2023 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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Common 2023 Kia Carnival problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 2023 Kia Carnival, several common problems have been reported:
- Customer Service and Response: Some owners have raised concerns about the responsiveness of Kia's customer service. Complaints include delays in addressing issues, lack of communication from Kia representatives, and difficulties in obtaining support or resolution for problems with the vehicle.
- Quality Control and Reliability: There have been reports of quality control issues and reliability concerns with the 2023 Kia Carnival. Owners have mentioned problems such as recalls, which may indicate potential manufacturing or design flaws affecting the vehicle's performance and safety.
- Engine and Transmission: Questions have been raised about the engine and transmission of the Kia Carnival. Some owners have expressed uncertainty about the reputation of Kia vehicles in terms of engine and transmission reliability. Comparisons with other minivan models like the Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, and Chrysler Pacifica have been made, highlighting concerns about the Kia Carnival's performance in this aspect.
- Noise Levels and Comfort: Feedback regarding noise levels and comfort features has been mixed. While some owners appreciate the quietness and comfort of the Kia Carnival, others have mentioned issues with noise from the OEM tires, suggesting that improvements could be made in this area for a more enjoyable driving experience.
These reported problems indicate a range of issues that owners have encountered with the 2023 Kia Carnival, encompassing safety, customer service, quality control, engine and transmission performance, and comfort aspects. Addressing these concerns is crucial for Kia to enhance customer satisfaction and ensure the overall reliability and performance of their vehicles.
What is the issue with the Kia Carnival 2023?
The Kia Carnival diesel has been recalled due a potential loss of power, which could cause the engine to stall.
What is the common problem of 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.
What are the changes to the Kia Carnival 2023?
Uplevel SX and SX Prestige models of the Carnival are the only trims that see any changes for 2023. The SX now comes with the 12.3-inch infotainment display and a matching 12.3-inch digital gauge display.
How long is the wait for a 2023 Kia Carnival?
Kia average model wait times 2023
| Model | Wait time |
|---|---|
| Seltos | 124 days |
| Sportage | 186 days |
| Sorento | 80 days |
| Carnival | 147 days |
2023 Kia Carnival car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Kia Carnival problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Unknown or other problems
- Structure problems
- Electrical system problems
- Engine problems
- Steering problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2023 Kia Carnival vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2023 Kia Carnival
The NHTSA has received 28 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2023 Kia Carnival. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2023 Kia Carnival vehicles.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-01
- 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.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-12
- 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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-30
- VIN: KNDNC5H35P6
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The rails in the middle row where the seats connect to, get extremely hot to the point where it is very hot to touch. This is a safety issue that could potentially cause a fire and/or burn my children’s’ feet. It doesn’t matter if the car has been driven for a short period of time or on a long trip, regardless the rails get very hot
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-04
- VIN: KNDNE5H31P6
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: We drove an hour then sat in the car while it was on for about 30 minutes. The gas tank was 14% full. We started driving again down a bit of a hill & got to a stop light. The car started beeping & said “engine off! Switch to N then start engine” We turned the car off and back on & it started working.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-19
- VIN: KNDNC5H32P6
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: Gas door does not open. It is faulty and won’t open when car is locked or unlocked. Unable to open to add fuel to vehicle. It has been giving issues for 3 months. This seems to be a VERY common problem with all KIA Carnivals.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-05
- VIN: KNDNE5H35P6
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The metal rails on the floor where the seats slide are very hot and we are afraid it will run our children. It is more in the center near the second row.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-26
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: KNDNB4H3XP6
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The driver’s side sliding door was closing and crushed my wife between the door and B pillar. It did not retract upon encountering the resistance of my wife’s body, and continued to close. She has bruising on her arm, and shoulder pain. When submitting this report on the NHTSA website, there is a recall for this exact issue. We have not had the vehicle examined as it is a holiday weekend, and the dealer is closed. Medical attention will be pursued if the pain and bruising does not subside.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-01
- VIN: KNDNB4H3XP6
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: Kia Carnival's 2nd row seta pretensioners are not working. In the vent of suddent breaks, the seat belts are not latching, and hence not holding the kids in the seats. We have faced this issue several times. Once my daughter came out of seat completely, since the seat belt didn't latch the belt. We took to the dealership(Kings Kia, Mason, OH), the technician agreed, there is problem with 2 seats, however, there is problem with all 3 seats. The dealership said they are still waiting for Kia corporate to send the new seat belt latch system, but there is no response from Kia yet.
