YearToAvoid

2022 Kia Carnival Fuel System Problems

NHTSA lists 15 fuel system complaints for the 2022 Kia Carnival, 11% of its 135 total complaints for the year. Two related recalls cover fuel leaks at the fuel pipe connection and a damaged fuel rail tube.

Fuel System complaints
15
11% of 135
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
—
Related recalls
2

Typical fuel system symptoms owners report

  • Owners report a fuel smell inside or around the vehicle while driving, sometimes worsening with the air conditioning on but without visible leaks or warning lights.
  • Some describe fuel leaking at the connection between the fuel pipe and fuel rail, tied to loosened nuts on the high-pressure crossover pipe, which is covered by a recall.
  • Others report check engine lights with fuel rail pressure sensor or fuel injector codes, along with rough running, misfiring, or engine shuddering.
  • A separate group reports the fuel gauge reading inaccurately, showing empty with significant range still remaining.
  • One owner reported the fuel door failing to open with no manual override, leaving the vehicle unable to be refueled.
  • Some owners describe long waits for recall parts to become available even after receiving notification of the fuel system recall.

When 2022 Kia Carnival fuel system complaints were filed

First complaint Sep 23, 2021, latest Jul 4, 2026.

2022 Kia Carnival fuel system complaints: complaints filed per month2Sep 2021Nov 2022Nov 2025Jan 2026Apr 2026Jul 2026
15 complaints filed with NHTSA from Sep 2021 to Jul 2026; peak Mar 2022 (2).

Fuel System recalls for the 2022 Kia Carnival

  1. 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.

  2. NHTSA 21V277000Apr 21, 2021Fuel System2,744 vehicles

    Fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system:fuel rail

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2022 Carnival vehicles. The plastic fuel rail tube may have been damaged.

    Risk: A damaged fuel rail tube may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the multi-port injection fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began April 30, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC211.

Fuel System complaints by Carnival model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 202215 (11%)
  2. 20235 (10%)
  3. 20247 (10%)
  4. 202510 (8%)

Frequently asked questions

How many fuel system complaints does the 2022 Kia Carnival have?
NHTSA lists 15 fuel system complaints for the 2022 Carnival, which is 11% of the 135 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a fuel system recall on the 2022 Kia Carnival?
Yes, there are two related recalls: campaign 26V232000 for fuel leaking at the pipe connection between the fuel pipe and fuel rail, and campaign 21V277000 for a damaged plastic fuel rail tube.
Did the fuel system problems cause any fires or crashes?
NHTSA records show 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries tied to these fuel system complaints.
What are the common fuel system complaints on the 2022 Carnival?
Owners report fuel smells while driving, fuel leaking at the pipe-to-rail connection, inaccurate fuel gauge readings, and a fuel door that would not open.
Are fuel system complaints more common in the 2022 Carnival than later years?
Yes, the 2022 model year shows 15 fuel system complaints at 11% share, higher than the 2023 (5 complaints, 10%), 2024 (7 complaints, 10%), and 2025 (10 complaints, 8%) model years.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.