2026 Kia Carnival recalls and problems

The 2026 Kia Carnival has 2 recalls and 31 owner complaints on file with NHTSA; the most reported problem area is unknown or other.

How the 2026 compares

Lowest

Fewest complaintsMost complaints

Lowest complaint count among 5 Carnival model years — 5th most. Newer model years have had less time on the road, so their counts are still growing.

2recalls

31complaints

3crashes

0fires

5injuries

2,379median miles

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not verified and not adjusted for sales. Ranking compares this model's own years only.

Does your car have an open recall?
Recalls apply to specific vehicles. Only a VIN lookup on NHTSA's official site shows whether yours is affected and still unrepaired.

Check your VIN →

2 recalls

Fuel System

Apr 10, 2026 · NHTSA campaign 26V232000 · 141,032 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

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.

Electrical System

Jan 26, 2026 · NHTSA campaign 26V046000 · 42,677 vehicles

Problem: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Kia K4, 2025-2026 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage PHEV, K5, EV9, Carnival, and Carnival Hybrid vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 101, "Controls and Displays" and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System."

Risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer, tire pressure, or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 26, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC361. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 9, 2026.

Recall text as published by NHTSA and the manufacturer.

What owners complain about

Unknown or other14

Electrical System9

Power Train5

Structure3

Vehicle Speed Control3

Back Over Prevention2

Forward Collision Avoidance2

Lane Departure2

Seats2

Air Bags1

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA; one complaint can name several areas. Not verified by NHTSA.

2026 vs. other Kia Carnival years

Owner complaints by model year; the darker bar is the 2026. Click a bar to switch year.

Questions

Does the 2026 Kia Carnival have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns covering the 2026 Kia Carnival, the latest from Apr 10, 2026 (fuel system). A recall applies to specific vehicles: enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours is affected and still open.

What are the most common problems with the 2026 Kia Carnival?

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA most often mention unknown or other (14), electrical system (9), power train (5). Complaints are consumer reports and are not verified by NHTSA.