You might be surprised to learn that only 1 in 5 minivan buyers regard dependability as their top priority when making a purchase. Yet, it’s a vital element to ponder, especially in the context of the Kia Carnival.
While some model years have earned rave reviews, others have been plagued by issues. Curious to know which ones to trust and which to avoid? Let’s take a closer look at the best and worst years of the Kia Carnival to help you make an informed decision.
Quick Navigation
Key Takeaways
- The 2023 Kia Carnival and later models are the most reliable, having avoided first-year issues and receiving positive reviews from critics and customers.
- The 2022 Kia Carnival is the worst year, with power sliding door issues, windshield cracking problems, fuel/propulsion system issues, and three open recalls.
- Models from 2023 or later are recommended to avoid first-year hiccups and ensure reliability.
- The 2022 Kia Carnival has 90 complaints reported on CarComplaints.com, making it a year to avoid.
- Researching the vehicle’s history, checking for open recalls, and test driving are essential when buying a used Kia Carnival.
Which Kia Carnival Years Are Most Reliable?
You’re likely wondering which Kia Carnival years are most reliable.
The good news is that Kia is a highly reliable brand, with RepairPal rating its reliability 4.0 out of 5.0, placing it 3rd among 32 car brands.
The 2022 Kia Carnival, in particular, has received positive reliability ratings from critics and customers, with Consumer Reports rating it 4.0 out of 5.0 for both Reliability Verdict and Owner Satisfaction.
Models from 2023 or later are recommended to avoid any first-year hiccups, making them the most reliable Kia Carnival years to weigh in the minivan segment.
Years to Avoid: Recalls and Common Issues
While Kia’s reliability ratings are impressive, not all Carnival models are created equal.
When searching for a used Kia Carnival, you’ll want to steer clear of the 2022 model year, plagued by power sliding door issues, windshield cracking, and fuel/propulsion system problems.
A recall has been issued to update the power sliding door control module software, but that’s not all – there are currently three recalls for this model year.
With 90 complaints reported on CarComplaints.com, it’s a year to approach with caution.
If you’re looking for a Carnival for sale near you, make sure to avoid this troubled model year.
When looking at performance cars, make sure to check out our guides on models like the Kia Seltos, Kia Niro, Kia Stinger GT and Kia Cadenza. Knowing which model years to target and which to avoid is crucial. Our expert reviews break down these models, providing insights into the years that are celebrated for their engineering excellence and driving satisfaction, as well as those that are best to avoid due to potential issues.
