2024 Kia Carnival Safety Report

2024 KIA CARNIVAL Safety Report

56Complaints
1Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
85/100Reliability Score
2Crash Reports
9Injuries
Most reported components: Unknown Or Other (14)Electrical System (7)Seats (5)Structure (5)Electrical System,Unknown Or Other (3)Visibility/Wiper (3)Steering (2)Steering,Electrical System,Engine (1)Engine And Engine Cooling,Fuel System, Gasoline (1)Back Over Prevention (1)

Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2024 Kia Carnival

This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2024 Kia Carnival. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.

2024 Kia Carnival Safety Signal Summary
SignalValueWhat to inspect next
Recall burdenModerate (1)Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below.
Owner complaintsModerate (56)Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates.
Crash and fire reports2Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item.
Primary component hubUnknown Or OtherCompare unknown or other issues across vehicles.
Cleaner nearby model year2026Compare against the 2026 Kia Carnival with 12 complaints and 1 recalls.
Riskier nearby model year2022Check the 2022 Kia Carnival before buying across this generation.

Kia Carnival Year-by-Year Comparison

The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Kia Carnival years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.

Nearby Kia Carnival Model Years
Model YearComplaintsRecallsUse case
2025 Kia Carnival 96 0 Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year.
2023 Kia Carnival 43 3 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.
2026 Kia Carnival 12 1 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.
2022 Kia Carnival 125 5 Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year.

2024 Kia Carnival Complaint Theme Map

Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2024 Kia Carnival, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.

Unknown Or Other

14 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Unknown Or Other issues Kia only

Electrical System

7 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Electrical System issues Kia only

Seats

5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Seats issues Kia only

Structure

5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Structure issues Kia only

Electrical System,Unknown Or Other

3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Electrical System,Unknown Or Other issues Kia only

Visibility/Wiper

3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Visibility/Wiper issues Kia only

AI Safety Analysis for the 2024 Kia Carnival

The 2024 KIA CARNIVAL has accumulated 56 complaints and 1 recalls in the NHTSA database. It received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Among the complaints, 2 involved crashes and 0 involved fires. There have been 9 reported injuries and 0 reported deaths. The most frequently reported problem areas are unknown or other (14 complaints), electrical system (7 complaints), seats (5 complaints). Electrical system issues, such as horn failure and power lift gate problems, are common. Structural issues, particularly with the roof and pillars, have been reported. Seating problems include buckles not locking properly. Driver-side passenger back sliding door malfunctions, causing jams and loud noises. Engine stalling and sudden jumps are also reported, posing safety risks. Key known issues to be aware of include Horn Failure, Electrical System Issues, Structural Issues. Be cautious of horn and electrical system issues, as well as structural and seating problems. These can affect safety and functionality.

Reliability Score

The 2024 Kia Carnival receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.

NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2024 Kia Carnival

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.

Overall
★★★★★
5/5
Frontal Crash
★★★★☆
4/5
Side Crash
★★★★★
5/5
Rollover
★★★★☆
4/5

Known Issues for the 2024 Kia Carnival

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2024 Kia Carnival:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Horn Failure
Multiple horn failures have been reported, with some vehicles needing replacement within a year. This is a serious safety hazard.
High Common 30k-60k miles
Electrical System Issues
Problems include power lift gate damage and abnormal gas odors. These issues can affect vehicle functionality and safety.
Medium Common 30k-60k miles
Structural Issues
Recalled for roof and pillar issues, affecting structural integrity. This is a critical safety concern.
Medium Common 30k-60k miles
Seating Problems
Buckles not locking properly can lead to safety risks, especially with children in the vehicle.
Low Common 30k-60k miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2024 Kia Carnival:

Horn 23% of complaints

Horn failures are a common issue, with multiple replacements needed under warranty.

Electrical System 14% of complaints

Issues with the electrical system, including power lift gate damage and abnormal gas odors, are frequent.

Structural 5% of complaints

Structural issues, particularly with the roof and pillars, have been reported.

Seating 5% of complaints

Buckles not locking properly are a recurring issue, posing safety risks.

Recall Details for the 2024 Kia Carnival

The following 1 recall has been issued for the 2024 Kia Carnival by NHTSA:

Structure:Body:Roof And Pillars
Campaign #24V025000 18/01/2024

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

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

Remedy: 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.

Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.

NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2024 Kia Carnival

Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2024 Kia Carnival with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 2 complaints involved crashes. 8 reported injuries or fatalities.

Crash Reports: 2 Injury/Fatality Reports: 8
Unknown Or Other
03/25/2026

The horn stops working when it’s cold and the horn installed does not match the amperage need for the vehicle. It has failed multiple times. I rarely use my horn. It failed for the first time around 20,000 miles. Separately, I have an oil leak that is also covered under warranty. This car has been serviced countless times and it has been in the shop for three weeks.

