What 131 owners told NHTSA about the 2022 Kia Carnival

The handle to release the back of the middle passenger seats is on the front inside lower part of the seat. This requires the passenger to lean in to pull and release. The seat then comes forward with such force that it slams the passenger in the head or face. This has happened several times in my vehicle leaving adults and teens in tears. It happened to me today striking me just under the nose. The impact caused me to black out for a second. I have a slightly swollen lip and am concerned that the root of my front tooth may be damaged. I’m convinced that the rate at which the seat comes forward could easily cause concussion, break someone’s nose or possibly a jaw. Please consider adjusting the rate at which the seats come forward. This malfunction could easily be inspected and reproduced, but I have not brought it in for inspection.

NHTSA ODI 11487418

The middle seats seem to be spring loaded, when pushing them back into position the spring back with significant force if not "clicked" in. This resulted in a significant bruise after hitting me in the head.

NHTSA ODI 11465687

2022 KIA CARNIVAL. THE OUTER MIDDLE SEATS IN THE 8 PASSENGER MODEL. I HAVE ACCIDENTALLY USED THE LEVER TO FOLD THE SEAT FOWARD WHEN I MEANT TO USE THE ONE THAT PULLS IT FOWARD ON THE TRACK. WHEN THE SEAT CAME FOWARD IT HIT ME IN THE HEAD SUCH FORCE I THOUGH I WAS GOING HAVE A CONCUSSION. I WAS LEFT WITH A MINOR HEADACHE AFTERWARD.THE SECOND TIME I THOUGHT IT BROKE MY NOSE. I CAN STILL FEEL IT AS I TYPE THIS. THIS IN MY OPINION WOULD CAUSE SEVER INJURY TO A SMALL CHILD OR ELDERLY PERSON IF THEY WERE TO DO THE SAME. TO ME THOSE SEATS ARE DANGEROUS IF NOT PREPARED WHEN FOLDING THE SEATS FOWARD.

NHTSA ODI 11416351