2022 Kia Carnival Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2022 Kia Carnival carries 6 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering electronic lock/latch actuator and fuel rail. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Power sliding door anti-pinch sensor failure.” Kia uses Hyundai Motor Group's powertrains, so service intervals mirror Hyundai's. Kia Promise covers the first 3 years / 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance. Kia owners with the Theta II 2.0L/2.4L (Optima, Sorento, Sportage 2011-2019) should adhere strictly to oil intervals due to known oil-consumption issues in Kia TSBs.

6 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:ELECTRONIC LOCK/LATCH ACTUATOR

Campaign #21V908000 · Nov 19, 2021

Issue: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2022 Carnival vehicles. The remote controller assembly for the passenger-side power sliding door may malfunction, preventing the passenger-side sliding door from securely latching.

Risk: A power sliding door that fails to latch may open while moving, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will replace the passenger-side power sliding door release actuator's drum and holder inside the remote controller assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC221.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL

Campaign #21V277000 · Apr 21, 2021

Issue: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2022 Carnival vehicles. The plastic fuel rail tube may have been damaged.

Risk: A damaged fuel rail tube may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the multi-port injection fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began April 30, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC211.

TRAILER HITCHES

Campaign #23V179000 · Mar 17, 2023

Issue: 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.

Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

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.

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

Campaign #23V236000 · Mar 31, 2023

Issue: 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.

Risk: A power sliding door that does not auto-reverse can close on an occupant, increasing the risk of injury.

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.

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

Campaign #24V025000 · Jan 18, 2024

Issue: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Sportage and 2022-2024 Carnival vehicles. The roof molding may loosen and detach.

Risk: A detached roof molding can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Campaign #26V232000 · Oct 4, 2026

Issue: 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.

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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2022 Kia Carnival.

Reported to NHTSA

Power sliding door anti-pinch sensor failure

STRUCTURE:BODY

34 NHTSA complaints · 2021-05 → 2026-08

The power sliding door on my Kia Carnival has repeatedly failed to reopen when an occupant was caught in the doorway. On multiple occasions, my young child has become trapped by the sliding door after it began closing. Instead of consistently detecting the
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11754169
The passenger side sliding door shut on my [XXX] 's hand. I immediately tried to open the door with the button next to the steering column and it would not respond. I then ran around to the other side of the car and used the button on the handle, but the door
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11663748
My daughter was closing the left sliding door with her right hand using the button and her left hand was in the doorway. There is no worthwhile sensor in the car to detect her hand and thus the door crushed her hand. She now has a fractured left thumb due to
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11466619
Had maintenance and recall "fix" for sliding door issue done on 5/9/2023. Technicians explained to me that the actual sensor that detects when something is in the way of the door closing and in turn force the door to stop and reverse is called the "pinch sensor"
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11521338

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Windshield cracking without apparent impact

VISIBILITY/WIPER

19 NHTSA complaints · 2021-07 → 2024-03

We have owned this vehicle for about 15 months. With this replacement, we will be on our third windshield. The first windshield needed to be replaced after a crack started across the windshield following a pebble that hit the edge of the glass. We went…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11481534
The windshield cracked while driving. Nothing hit it, it just cracked. Was 8inches long and now covers half the windshield. Obvious defect in the windshield. It is availability to see or I can take a picture. Safety is compromised by a cracked windshield that
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11569364
Driving down the road, nothing flew at the windshield, it just cracked. Currently can’t replace it either as there is no stock
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11433640

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Fuel system crossover pipe leak and recall delays

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

7 NHTSA complaints · 2022-01 → 2026-08

Fuel leak at pipe connection between the fuel pipe and fuel rail. Nuts securing the high-pressure crossover fuel pipe to the fuel rail loosened, leaking raw fuel, leading to risk of fire. This has been reported and confirmed by Ron Bouchard Kia, of Lancaster,
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11742041
I am writing to formally complain about the delay in repairing my vehicle under an active recall involving the fuel system/crossover fuel pump. I have been informed that the required part is on backorder and that the repair may not be available until the end
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11743703
In October 23, 2025 I started to notice a fuel smell while I was driving the vehicle. The smell of fuel seemed more strong while I had the air conditioning running.I would shut off the AC and put the windows down. There was no leaks of fuel on the ground or
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11699531