STEERING,LANE DEPARTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-10
- VIN: KNDNB4H31P6
- Components: STEERING,LANE DEPARTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2023 Kia Carnival. The contact stated there was oil leaking from the vehicle onto the floorboard nearby the brake pedal. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that a seal for the steering column was leaking and could cause the steering wheel to seize while driving. The Lane Keep Assist and Steering Assist would deactivate independently. The contact was informed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 3,337.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-21
- VIN: KNDNE5H33P6
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: The vehicle throws a forward collision warning and then suddenly brakes to slow down while driving with no road hazard in front. This occurs about once every 10 days. This is a safety hazard because the forward collision warning has to be turned off every time the car is turned on. It will not stay off. During sudden braking, an accident may occur behind the vehicle. We have left the car at the dealer for 3 days while paying for a rental car and they said they could not reproduce the error. I have contacted KIA through their website about a week ago and have received no response. I have video evidence of this problem occuring on dashcam.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-01
- VIN: KNDNB4H31P6
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I have an issue that involves the metal railings in the center of the vehicle (on the floor) to get hot enough to burn and blister you. I filed a complaint with Kia which opened a case. I also took my vehicle in and this issue was verified by their mechanic. I was assigned a case number and after the employee on my case spoke with the enginer team it was determined that the only option for me was to purchase mats to cover the metal railings. I purchased both all weather and fabric mats when i purchased the vehicle. these mats do not cover the railing nor would you want them to. it would prevent the seats from moving forward and back and it would also be a fire risk. I have tried to find a solution with kia with no success. There are other forums of people complaining of the same issue such as this one https:// [XXX] I just purchased my car brand new and Kia has put me in a position to just deal with these safety issues. Besides mats that i already have the suggestion was to just not touch the rails that are on the floor where you put your feet. I put 10,000 down on a brand-new vehicle because i had the intentions of keeping it long term. now im in a position where I have to look for a safer vehicle with no help from KIA. This complaint may not help me but maybe it can help someone else. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-15
- VIN: KNDNB4H3XP6
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE
- Summary: Purchased in Aug 2022 brand new I express concern very early on that the back door would reopen after starting the car I express concern about shifting/breaking being automatic/ice light coming on when you hit bumps coming in parking lots and the doors not unlocking. All were evaluated and basically all for nothing “ could not be duplicated” I called, left voicemails, emailed the dealership with concerns Advised there was a recall on Back door which was one of my complaints did recall update still and issue The back door should not re open and stay open that is not a safety feature this day and age it’s asking to be mug, robbed ect. After the 3rd time in a week happening I called the dealership spoke to the president and advised I no longer felt safe I just want to turn in the lease have it bought back and my down payment returned. I have 3 children safety features they claim are not safe in my eyes. One example driving by myself out of a parking lot the back door reopened as I was backing out and I assumed it would just reshut - no it stayed wide open. No movement. No unlocking, turning off after auto start under a few mins. I called Kia and have yet to speak to the agent, phone tag, no emails back. Reviews online show multiple people have these issues.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-15
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: KNDNB4H31P6
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The metal rails where the middle seat of the middle row is located occasionally gets too hot to touch. My daughter who was sleep had her sandals off. She woke up because her foot was hot. Shortly after her toe blistered. You won’t notice it if you have shoes on. It has happened while we were traveling and it happens when we’re just idle.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-13
- VIN: KNDNB4H33P6
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: Unknown. My vehicle has cut off in the middle of traffic several times. Another incident was when my vehicle was shaking uncontrollably and couldn't go over 40. The check engine light never comes on. One dealership looked at it and said nothing was wrong even though one of the techs heard the vehicle. They said because the check engine light wasn't on that there was nothing that they could do. Took it to the kia dealership in Huntsville. They know something is wrong but because no check engine light or codes. They don't know where the problem is . My main issue is when something is wrong. No lights or codes show up. I haven't had it a year yet. Safety concerns with it cutting off in the middle of traffic .
