driving in traffic.
Fuel gauge and pump issues have also been reported by owners of the 2022 Kia Carnival. Some consumers have reported that the fuel gauge doesn’t provide an accurate reading of available fuel – which can be a huge issue. There is also feedback about a faulty fuel pump which compromises the safety of the Carnival.
While the Kia Carnival has had its share of problems, it is important to note that Kia has a reputation for taking customer satisfaction seriously and providing a comprehensive warranty. The Carnival comes with a five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, five years/100,000 miles of corrosion protection, and five years/60,000 miles of roadside assistance. This warranty should provide peace of mind to owners of the Kia Carnival, knowing that they are covered in case of any issues.
What is the most common problem with the Kia Carnival?
Based on CR's testing, the Carnival did well in many major trouble spots, including engine, engine cooling, transmission, drive system, fuel emissions, electric system, brakes, and many more. The only areas where the 2022 Carnival underperformed are body hardware (more on this later) and in-car electronics.
Is the Kia Carnival a reliable car?
The 2024 Kia Carnival has a predicted reliability score of 80 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
How many miles will a Kia Carnival last?
Since the Kia Carnival can survive around 200,000 miles, it's okay to invest in one with more than 100,000 miles. All you need to do is ensure the previous owner took care of it through a test drive or an examination from a mechanic.
Is the Kia Carnival being recalled?
The recall affects certain 2022–2024 Sportage and Carnival models and stems from an issue that allows the vehicle's roof molding to detach from the car. Kia is recalling over 100,000 Sportage and Carnival models over an issue stemming from the roof molding.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Kia Carnival years
We have researched Kia problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Kia Carnival cars and compiled the top 3 most problematic Kia Carnival model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Kia Carnival model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Kia Carnival years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Kia Carnival car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Kia Carnival , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Unknown or other problems
- Structure problems
- Electrical system problems
- Engine problems
- Visibility/wiper problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Kia Carnival vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Carnival model years
A total of 5 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Carnival model years
There were a total of 36 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 160 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Kia Carnival . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Kia Carnival vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Kia Carnival 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-13
- VIN: KNDNC5H38N6
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: We have been having an acceleration issue for over a year now. The vehicle will be running fine and the randomly not go over 30 MPH. You could have your foot the floor and the vehicle will not shift or go above 3 rpm’s. This has caused us to be in many dangerous scenarios getting onto an interstate. This has almost caused us to be rear ended multiple times. Problem has be reproduced at the dealer and “repaired” though the problem continues to happen. Sometimes the engine warning light is on when it happens, others times it is not and happens with zero warning.
Kia Carnival 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-12
- VIN: KNDNB4H31R6
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: Almost all cars next to me are unable to interpret my signal lights due to I) rear signal lights being so low and not at brake lint level, and ii) from signal lights being near the grill and not the corners. This is a huge problem when changing lanes. Same with the reverse light being only on the rear bumper level - it is common for pedestrians and cars to not notice that the car is about to reverse. This is very dangerous and should not have been passed. Kia must remedy this issue at once considering how many lives are at risk.
Kia Carnival 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-04
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-05
- VIN: KNDNB4H33R6
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Center rails for center seats get so hot they burn bare skin. (Center rails in the floor)
Kia Carnival 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-19
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-29
- VIN: KNDNE5H39R6
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Got in my vehicle one day and noticed fluid dripping from the steering column. I took it into JT's Kia in Rock Hill, SC. At first they told me they were going to wipe off the "grease" then told me they needed to order a whole new steering column. I asked if it was still safe to drive and the service technician said no. I have heard this is a common problem with 2024 Kia Carnivals. Hopefully if enough people report the problem, a recall will be issued.
Kia Carnival 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-27
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-27
- VIN: KNDNC5H38R6
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: Roof molding has either completely detactch or partial detached from top of vehicle 4 times now. They have attempted to glue it back on but it still fails! This is dangerous for other drivers and my family
Kia Carnival 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-24
- VIN: KNDNE5H37P6
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2023 Kia Carnival. The contact stated that an unknown fluid was leaking from the left side of the steering column while driving at various speeds. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer where the parts on the steering column were wiped down and the contact was instructed to return the vehicle to the dealer if the failure persisted. The failure returned and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer. A diagnostic test was performed, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The contact was informed that the steering column needed to be replaced; however, the part for repair was on backorder. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
Kia Carnival 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-13
- VIN: KNDNE5H33R6
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2024 Kia Carnival. The contact stated that oil and grease were leaking from the steering column onto the floorboard mats. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was an excessive grease leak. The vehicle was cleaned and repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.