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Throttle body freeze and limp mode loss of acceleration

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

7 NHTSA complaints · 2022-01 → 2024-10

Will not accelerate over 10 Mph in cold temp even after warming up vehicle. Will lose acceleration at a intersection and dangerous while taking a left turn. Check engine light goes on. Throttle bottle issue. Believe it is moisture/water in the throttle body
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11448401
On three separate occasions when the temperature was below -20C, this brand-new vehicle stopped working due to ice in the throttle body. Vehicle had to be towed each time. The dealer service manager informed me that the new design no longer heats the throttle
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11457083
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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11619545

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Power sliding door latch failure and unintended opening

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

7 NHTSA complaints · 2021-11 → 2026-07

The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the rear passenger’s side sliding door would independently open while the vehicle was in motion. The door ajar warning message would illuminate on the instrument panel. Despite multiple attempts to close
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11442850
The passenger side sliding door would not respond to any button pushed to open the door. Once I get it manually opened, it will not latch upon closure resulting in a beeping and warning in my dash. I can turn off power doors and manually force it to shut and
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11663751
The contact stated that the rear passenger’s side power sliding door failed to latch securely. The contact used force while pushing the rear passenger’s side sliding door from the outside to latch the sliding door properly. The dealer was made aware of the
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11753013

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Horn intermittent inoperability

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN

4 NHTSA complaints · 2023-04 → 2025-09

Vehicle’s horn intermittently stops working. The length of outage varies. Restarting the vehicle does not resolve the issue. Safety is at risk due to having no way to alerting other drivers of potential hazards
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11518254
When trying to alert a vehicle that was merging into my lane but did not see me, my horn did not work. It randomly does not work at times. Every once in a while it will. This poses as a danger and safety risk to drivers and passengers of my 2022 Kia Carnival
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11590758

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Side curtain airbag non-deployment in side-impact crash

AIR BAGS

2 NHTSA complaints · 2022-03 → 2023-02

With very low miles on our Carnival, I had just left a stop sign and someone ran their stop sign at high speed and tboned my vehicle in the driver's side. I woke up from being unconscious while still in driver seat and my car was still limping down the road
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11505365
I was tboned on 3/10/2022 at high speed in the back driver's side 1/3 of the car by another who ran stop sign at high speed (I am guessing 50 or 60 mph). I have some amnesia about the impact now....but with large hematoma on left side of my head & concussion
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11456403

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 3,750 mi

Severe service: every 3,750 miles. Normal: 7,500 miles. Theta II 2.0L/2.4L on Optima, Sorento, Sportage (2011-2019): full synthetic only, never extend.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Telluride and Sorento AWD owners benefit from rotation every 5,000 miles to prevent uneven wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads and rotors every 7,500 miles. Forte and Soul front pads typically last 40,000-55,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 24 months. Required for ABS and ESC pump longevity.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Severe or dusty conditions: 15,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Severe service: every 30,000 miles. Normal: 60,000 miles. Use Kia SP-IV — same as Hyundai.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 105,000 mi

Iridium-tipped plugs rated 105,000 miles on most Kia engines. 1.6T (Forte GT, Soul Turbo): 60,000 miles. 3.5L Lambda II V6 (Telluride, Sorento): 105,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Long-Life Coolant

Every 30,000 mi

Kia Long-Life Coolant (pink, same as Hyundai): first change at 60,000 miles, then every 30,000. Do not mix with green or orange coolant.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Transfer Case / Rear Diff (AWD)

Every 60,000 mi

Sportage AWD, Sorento AWD, Telluride AWD: replace transfer case fluid and rear diff fluid every 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Located behind the glove box on Optima, Forte, and Sportage; behind the dashboard panel on Telluride.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

4 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

4

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2022 Kia Carnival reflects Kia's published service intervals and the Service Reminder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.