2022 Kia Carnival Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2022 Kia Carnival has a complaint index of 67, ranking 2nd-worst of 4 model years, with a Caution verdict. It has 135 NHTSA complaints, 6 recalls, and its top problem area is Structure & Body, led by sliding door and roof molding issues.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 67/100
- #2 of 4 Carnival years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 135
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 6
- 1 Park Outside
- Crashes
- 4
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 34
- Top issue
- Structure & Body
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 22
- 19 city / 26 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 34 / 0
Top 2022 Kia Carnival problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Structure & Body43 (32%)
- Other34 (25%)
- Electrical System25 (19%)
- Engine20 (15%)
- Visibility & Wipers18 (13%)
- Fuel System15 (11%)
- Transmission & Powertrain7 (5%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras5 (4%)
- Steering3 (2%)
- Airbags2 (1%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Automatic sliding doors close with strong force and owners describe them as unsafe, especially around children.
- Sliding seats in the second row fold forward unexpectedly when the wrong lever is pulled, striking occupants.
- The forward collision warning system engages the brakes with no vehicle ahead, sometimes triggered by other cars' rear sensors.
- Windshields and rear windows crack or shatter without any visible impact.
- Fuel injector misfires with a check engine light, vibration, and a burning smell inside the cabin have been reported around low mileage.
- Auto hold brake feature has failed to hold the vehicle, contributing to a low-speed collision.
2022 Kia Carnival recalls
6 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V232000Apr 10, 2026Fuel System141,032 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
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.
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.
- NHTSA 24V025000Jan 18, 2024Structure & Body101,049 vehicles
Structure:body:roof and pillars
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.
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.
- NHTSA 23V236000Mar 31, 2023Structure & Body51,568 vehicles
Structure:body:door
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling all 2022 and certain 2023 Carnival vehicles. The auto-reverse feature for the power sliding doors (PSD) may not activate in all situations.
Risk: A power sliding door that does not auto-reverse can close on an occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will update the power sliding door control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC266.
2022 Kia Carnival fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19 MPG
- Highway
- 26 MPG
- Combined
- 22 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,950
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2022 compared with other Carnival years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2022 Kia Carnival reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2022 Carnival carries a Caution verdict with a complaint index of 67, ranking 2nd-worst among the 4 model years with data.
- What are the most common problems with the 2022 Kia Carnival?
- Structure & Body issues lead with 43 complaints (32%), mostly involving sliding doors and roof molding, followed by Electrical System (25 complaints) and Engine (20 complaints).
- Does the 2022 Kia Carnival have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2022 Carnival, covering fuel pipe leaks, roof molding detachment, power sliding door auto-reverse failure, tow hitch water accumulation, a passenger sliding door remote malfunction, and a damaged fuel rail tube.
- How does the 2022 Carnival compare to other model years?
- The 2022 model's complaint index of 67 is worse than 2023 (0) and 2024 (33), but better than 2025, which has the highest index at 100 and an Avoid verdict.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2022 Kia Carnival?
- The EPA rates the 2022 Carnival at 22 mpg combined (19 city/26 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,950.