Kia Carnival 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-31
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-31
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: KNDNB4H32N6
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The sliding doors do not reverse like they should. The sensors are not good. Yes Kia added the warning sounds but it isn’t good enough. My LO’s entire hand was shut in the door.
Kia Carnival 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-26
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-26
- VIN: KNDNE5H38R6
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Floor rails are so hot, I had to cover them so my toddler and child could walk across them to get out of the van. The middle seats were taken out and the metal in the floor track gets so hot to even touch. Underneath the car when the car is running is enough to burn one’s legs also.. this is a big issue with us and our Kia and little children.
Kia Carnival 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-21
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-21
- VIN: KNDNC5H31R6
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Brought vehicle in for repair SC292 vehicle roof trim. Dealer (Safford Kia in Fredricksburg, VA) informed me that the trim was in good condition and does not qualify for the recall. I informed the dealer multiple times that the trim has already come off multiple times and is a hazard. They then reiterated that it didn’t qualify for a repair under their standards. Same information was presented directly to Kia Care and I was given the same information. Upon arriving home, a quick glance at the roof trim showed that it was, in fact, separated from the roof in one area and I was able to gently tug at the trim to remove it completely. The dealership failed to do an adequate inspection of the vehicle and repair it as they should have.
Kia Carnival 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-16
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: KNDNC5H37R6
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Rear passenger side seat rails getting extremely hot after short time idling <15 minutes. Enough that I burned my foot tending to my infant in the middle row.
Kia Carnival 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-14
- VIN: KNDNB4H3XP6
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: My 2023 KIA Carnival has a windshield cracked even without hitting rock or anything. My vehicle was parked on the driveway overnight. I can prove that the damage occurred without the car moving. I have this issue on my dash cam too. The data is saved with date and time. Kia Findlay Las Vegas refuses repair. It's not an official recall about this problem. But Similar cases can be read on the Internet.
Kia Carnival 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-31
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-12
- VIN: KNDNB4H30N6
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Sometimes my passenger side door will slam shut if I am parked on the hill and the sliding door lock is on, I have noticed that it only slams shut if that lock is on. If the lock is not on, it closes on its own without pressing the door close button on the door, on the driver side, or on the key fob.It will close quickly and not normal.
Kia Carnival 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-08
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-08
- VIN: KNDNE5H37N6
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The rear sliding doors are unsafe. The sensors do not stop and reverse under pressure of an object in its path. Under a recall "PE22-004" they slowed down the doors and added 2 beep sounds, but that doesn't help when a child has their hand or arm in the path of a closing sliding door. The pressure required to stop the door is extremely unsafe. There needs to be replaced safety pinch sensors added. I tested this as an adult, 200 lbs, and takes an extreme amount of force to stop the door motor from closing on your body parts and will cause injury.
Kia Carnival 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-07
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-07
- VIN: KNDNC5H32R6
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: UNKNOWN. Center rails for middle seat in second row were hot to the touch. The floor mats in the second row were hot as well as some items and a shirt on the floor. Kids noticed heat, and at first I thought heat was accidentally on but confirmed ac was still on in the rear. Could feel heat radiating, almost as if your hand was over the hood when hot. Concerned about plastics melting, or a fire starting from this.
Latest 5 recalls Kia Carnival
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 9 recalls for different components of the Kia Carnival.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Kia Carnival 2022
- Report Received Date: 2024-01-18
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
- Summary: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Sportage and 2022-2024 Carnival vehicles. The roof molding may loosen and detach.
- Consequence: A detached roof molding can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect the roof molding and replace or secure it as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 15, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC292.
- Model: Kia Carnival 2023
- Report Received Date: 2024-01-18
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
- Summary: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Sportage and 2022-2024 Carnival vehicles. The roof molding may loosen and detach.
- Consequence: A detached roof molding can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect the roof molding and replace or secure it as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 15, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC292.
