2025 Kia Carnival Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 4 Carnival years
The 2025 Kia Carnival ranks worst of 4 model years, with a Complaint Index of 100 and 124 complaints, mostly electrical (67%). Owners report parasitic battery drain and one fuel system recall applies.
- Complaints
- 124
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 5 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 18 city / 26 hwy
Top 2025 Kia Carnival problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System83 (67%)
- Other22 (18%)
- Engine16 (13%)
- Fuel System10 (8%)
- Structure & Body8 (6%)
- Transmission & Powertrain5 (4%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras4 (3%)
- Lane Departure3 (2%)
- Airbags2 (2%)
- Seat Belts2 (2%)
What owners report
- Owners report parasitic battery drain that leaves the Carnival unable to start or use remote start and AC features.
- Some describe the battery dying repeatedly even after dealers confirm the battery itself is fine.
- Multiple owners say dealership visits lasting many days failed to identify the drain's cause.
- Camera errors have been reported alongside the battery drain issue on 2025 SXP trims.
- Some owners say the electrical failure happened right off the lot on a brand new vehicle.
2025 Kia Carnival recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.
2025 Kia Carnival fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18 MPG
- Highway
- 26 MPG
- Combined
- 21 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,100
- 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.
2025 compared with other Carnival years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2025 Kia Carnival reliable?
- Among the 4 model years with data, the 2025 Carnival ranks worst, with a Complaint Index of 100 and 124 NHTSA complaints, 67% involving the electrical system.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2025 Kia Carnival?
- The Electrical System is the top problem area, accounting for 83 of 124 complaints (67%), largely centered on parasitic battery drain reported by owners.
- Does the 2025 Kia Carnival have a recall?
- Yes, NHTSA recall 26V232000 covers a fuel pipe connection that may leak fuel; dealers will inspect and tighten or replace the pipe free of charge.
- What year Kia Carnival should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2025 Carnival has the highest Complaint Index (100) of the four years with data, making it the year to avoid; 2023 scores best at 0.
- How many complaints does the 2025 Kia Carnival have?
- NHTSA lists 124 complaints for the 2025 Kia Carnival, with 5 injuries reported and no crashes, fires, or deaths.