ODI #11727093
Electrical System,Unknown Or Other
03/17/2026

Driver side passenger back sliding door will not open or close properly. Door will jam and make a loud noise or will not open when trying to open. Took it the dealership 4 times they replaced the motor but the issue continues.

ODI #11724831
Electrical System,Unknown Or Other
02/11/2026

Horn stops working and needs to be replaced within a year or less. I reported the first time my horn stopped working and it took 4 months until I can have an appointment and order the part. The second time it stopped working was within a year and scheduling an appointment was difficult. I was almost in an accident and unable to use to both to alert the other driver.

ODI #11717275
Electrical System
01/28/2026

Horns (high and low) have been replaced 5 times under a warranty. This is a serious safety hazard. Vehicle: Kia Carnival (Model Years 2022–2024) Issue: Repeated horn failure / electrical malfunction Owners of 2022–2024 Kia Carnival vehicles are experiencing repeated horn failures that present a safety concern. Reported symptoms include complete loss of horn function, intermittent operation, del...

ODI #11714079
Electrical System,Unknown Or Other
01/25/2026

Due to cables being lined in soy in attracts rodents which cause damage to the car. Multiple electric malfunctions from power lift gate to automatic windows. It is a known issue and is very common.

ODI #11713267
Steering,Electrical System,Engine
01/12/2026

Out of nowhere, we started our vehicle that was no more than a year old, and all of the emergency alert indicators on the dash came on. All of the warning lights in the dash. The power steering went out and would go from very stiff to very loose. the car would shutter and then drive normal for a few min and then slow way down without warning. Again, all dash warning lights and alarms would go of...

ODI #11710508
Seats
1 Injured 12/10/2025

On 11/12, my 2024 Kia Carnival was parked as my children were getting settled in the vehicle. My son lifted the second-row passenger seat on the passenger side using the handle provided to access the third row. As he did so, the seatback suddenly collapsed forward with unexpected speed and force and locked in the forward position. Nothing broke, and the mechanism did not appear to jam. The seat m...

ODI #11704247
Engine And Engine Cooling,Fuel System, Gasoline
1 Injured 11/19/2025

The contact owns a 2024 Kia Carnival. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal gas odor would emit through the vehicle's ventilation system. The contact notified a local dealer, and an appointment was made to have the vehicle serviced. The vehicle was inspected, and the contact was informed that there was likely bacteria growing inside the vehicle, which caused the odor...

ODI #11700277
Unknown Or Other
10/16/2025

Both horns went bad on my vehicle that is less than 2 years old. Dealership said ours is the 5th vehicle they have seen this week with the same issue. They have been unable to determine a cause.

ODI #11693759
Back Over Prevention
10/15/2025

Rearview camera not available and car is operational when car is processing an over the air update.

ODI #11693553
Engine
09/28/2025

I am submitting this complaint regarding my Kia Carnival. The vehicle has a recurring and dangerous problem where the engine suddenly jumps and, if I continue pressing the gas, it shuts off while driving. This has happened multiple times, including in the middle of the highway, creating a serious safety risk for myself, my passengers, and other drivers. I have taken the vehicle to a Kia dealershi...

ODI #11690165
Structure
09/23/2025

The contact owns a 2024 Kia Carnival. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V025000 (Structure). The contact stated that the driver's side roof molding was detaching, and the contact attempted to secure the molding in place several times. The dealer was contacted to schedule an appointment for the recall repair, but the dealer informed the contact that the recall repair had...

ODI #11689092
Electrical System
07/19/2025

A/C system on my 2024 Kia Carnival failed twice within weeks. First at 60,100 miles, repaired at dealership for $398. Then again shortly after, leaving vehicle undrivable in summer heat. Kia has done nothing despite having a case number (#25267950). This is a recurring failure that affects safety and comfort during high-temperature seasons. I believe this is a manufacturer defect and request a for...

ODI #11674719
Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness
07/14/2025

My child’s seat buckles are still not locking into place. I’ve contacted Nuna and their response was they needed 24-48 hours to find a solution as I’ve already don’t the seat recall solution. But they told me I can’t use this seat for my child. So I’m stuck without a car seat until they find some solution for me. I found this issue because my child was able to move the seat straps on his own, whil...

ODI #11673327
Unknown Or Other,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System
07/05/2025

Vehicle vents gasoline fumes into the passenger cabin causing drowsiness, headaches, and impaired cognitive function as well as exposure to a carcinogen. Vehicle has significantly high levels of CO2 inside the cabin at all times (2000-4000ppm) as well as TVOC and HCHO being higher than OSHA allows. Engine temperature gauge does not function properly and sliding doors have closed on myself and my c...

