2023 Kia Carnival: common problems and reliability
51 owner complaints on record.
Most complaints are about structure. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 2023 Carnival?The 2023 Kia Carnival has 51 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are structure and electrical system.
Safety record for the 2023 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2023 Kia Carnival vehicles (US, public record).
Is 2023 a good year for the Carnival?
Across the 5 Carnival model years we track, complaint volume runs from 51 (2023) to 187 (2025). With 51 complaints, the 2023 Carnival sits below the model's median of 73.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2023 Carnival
trailer hitches
Campaign 23V179000Kia 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.
structure:body:door
Campaign 23V236000Kia 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.
structure:body:roof and pillars
Campaign 24V025000Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Sportage and 2022-2024 Carnival vehicles. The roof molding may loosen and detach.
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Campaign 26V232000Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Carnival vehicles. Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the fuel pipe and fuel rail.
What owners say across generations
Mixed sentiment with a clear divide between short-term satisfaction and long-term confidence. Owners consistently praise the vehicle's spaciousness, smooth ride quality, modern technology, and superior interior design and materials compared to key competitors.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Carnival. See the full Carnival owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Carnival listings typically run $24,310–$31,629.
Other Carnival model years
Compare every Carnival year side by side to see how 2023 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Carnival against its rivals
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