- Model: Kia Carnival 2024
- Report Received Date: 2024-01-18
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
- Summary: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Sportage and 2022-2024 Carnival vehicles. The roof molding may loosen and detach.
- Consequence: A detached roof molding can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect the roof molding and replace or secure it as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 15, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC292.
- Model: Kia Carnival 2022
- Report Received Date: 2023-03-31
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: A power sliding door that does not auto-reverse can close on an occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will update the power sliding door control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC266.
- Model: Kia Carnival 2023
- Report Received Date: 2023-03-31
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: A power sliding door that does not auto-reverse can close on an occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will update the power sliding door control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC266.
Latest negative Kia Carnival car reviews
Latest positive Kia Carnival car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2022
I recently took our brand new LXS on a 3k mile trip and was pleasantly surprised by its spacious cargo area and interior. It comfortably accommodated 4 adults, 1 teenager, and a child with a car seat. The third row also provided ample room for a vehicle of its class. On cruise control, we were able to achieve an average of 33 mpg and just over 500 miles to a tank of gas. While there were a few minor issues, such as the apple car play constantly disconnecting and the radio occasionally flickering, these were outweighed by the vehicle's great features and price point. The only other concern was the slight rattle of the windows when both front windows were down a few inches, which was a bit annoying. Overall, I highly recommend this vehicle, as long as the dealer does not charge an insane markup over the MSRP.
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Vehicle year: 2023
This 'MPV' is really impressive! While no vehicle is perfect, this one drives like a dream and gets decent mpg for such a large vehicle. The tech integration is incredible and far better than competitors, all at a much better value. The safety features all work as intended, although the auto brake assist can be a little over-eager when cars are turning in front of you. The seat comfort and flexibility is great, although the middle captain chairs could be a little easier to slide. My only real complaint is the design and placement of the entertainment screens, which takes up some aisle space and almost interferes with the function of the seats sliding forward. I love having the 360 camera and power folding mirrors available on the SX (not the top model) too. The drive is very quiet and refined and this thing definitely turns heads. I'm hoping for at least 10 great years with it!
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Vehicle year: 2022
As a mother of four rapidly growing kids, I understand the importance of finding the perfect family car. After considering various options, we stumbled upon the Carnival. Not only does it offer the convenience and space of a minivan, but it also boasts the style and comfort of an SUV. The Carnival is equipped with all the latest features, including multiple USB ports and advanced safety features, making it the perfect choice for my family. My kids absolutely love it, and I am thrilled with my purchase. It's not just a car, it's a lifestyle choice that I am proud of!
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Vehicle year: 2023
I recently purchased the top of the line Carnival from Bridgewater Kia in Bridgewater, NJ, and while I initially had some concerns about the detailing work, those issues were resolved over a year ago. Since then, my wife and I have been very happy with the car. It's comfortable, reliable, and looks great with the black on black rims. While there were some early issues with the car, they were quickly resolved and we haven't had any problems since. Overall, we're very satisfied with our purchase.
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Vehicle year: 2023
Amazing amount of cargo space. Plenty of room inside even in the 3rd row for our 6’3” son. I love the features and the look. During a 100-mile trip, we averaged 30.8 mpg with 5 adults, a large dog, a cat, and many cubic feet of cargo. We test drove the Telluride, which we liked, and then the Carnival, which we both loved at first drive. I am thrilled with this purchase. Thank you, Kia!
Are you having problems with your Kia Carnival?
Jalon Bode 2025-02-14
Vehicle year: 2023
Hello! Thank you for sharing your experience with us. It's unfortunate to hear that you encountered some issues with your Carnival shortly after purchasing it. We understand how frustrating that can be. It's great that you were able to identify these issues early on and make the decision to trade it in for a higher quality vehicle. We hope that your new vehicle meets all of your expectations and provides you with a more comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. Thank you again for sharing your feedback with us!
Laurel Schumm 2025-02-07
Vehicle year: 2022
Hello! Thank you for sharing your experience with us. It's unfortunate to hear that you encountered some issues with your Carnival shortly after purchasing it. We understand how frustrating that can be. It's great that you were able to identify these issues early on and make the decision to trade it in for a higher quality vehicle. We hope that your new vehicle meets all of your expectations and provides you with a more comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. Thank you again for sharing your feedback with us!
