2022 Kia Carnival Problems and Top Complaints – Is Your Car A Lemon?

The 2022 Kia Carnival is part of the multi-purpose vehicle segment. It’s designed to carry the family and provide plenty of space, with Kia claiming the Carnival offers “beauty in capability.” Yet, customers have taken to the internet to complain about the defective fuel system, poorly-built structure and dangerous visibility issues.

Problems with the Fuel System

In any vehicle, the fuel system is responsible for providing the gas needed to run the engine. If this vital system is inoperable, the engine can’t run as it should, which is precisely what is seen with the new Carnival models.

One Edmunds review points out, “This vehicle has some issues, but it’s biggest issue is Kia Customer Care. It’s brand new and already subject to two recalls. The outlets don’t work (minor issue) and there’s a faulty fuel pump which makes it a safety hazard to drive. It could have been a simple fix but there are no parts available. Kia blames the dealership. The dealership blames Kia. No one from Kia will call back after NINE days, and there has been no progress made whatsoever. No rental car or loaner vehicle is being provided. Buyer beware! If you do buy it, choose a local dealership you know and trust.”

There is a fuel system-related recall on the Carnival worth looking at. NHTSA Campaign Number 21V277000 states that affected models might contain a damaged plastic fuel rail tube. If this is the case, the tube could leak fuel, which only increases the risk of a car fire. Basically, Kia has put out a vehicle that has the “capability” to burst into flames. Frankly, there’s not much “beauty” in that.

Problems with the Structure

It turns out that the structure of the Kia Carnival isn’t built to be much better. Drivers are having a lot of issues with the build.

One NHTSA complaint states, “The contact owns a 2022 Kia Carnival. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, the sliding door inadvertently opened without warning. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the latching mechanism replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and was awaiting a response. The failure mileage was approximately 820.”

It isn’t just the sliding doors that are giving trouble, but also the headlamp design. According to Service Bulletin #TSB_BOD055_R1, the headlamps can include an excessive amount of moisture and condensation. Instead of helping customers resolve the issue with a better design, technicians are told to run the engine for thirty minutes and turn on the headlamps. By doing so, the moisture should burn off. However, this is ridiculous to have customers do this every time the defective headlights act up. In some cases, owners could spend more time burning off condensation than actually driving.

Problems with Visibility

There are also serious complaints about the auto glass installed in the Carnival vehicles. From the windshield to the side windows, complaints abound.

Another NHTSA review says, “Bought brand new 2022 Kia carnival first family road trip something very small broke front windshield causing visibility issues. Waited 49 days for windshield components to come in. Took a second family trip on the way home passenger quarter side glass popped and shattered. Feeling a safety concern for me and my family if something bigger hit the glass of it would even attempt to slow it down.”

So far, Kia has nothing to say about the auto glass defects. For now, the company stands by its claim that this model is beautiful and capable, but customers prove otherwise. Whether this MPV is bursting into flames because of fuel system defects or spontaneously cracking the auto glass, it only belongs in one place – the junkyard.

Your Lemon Law Legal Rights

Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work aid your lemon at no cost to you. The law makes Kia pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.

About the Author:

Brian Jones spent more than 20 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.

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