The 2026 Kia Carnival has zero owner defect complaints and 2 safety recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. EPA testing covers 2 certified vehicle configurations spanning 1.6L 4-Cyl hybrid and 3.5l 6-cyl configurations. Gasoline and hybrid variants deliver 21 to 32 MPG combined.
Key Data Findings
- • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 0 reports
- • Safety Recall Campaigns: 2 campaigns
- • NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5 / 5 Stars
- • EPA Efficiency: 21–32 MPG (2 variants)
Data Note: Compiled directly from official NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, and EPA FuelEconomy.gov databases.
| Variant | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Highway | Combined | EV Range | Est. Annual Fuel Cost |
| Carnival Hybrid Hybrid | 1.6L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S6) | 34 MPG | 31 MPG | 32 MPG | — | $1,900 / yr |
| Carnival | 3.5L 6-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 18 MPG | 25 MPG | 21 MPG | — | $2,950 / yr |
Data Boundary Note: EPA specifications are shown by certified vehicle configuration. NHTSA complaints and recall totals are recorded at the model-year level across all configurations.
| Tested Drivetrain / Cab Variant | Overall Rating | Frontal Crash | Side Crash | Rollover Rating | Rollover Risk |
| HYBRID PV HEV FWD | | | | | 14.000000000000002% |
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as Standard & Optional and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as Standard in official NHTSA records for tested 2026 Kia Carnival models.
View complete 2026 Kia Carnival crash test & safety breakdown →
Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.
View all 2026 Kia Carnival problems & component breakdown (0 categories) →
Affected Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Defect Summary: 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.
Free Manufacturer 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.
Affected Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
Defect Summary: 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."
Free Manufacturer 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.
View all 2026 Kia Carnival recalls & campaign history (2 campaigns) →