Richmond Prohaska 2025-02-07
Vehicle year: 2022
The leg room on the passenger side is a bit limited and some of the controls are in unusual locations, which can be distracting while driving. Unfortunately, the rear video screens do not come with wireless headphones as advertised, but you can easily purchase your own. It can be a bit frustrating to reconnect them to Bluetooth every time you turn off the car, especially with little kids. The Continental tires are not suitable for winter driving and can be quite dangerous in snowy or icy conditions. The cup holders in the second row are not in the most convenient location and can be a bit bothersome for the driver and passengers. The middle row reclining seats are a nice feature, but they take up a lot of space and are not removable like the lower-priced version. However, the interior coloring is lovely. Some of the electronic temperature controls reset to factory settings, but it's easy to reselect your preferred airflow. The car has some fantastic exterior features, including driver-assisted screen cameras and automatic unlocking and opening of doors when you're standing next to them with the key fob.
Ignatius Bayer 2025-01-22
Vehicle year: 2023
Overall, the car has some nice features, but there are a few annoying details that make us regret our choice. Starting with the positives, it looks good and has some nice gadgets like the camera and microphones to talk with rear passengers. The engine is decent from a power perspective, but not very fuel efficient. On the negative side, the front seats are not great for long trips and the car is relatively noisy, not due to the engine but the wheels. Additionally, the touch buttons under the media center are misplaced and way too sensitive, which can be frustrating. More than once, we accidentally touched one of these buttons, which took us to a place in the interface we didn't want to go, and then we had to use the clumsy interface on the screen itself to get back to where we were or wanted to go. It's also disappointing that there is no wireless Apple Carplay, except for the cheapest edition (LX) with the smaller screen. That is ridiculous in a 2022 car. The second row seat mechanics are poorly engineered, making it difficult to get to the third row. As we use this car daily with our family of 7, this is a major frustration. It's easy to have the rails for the seating misaligned if you want to take them out, and I have had the backrest slam my face trying to adjust the seat with it being stuck in a certain position. The electronics are also iffy. For example, more than once, I have had the car not want to lock with a non-comprehensible accessory warning. The only thing that helps is to restart the car and turn it off again, which is very annoying. The wireless access through the app (UVO) is essentially useless, taking minutes to process a command like remote start. By the time you get to the car, it is still waiting, and when you then open the door, it concludes a minute later that it couldn't do it. In addition to that, if you try something else minutes later, it will randomly complain that the previous command is still being executed. Compared to my other car (a BMW), this car is not ready for prime time. Lastly, it's disappointing that there are no roof rails, except on the SX and up.It may be necessary to consider aftermarket solutions as Kia may not be able to provide assistance. It is an unusual decision. Additionally, it seems that the roofbox needs to be glued to the car. The SX Prestige only comes in a 7-seater configuration, which may not be suitable for everyone. It is also strange that many useful features are only available in the SX Prestige and not in the SX or lower models. The wireless charger can be hit and miss, only working 50% of the time with a standard iPhone, requiring perfect alignment. The 'ceiling panel' is non-illuminated, which can be inconvenient when parked in a dark spot and trying to use the dome light. It is easy to trigger the Uvo service through that same panel instead, which is a poor choice. In summary, while the car looks good for a van, it does have some shortcomings that can be really annoying in day-to-day use. There may be better alternatives available. We do not recommend it after a month of intense usage.
Jarod Feil 2025-01-08
Vehicle year: 2023
This is our 5th Kia and we have always been big fans of the brand. We loved our 2015 Sedona and decided to trade it in for the Carnival. Unfortunately, we have had some issues with this particular model. Within the first 2 weeks, the dashboard started to come apart and we had to take it in for repairs multiple times, which was inconvenient. We also noticed that the tires don't seem to have much traction in any weather. Additionally, we found that the button to change a song/station is backwards, which can be frustrating. We were disappointed to see that the bumper already looks like it's coming apart for no reason. We opted for the rear entertainment system, but were disappointed to find that the LXS has the crappier model TVs that are useless. Lastly, we are concerned about the seatbelts on the bucket seats as they look like they may tear out of the seats. We have reached out to Kia corporate multiple times, but unfortunately have not received a response. As much as we love Kia, we cannot recommend this particular model. We hope that Kia will take our feedback into consideration and continue to improve their products.