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-05-09
- VIN: KNDNB4H3XP6
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact's daughter owns a 2023 Kia Carnival. The contact stated that while driving 65-70 MPH, within 48 hours of purchasing the vehicle brand new, the vehicle lost motive power. Additionally, the brakes and power steering became inoperable. Several unknown warning lights illuminated, and alarms sounded. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that it was a known failure, and that the manufacturer was working on a fix. The contact stated that the taillights also failed to work intermittently. The contact also stated that the reverse lights would engage unintendedly. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was due to a system update error and that the fix was currently being developed. The failure mileage was approximately 100.
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-05
- VIN: KNDNE5H31P6
- Components: STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The tailgate door attempted to close on my head when I was putting something in the trunk when my husband walked away with the key. I had a key with me too.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-01
- VIN: KNDNE5H32P6
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: today while I was driving my sunroof shattered, big explosion, luckily my sunshade was close and not to many vehicles were around me. I call dealer, they didn't want to hear it and told me to call my insurance !!??? My car is barely 2 month old???
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-11
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: KNDNC5H30P6
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The side sliding (rear) doors do not stop when there is an object in between. Even when you put heavy force (this is in some angles), the door continues to close. With mild force, the door just refuses to recognize and closes out. It is a big safety concern with small children, since if the force applied by adults is not enough, then any force the child would apply is definitely not going to stop the door from closing.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-07-01
- VIN: KNDNC5H30P6
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The sliding power doors do not reverse when hitting a person or object. You have to use excessive force to get them to reverse and only some of the time do they even reverse. I have taken this to the dealership and they said they would contact me within 48 hours with an update but it's been a month and in spite of me attempting to contact them for a follow up they have not returned calls or emails. Safety of myself and others have been put at risk when the door is closed it does not stop and will crush whatever is in the door. Dealer was able to reproduce the problem about half of the time. Occasionally, if you hit the door in a specific spot, it might reverse but when an actual person stands in the door it does not reverse. No warning lights or messages occur I purchased the Carnival July 1 of 2022 and was not aware at the time of the sliding door problem. It wasn't until I read of others having the issue that I tested mine. I was honestly shocked that the doors in most cases did not reverse. I've tested it multiple times and I've had to get out of the way when in spite of using a lot of force it didn't reverse. I also have a 2004 Honda Odyssey that I've had for almost 20 years and this door works perfectly. Reverses with even a minor resistance. I expected all minivans to perform the same way. There are multiple incidents found online where these doors have crushed people. I'm aware of a recall just released but this does NOT fix the issue! It only adds 2 beeps and slows down the door. This is unacceptable in a real life situation so this "recall" is not acceptable. I realize KIA does not want to pay to have these doors fixed but when a child dies or suffers a severe injury they will be forced to.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-07-10
- VIN: KNDNC5H34P6
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: The car keeps shutting of while driving ,the car jerks when accelerating, I press on the gas and sometimes it doesn't accelerate at all .the car windshield cracked, the doors closed on my hands when I was retrieving my coat the doors didn't open back up i had to snatch my hands and arms back. I have a video of car shutting off if you need it
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-28
- VIN: KNDNC5H30P6
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: We are concerned about the safety of the sliding doors on your 2023 Kia Carnival. The sensor does not detect objects in its path while closing, and we have already experienced two incidents and we noticed that require a great deal of effort and force to stop the door before someone gets hurt. The sensors are not working properly they need to be repair as soon as possible in order to ensure the safety of your kids.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-24
- VIN: KNDNB4H37P6
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: Auto-stop/reverse on power side doors is not sensitive enough to prevent crushing hazard if someone gets caught in the dirt closing. I have to push with considerable force to get door to reverse and it still slams my arm or body hard against the frame before reversing. We are concerned or 6 small children will be seriously injured. There are a bunch of folks reporting broken/bruised hands on Carnival forums online and some reporting that the dealership service center has made an adjustment from the manufacturer that results in the door auto stop/ reverse being much more sensitive, after checking NHTSA and making a report. I'd like to know if this is an option?
