Things to consider when insuring one
Fire-risk recall: park it outside until it’s fixed
NHTSA advises parking affected cars outside and away from buildings. A fire in an attached garage can become a home insurance claim as well as an auto one, so get the repair done first.
Driver-assist sensors come standard
They can help avoid crashes, but a windshield or bumper repair often needs the cameras and radar recalibrated, which costs more. Check what your comprehensive and collision deductibles would mean for a glass claim.
Most owner complaints are about the unknown or other
22 of 52 complaints to NHTSA mention it. Worth a look in a pre-purchase inspection.
4 recalls
- Park outsideNHTSA 23V179000 · Mar 17, 2023
trailer hitches
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.
- The risk
- A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- The fix
- 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.
- NHTSA 26V232000 · Apr 11, 2026
fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Carnival vehicles. Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the fuel pipe and fuel rail.
- The risk
- A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the fuel pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC368. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 24, 2026.
- NHTSA 24V025000 · Jan 18, 2024
structure: body: roof and pillars
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Sportage and 2022-2024 Carnival vehicles. The roof molding may loosen and detach.
- The risk
- A detached roof molding can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- 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.
- NHTSA 23V236000 · Mar 31, 2023
structure: body: door
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.
- The risk
- A power sliding door that does not auto-reverse can close on an occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
- The fix
- 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.
Crash test ratings
2023 Kia Carnival MV FWD
- Overall
- Not rated
- Frontal
- Not rated
- Side
- Not rated
- Rollover
- Not rated
What owners report
52 complaints to NHTSA, 1 involving a crash, 7 injuries.
- Unknown or other22
- Structure12
- Electrical system6
- Engine5
- Fuel/propulsion system3
- Seat belts3
- Buckle2
- Chest clip2
Insuring a 2023 Kia Carnival?
An independent broker compares several insurers for you and can explain what matters for this car. Find one who writes auto where you live.
Other 2023 Kia models
Recalls, crash ratings and owner complaints are from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), last checked Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are owners’ reports and aren’t verified by NHTSA. This page is general information, not advice about a specific vehicle or policy.