Multi-purpose vehicles like the Kia Carnival are ideal for large families and for carrying goods. Besides, they are also very efficient, affordable, and easy to maintain. But what are some of the common problems that Kia Carnival faces?
Common problems with Kia Carnival are a weak windshield, faulty rail tubes, faulty bonnet, electrical issues, an unreliable sliding door system, and a fault in the brake light. Some issues were because of a manufacturing default and Kia recalled and fixed the problems. What’s more, some model years have fewer issues than others.
What are the common problems with Kia Carnival?
Faulty fuel rail tubes
A fuel rail is part of the fuel injector and it helps to distribute fuel evenly during the combustion process in the engine. If the fuel rail tubes are bad or faulty, they can cause the car to catch fire, lead to fuel leakage, or cause strong fuel odors. However, only a few Kia Carnival users have reported their cars catching fire because of a faulty fuel rail tube.
In April of 2021, Kia recalled over 3,600 Kia Carnivals with this issue. Kia noted that the problem took place because the fuel rail assembly jig wasn’t correctly adjusting during the assembly process on the affected Kia models. The good news is that zero injuries or fatalities were caused by this problem.
The unreliable sliding door system
Another problem that Kia issued a recall recently was an unreliable sliding door system. Kia issued a recall of more than 3000 Kia Carnivals because of a faulty sliding door system. The cars with this issue had a habit of not latching securely and suddenly opening while moving. The affected Kia models were those made between July 21st and October 6th, 2021.
Kia stated that the affected cars had poorly manufactured actuators in their right-side power doors. However, since the Kia Carnival features a warning chime that plays four times when a door doesn’t close well, this has allowed users to stay safe and secure the door.
Kia recalled all the affected cars in December 2021. So, before you buy a used 2021 Kia Carnival, ensure that this issue was fixed or have the owner fix it.
Weak windshield
Even though this problem is not very common, several Kia Carnival users have reported it. Aside from Kia Carnival, Kia Telluride users have also had a similar problem. Many users say that the Kia Carnival windshield is fragile, faulty, or poorly installed.
Many users complained that their Kia Carnival windshield cracked because of a small rock. Most of the cracks were far too big than expected. However, Kia has not issued a recall yet as many people have not reported the issue to the NTSA.
Nonetheless, if you have got a cracked windshield, you can visit a mechanic to replace it before you start having visibility problems.
Faulty bonnet
This problem is common in old Kia Carnival models. Most of the affected Kia Carnival models were made between 2005 and 2014. This issue is normally caused by corrosion. Due to corrosion, the safety catch for the bonnet might not work accordingly. As a result, there is always a risk that the bonnet may open while the car is running.
Kia recalled all the affected models, which were made between 15th June 2005 and 4th April 2014.
Fault in the brake light
Kia Carnival models made between 2006 and 2011 had to be recalled because of a fault in the brake light switch. This issue prevents the brake light to come on when the brake pedal is applied. Therefore, if you’re planning to purchase a used Kia Carnival that was made during this period, ensure the problem was fixed.
Electrical issues
The 2005 to 2009 Kia Carnival models also had to be recalled because of a short circuit that may take place and caused an electrical overload. This could even lead to a fire. Kia found out that this problem was caused by oil and humidity that may penetrate the power supply of the ABS control module.
FAQ
Is the Kia Carnival reliable?
Kia cars are known to be reliable. However, the Kia Carnival is not so reliable compared to similar minivans from Toyota and Honda. Most reliability agencies have given the Kia Carnival an above-average reliability score. So, if you’re looking for a very reliable minivan, you should reconsider your choice.
How long does the Kia Carnival last?
If the Kia Carnival is properly maintained and driven, it can easily clock over 200,000 miles. And if the owner drives at least 13,000 miles every year, the car should last for at least 15 years. For this to happen, the user should follow the manufacturer’s recommended scheduled maintenance service.
Is the Kia Carnival expensive to maintain?
No, Kia Carnival is very cheap to maintain compared to other minivans. On average, maintaining a Kia Carnival costs between $100 and $250. This is way cheaper than the average for mainstream cars, which costs around $652 to maintain. So, the owner of the Kia Carnival saves a lot. However, some parts can be so costly to maintain and repair.
What is the least reliable Kia Carnival model year?
The title for the least reliable Kia Carnival model year goes to the 2015 Kia Carnival model year. This car comes with lots of issues, such as a faulty bonnet and electrical problems. The 2015 Kia Carnival is followed closely by the 2022 Kia Carnival. Nonetheless, with timely care and maintenance, these cars can last long.
Do Kias last as long as Toyotas?
Yes, Kias last as long as Toyotas, Hondas, and Hyundais. If properly maintained and repaired, Kias can last for more than 200k miles or even more. Besides, the manufacturer provides a powertrain warranty that lasts up to 100,000 miles. On the contrary, Kias last for over 200k miles.
Final thoughts
If you’re in the market for a used Kia Carnival, it is vital to know which model year is more reliable and with fewer issues than others. The Kia Carnival is a fantastic MPV but it has several problems that interested buyers should be prepared to deal with.
Nonetheless, with proper care and maintenance, this car shouldn’t develop many issues and it will last for a very long while. Overall, the Kia Carnival is among the best minivans to have.