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-11-20
- VIN: KNDNB4H32P6
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Rear sliding door safety sensors not working properly. Doors do not stop closing unless excessive force is applied by an adult before the sensors start working. Young children would not be able to stop the door from closing on them and likely would get hurt because of it.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-15
- VIN: KNDNB4H32P6
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: Rear automatic door shut on adult even after bumping into the individual. The sensor did not stop the door from closing. This could have caused serious injury, especially if this were to happen to a kid.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-11
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: KNDNB4H36P6
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The door closing automation applies excessive force before the safety function engages to re-open. This poses a high risk to children and small adults with narrow limbs and/or the fingers of any aged person. On January 11, 2023, my 4 year old's hand was closed in the door without the door stopping or re-opening. This resulted in deep lacerations to his fingers and swelling necessitating emergency room medicine and imaging to eliminate potential of fracture. I tested this morning with the doors by opening and closing and inserting objects as well as my body to determine an approximation of closing force. Even with a full sized adult, the closing force is sufficient to move the trunk of an adult body to the side before safety mechanisms engage. Door travel continues for 2 to 3 inches before safety retraction engages. Children arms, feet, or other appendages are narrow enough that they will be impacted with the force of the mechanism in a pinching mechanic before the safety engages and allows removal of the limb. In this case, the fingers of a child closing their own door was not sufficient to activate the safety mechanism and the door closed fully, causing (thankfully) minimal injury. I have contacted Kia service this morning and will follow their directions. Internet research indicates no recall or technical service bulletin for this problem at this time.
2023 Kia Carnival recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2023 Kia Carnival.
- 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.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Park Out Side: 1
- Park Out Side: 1
- Components: TRAILER HITCHES
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: 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. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 16, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC265.
Negative 2023 Kia Carnival car reviews
Positive 2023 Kia Carnival car reviews
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As a long-time Toyota and Honda owner, I was initially hesitant about Kia. However, after conducting some research and negotiating with dealerships, I was unable to find a suitable minivan upgrade. That's when I stumbled upon the Kia Carnival base model and decided to take a chance. I was pleasantly surprised by the features it offered for an entry-level minivan, especially when compared to other brands at a similar price point. Since my purchase, I've found that the handling and comfort of the Carnival surpasses that of my Highlander. Additionally, it's spacious and meets the needs of my family while remaining budget-friendly. While I would love to upgrade to an EX or SX trim level, I'm satisfied with my current purchase. Only time will tell how reliable Kia is compared to Toyota or Honda, but I'm optimistic about its future. I wouldn't be surprised if Kia eventually offers an AWD or hybrid version.
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Hello! I'm delighted to share my experience with you. I've owned a variety of cars over the years, from a Chevy Vega to a BMW M3 convertible, and I'm now 78 years old. My wife and I have owned around 43 or 44 new vehicles, including Lexus, BMW, Infiniti, Honda, Toyota, and more. As we've gotten older, we've found that minivans are the most practical option. They have slightly higher seats, which are easier to get in and out of, but lower ground clearance. We were initially interested in the 2023 Toyota Sienna Hybrid Platinum edition, but after test driving it and considering the engine noise, comfort, and price of $54,110, we decided to go with the 2023 KIA Carnival SX Prestige, which we purchased for an MSRP of $48,612 in October. We live in a retirement community and often transport people with wheelchairs and walkers, so the Carnival's spacious interior is perfect for us. The third row is also great for when our grandchildren visit. We've taken the car on long trips to Florida twice, and it gets an average of 27.6 MPG. The front seats are very comfortable and have good electric adjustments, and the adaptive cruise control works extremely well. I can drive for 4 to 6 hours without stopping and experience no pain, stiffness, or leg cramps. The middle row is comfortable, but I do wish it had electric adjustments for moving forward, backward, and side to side. The Prestige seats require you to slide in to fully recline. We found that the OEM tires on the Carnival were noisy, so we put Michelin snow tires on for the winter, and the car is now amazingly quiet, even at cruising speeds of 70 to 80 MPH. We've owned several SUVs in the past, but we now realize that they're impractical and overrated. I do wish the Carnival was all-wheel drive, but overall, it's a fantastic car. I encourage anyone who's hesitant about minivans to give the Carnival a chance. Thank you for reading!
