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2023 Kia

Carnival

Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.5 L

Kia Carnival: best and worst years
2023 Kia Carnival
2023 photoEthan LlamasCC BY-SA 4.0Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Minivan - 2WDEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Transmission
Automatic (S8)EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Powertrain
GasEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Fuel
RegularEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Engine & performance

HP
290
Power to weight
0.065 hp/lb
Axle ratio
3.51
Cyl
6EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Aspiration
Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Start-stop system
NoEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy
26 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
MPG City
19 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
MPG Comb
22 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Fuel $/yr
$2,850EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
CO₂
408 g/miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Eco Score
5/10EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Smog score
5/10
Elec. Range
0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
SmartWay certified
No

Dimensions & capacity

Length
203 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
Width
78 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
Height
69 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
Wheelbase
122 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
Curb Weight
4,495 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

⚠ This model year has a recall advising owners to park outside or away from structures (fire risk). Check with the manufacturer.

Recalls
4
Owner complaints
46
Reported injuries
7

Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER34%
  • STRUCTURE20%
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM10%
  • ENGINE7%
  • CHEST CLIP, BUCKLE, HARNESS3%
  • LANE DEPARTURE3%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 59 total.

Kia Carnival: best and worst years

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

58 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • May 28, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEMTSB_ELE422

    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPDATE USING UPDATE.KIA.COM - This bulletin provides information and service procedures for updating the infotainment systems on applicable Kia vehicles using the Kia Navigation Updater available at update.kia.com. The software update may improve system performance, enhance existing features, and apply the latest operating software for supported vehicles (2021-2026MY All Models).

  • Apr 17, 2026STRUCTURE:BODYPSD_REMINDER2_104

    IMPORTANT REMINDER: OWNER NOTIFICATION (KA4PSD2) - This document is the owner notification advising Kia's ongoing commitment to providing vehicle owners with a superior ownership experience. We would like to remind vehicle owners about the proper use of the power sliding door and its automatic stop and reversal feature in the Kia Carnival. The power sliding door feature is designed to enhance accessibility and ease of use, but it’s important to understand its functions and limitations to ensure

  • Apr 14, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEMTSB_ELE417

    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFOTAINMENT SOFTWARE UPDATE PROCEDURE - This bulletin provides information on the process for downloading infotainment software updates and preparing USB for installation on applicable Kia vehicles. The software downloads and USB preparation process is similar across all supported platforms; however, in‑vehicle installation procedures vary by head unit type.

  • Mar 5, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEMPS807

    PITSTOP: TECHNICAL OPERATIONS: CCU FUSE OPEN AFTER WIRING HARNESS REPLACEMENT - This Pitstop provides information regarding a condition on 2022-2026MY Carnival (KA4 and KA4 HEV) vehicles in which the CCU 10A fuse may open and multiple warning lights may illuminate after replacement of the front dash wiring harness.

  • Dec 11, 2025STRUCTURE:BODYPSD_REMINDER_103

    IMPORTANT REMINDER: CARNIVAL POWER SLIDING DOOR FEATURE: OWNER NOTIFICATION (KA4PSD2 FLIGHT 103) - This document is the owner notification advising Kia's ongoing commitment to providing vehicle owners with a superior ownership experience. We would like to remind vehicle owners about the proper use of the power sliding door and its automatic stop and reversal feature in the Kia Carnival. The power sliding door feature is designed to enhance accessibility and ease of use, but it’s important to und

  • Dec 9, 2025BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGSPS797

    PITSTOP: TECHNICAL OPERATIONS: EXTERNAL DAMAGE TO ULTRASONIC SENSOR: This Pitstop provides information related to Parking Distance Warning (PDW) alerts and repairs involving ultrasonic sensors. The PDW system alerts the driver while parking, by calculating distance based on the difference in signal transmission and reception times between the vehicle (ultrasonic sensor) and an object. The membrane film of the ultrasonic sensor is used for object detention and can be damaged by stone chips or for

  • Oct 3, 2025ELECTRICAL SYSTEMPSD_REMINDER2_102

    IMPORTANT REMINDER: CARNIVAL POWER SLIDING DOOR FEATURE: OWNER NOTIFICATION (KA4PSD2 FLIGHT 102) - This document is the owner notification advising Kia's ongoing commitment to providing Kia Carnival vehicle owners with a superior ownership experience. This is reminder about the proper use of the power sliding door and its automatic stop and reversal feature in your Kia Carnival. The power sliding door feature is designed to enhance accessibility and ease of use, but it’s important to understand

  • Sep 12, 2025STRUCTURE:BODYPS788

    PITSTOP: TECHNICAL OPERATIONS: FUEL FILLER DOOR ACTUATOR REPLACEMENT - This Pitstop provides information regarding the replacement of the fuel filler door actuator and wiring harness on 2022-2024MY Carnival (KA4) vehicles. When replacing a faulty fuel filler door actuator, ensure to order the corresponding replacement part number (shown below) for the applicable vehicle production date. Selecting the incorrect part may result in a vehicle “comeback” with a customer complaint of the driver’s side

  • and 50 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
5 yr / 60k mi
Powertrain
10 yr / 100k mi
Roadside assistance
5 yr / 60k mi
EV battery
10 yr / 100k mi

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.