ODI #11671372
Unknown Or Other
07/02/2025

Was driving through a roundabout, at slow speed, and heard a very loud pop, then I felt something poking me on my right arm and it was glass. Looked up and my sunroof was shattered. Nothing above me, nothing falling out of the sky, but totally shattered.

ODI #11670806
Electrical System
06/26/2025

Purchased a 2024 Kia Carnival on Monday, June 2 from a dealership. On Friday, June 6, the battery was dead and I had to have it jumped. I took it to the dealership the next week to have it looked at and they said the battery was fine. A week and a half later, after sitting for two days, the car wouldn't start again. Had it jumped again and took it back to the dealership. They seem to be confu...

ODI #11669436
Unknown Or Other
2 Injured 06/03/2025

We have a 2024 kia carnival lx trim. The power sliding door pose a serious safety risk. My [XXX] daughter was getting out of the vehicle and decided to try and climb back in as the door was closing. The door did not detect her body at all and continued to close her head in the door. She was left with a black eye and a smashed blood shot thumb from trying to get her head out of the door. A few day...

ODI #11664731
Unknown Or Other
04/24/2025

Sliding doors do not have a safety feature to open back up if a person is still in the way. My [XXX] mom got pinned between the door and side of car where it shuts. Doors were still trying to close with her in them. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ODI #11656474
Structure
04/22/2025

The passenger automatic sliding door closed on my arm and required a lot of effort to push it back open. I’d it was my child standing there he would have been seriously injured. The problem has been reproduced, but I’m terrified to actually leave my arm there to see if it will close on it again. Nothing was inspected and there were no warnings prior to this happening.

ODI #11656201

Showing 20 of 56 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2024 Kia Carnival

Has the 2024 KIA CARNIVAL been recalled?

Yes, the 2024 KIA CARNIVAL has 1 recall on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.

How many complaints does the 2024 KIA CARNIVAL have?

The 2024 KIA CARNIVAL has 56 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 2 involved crashes. 9 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.

What is the safety rating for the 2024 KIA CARNIVAL?

The 2024 KIA CARNIVAL received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.

What are the most common problems with the 2024 KIA CARNIVAL?

The most commonly reported problems with the 2024 KIA CARNIVAL involve unknown or other (14 complaints), electrical system (7 complaints), seats (5 complaints). Other affected components include structure, electrical system,unknown or other, visibility/wiper.

How many crash reports does the 2024 KIA CARNIVAL have?

There are 2 crash reports associated with the 2024 KIA CARNIVAL out of 56 total complaints (3.6% of complaints involved crashes).

How many fire reports does the 2024 KIA CARNIVAL have?

There are no fire reports for the 2024 KIA CARNIVAL in the NHTSA database.

Are there any deaths reported for the 2024 KIA CARNIVAL?

No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2024 KIA CARNIVAL.

How many injuries are reported for the 2024 KIA CARNIVAL?

9 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2024 KIA CARNIVAL. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.

Should I buy a 2024 KIA CARNIVAL?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2024 KIA CARNIVAL is acceptable with caveats. It has 56 complaints, 1 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.

What components fail most on the 2024 KIA CARNIVAL?

The components with the most failures on the 2024 KIA CARNIVAL are: 1. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (14 complaints), 2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (7 complaints), 3. SEATS (5 complaints), 4. STRUCTURE (5 complaints), 5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3 complaints). UNKNOWN OR OTHER is the single most-reported problem area with 14 complaints.

What should I know before buying a 2024 KIA CARNIVAL?

Be cautious of horn and electrical system issues, as well as structural and seating problems. These can affect safety and functionality. The 2024 KIA CARNIVAL has 56 NHTSA complaints and 1 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).

How reliable is the 2024 KIA CARNIVAL?

The 2024 KIA CARNIVAL receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 56 owner complaints, 1 recalls, and 2 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Horn Failure and Electrical System Issues.

What are the known issues with the 2024 KIA CARNIVAL?

Known issues with the 2024 KIA CARNIVAL include: Horn Failure, Electrical System Issues, Structural Issues, Seating Problems. These are based on patterns found across 56 NHTSA complaints. 1 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.

What are the most common electrical system issues in the 2024 KIA CARNIVAL?

Common electrical system issues include horn failure and power lift gate problems.

Are there any structural issues with the 2024 KIA CARNIVAL?

Yes, structural issues, particularly with the roof and pillars, have been reported and are subject to recall.

What should I do if I experience horn failure in my 2024 KIA CARNIVAL?

Contact your dealership for horn replacement, as this is a common issue and may be covered under warranty.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Be cautious of horn and electrical system issues, as well as structural and seating problems. These can affect safety and functionality.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2024 Kia Carnival

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2024 Kia Carnival. The data includes 56 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported crashes, 9 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2024 Kia Carnival an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.

Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.

Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16