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2024 Kia Carnival

Buyable, but go in with open eyes: this car has specific known issues to check before money changes hands.

Recalls, complaint breakdown & inspection checklist — a shareable PDF

64 owner complaints · 2 recalls · data verified July 10, 2026 · source: NHTSA

Cautionwillitcar.com

Why caution?

9 complaints involve a crash, fire, injury or injury — read them before deciding.

The math, shown

Full methodology →
Complaint volume (40%)68
Severity (30%)45
Recall load (20%)84
Trend (10%)60

Complaints filed per year

Fading = early teething worked out. Climbing = problems aging in.

20232026

The road ahead

What breaks on a 2024 Kia Carnival, plotted where owners report it happening.

030k mi60k mi90k mi120k mi

Also reported (mileage varies): Electrical system (15) · Engine (7) · Steering (7) · Seats (6)

Mileage medians come from owners who mentioned an odometer reading in their NHTSA complaint — a rough guide, not a schedule.

Electrical system

23%

15 complaints · 10 in the last 2 years

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 dealersh…

Engine

11%

7 complaints · 6 in the last 2 years

"Continuous engine oil leak for 12 months. After 4 failed repair attempts, the dealer used liquid sealer instead of a gasket. This is a deceptive repair that creates a…

Steering

11%

7 complaints · 3 in the last 2 years

Got in my vehicle one day and noticed fluid dripping from the steering column. I took it into JT's Kia in Rock Hill, SC. At first they told me they were going to wipe …

Seats

9%

6 complaints · 2 in the last 2 years

The seat tracks/rails (what the seats go forward and backwards on) are extremely hot. It burnt my daughter’s foot as she stepped down. My husband and I felt with our h…

Recalls (2)

Safety recall repairs are free at the brand’s franchised dealers. Before buying, run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and make the seller show the work was done.

Fuel System, Gasoline · 26V232000

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.

Risk: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: 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.

Structure · 24V025000

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

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

Fix: 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.

Before you hand over money

Verify the recall work was done

NHTSA’s free lookup shows whether this exact car had its recall remedies completed.

Free NHTSA VIN check

Get a pre-purchase inspection

A $150–$250 independent inspection of this exact 2024 Kia CARNIVAL beats every score on the internet, including ours.

What to ask for

Not set on the 2024? See how every Carnival model year scores →

Cross-shopping? Compare the 2024 Kia Carnival against another car →

What owners say

Real owners of this exact model-year, shown separately from the NHTSA score — if they disagree, that’s worth knowing.

The fine print: this verdict is computed from public NHTSA complaint and recall records for the 2024 Kia Carnival as a model, not for any individual car. A well-maintained example of an “Avoid” can outlast a neglected “Buy”. Informational only — always get a professional pre-purchase inspection.