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Finally, a car manufacturer has listened to what all moms have been asking for! We all love the look of SUVs, but we also need sliding doors like a minivan, without actually having to drive a minivan. Thank you, Kia, for designing the very cool, stylish, and super safe Carnival that checks off everything on my must-have list. As a previous Telluride driver, I loved all the cool technology in that vehicle, but I desperately needed sliding doors and more storage/carrying capacity. The Carnival has two captain's chairs that can be put at any spot on the track, and they not only slide back and forth on the track but out width-wise as well. Now, any adult of any height can easily walk into the third functional row. If a family has three or more kids, this vehicle is a must-have! The captain's chairs are full loungers where anyone over 6ft tall can actually recline, with their feet elevated and not even come close to touching the driver or passenger seat. I am so looking forward to taking another adult couple out with our captain chair loungers. The kids love the built-in TVs on the back of the driver/passenger seat, and this will make our next long drive more enjoyable for mommy too. There is a passenger camera which is super cool, so at any time from the driver's viewpoint, I can see behind me without having to take my eyes off the road. Other really cool new features are that both the skylight windows open in the front and the back. The passenger windows open, which is nothing I have seen in a minivan. Hence, this is a Multi-Purpose Vehicle, or as I like to call it, the Super Utility Vehicle! As a repeat Kia owner, I am thoroughly impressed and look forward to showing off the Carnival to all my mom friends!
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Beyond a completely versatile functioning vehicle feel, it adds a touch of flash and style with that SUV look.
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Test drive the others and you will see what a great vehicle it is.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2023 Kia Carnival problems:
I just recntly got a Kia Carnival 2023. I regret buying it. Help, anyone ...
Oct 28, 2022 ... We do not have any of these issues with our 2018 Kia Sportage. So why did Kia screw it up sooooo bad on the Carnival? Like.
Kia Carnival 2023- having problems : r/kiacarnivals
Jan 24, 2023 ... The Kia brand isn't exactly known for it's white-glove premium customer experience. Kinda surprised they reached out at all.
2023 Carnival Issues | Kia Carnival Forum
Mar 10, 2023 ... So after 27 days now the service manager called this morning and said Kia Corp. has determined it was an issue with bad fuel, and the dealership ...
Wife wants a Carnival-I thought KIA was garbage-Please Inform Me ...
Apr 21, 2023 ... Kia Carnival & Sedona 2022+. JavaScript is disabled. For a ... Most of the major engine problems Kia ... I know the 2023 will have a different ...
Other years of Kia Carnival
Are you having problems with your 2023 Kia Carnival?
Ignatius Bayer 2025-01-22
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
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.
Donald Skiles 2024-11-04
The only issue at this time is that UVO is not available in my state. I will report back later as I have only driven 2400 miles. It's important to note that the Carnival MPV is not a minivan, according to KIA. I recently purchased the top of the line model and I'm still discovering new features to play with. I changed the backlight for the buttons from blue to purple, but I'm having trouble figuring out how to change it back. Unfortunately, no one at the KIA dealership seems to know. KIA does not allow MA 2022 model year owners to have UVO, and an oil change (full synthetic) is required at 8,000 miles and then every 4,000. I overheard a dealer telling a customer with 22,000 miles that KIA may not be responsible for the cause of engine noise because the customer could not prove all oil changes were done.
Skye Upton 2024-08-25
I've been driving this MPV for two years now and I must say, I really like its design, technology, and style. The surround camera view and sensors are my favorite features. However, there are some cons to it. Sometimes it beeps while driving without displaying the reason, which can be quite odd. It also lacks adequate storage space, especially on the doors, where it's impossible to fit a bottle of water or a 20oz pop. The storage behind the seats is also quite limited. While it runs well, it can lag a bit when driving uphill at around 25 mph and the shifting can get a bit weird. Additionally, adjusting one of the second-row seats can be a bit tricky. The service department is okay, but the wait time can be quite long. I've had some issues with the radar sensors and a strange smell coming from the A/C, but they were eventually fixed after a few visits. All in all, it's an okay car, but it doesn't perform well in the snow and the tires wear out quickly. I had to replace them after just 25k miles, and even then, it still struggled in the snow.Hi there! Have you noticed that the sliding doors always pause and restart from the beginning when you start the car while someone is opening them? It can be quite frustrating, can't it?
Porter Howell 2024-06-06
Hi there! I was wondering if there is an option to read the transcript of your 15-minute monologue on how to find the trip computer? It seems like it takes a bit of time to get to the data, and I was hoping to find a quicker way. Do you know if this is possible? Thank you!