Is the 2023 Kia CARNIVAL reliable?

The 2023 Kia CARNIVAL has 59 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.4x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: OTHER problems.

What are common problems with the 2023 Kia CARNIVAL?

Top problems: OTHER (22 complaints, avg repair $500); BODY/STRUCTURE (12 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (6 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2023 Kia CARNIVAL?

Yes, there are 4 recall(s): TRAILER HITCHES, STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR, STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS. Contact any Kia dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2023 Kia CARNIVAL?

The 2023 Kia CARNIVAL gets 22 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2182. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2023 Kia CARNIVAL?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2023 Kia CARNIVAL is approximately $1,600/year (minivan class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2023 Kia CARNIVAL

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2023 Kia CARNIVAL has 59 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.4x the segment average of 158. The most common issue is other problems (37% of all complaints), specifically: sliding door shut on toddlers fingers, the safety mechanism for the door to open failed.. There are 4 recalls issued for this model year.

9 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.4x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

OTHER

22 complaints

37%

• Sliding door shut on toddlers fingers, the safety mechanism for the door to open failed.
• Very small rock hit windshield and cracked entire windshield; crack spread quickly and has continued to progress
• Rear sliding door safety sensors not working properly. Doors do not stop closing unless excessive force is applied by an adult before the sensors start working. Young children would not be able to stop the door from closing on them and likely would get hurt because of it.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“Sliding door shut on toddlers fingers, the safety mechanism for the door to open failed.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (4)

TRAILER HITCHES17/03/2023

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Carnival vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Water accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.

Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and verify whether the vehicle is equipped with a Genuine Kia accessory trailer tow hitch assembly. If equipped, dealers will install a new fuse and wire extension kit. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 16, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC265.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2023 Kia CARNIVAL

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,182

Per month

$182

Per mile

18.2¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,527/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,847/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2023 Kia CARNIVAL

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,600

Full coverage / month

$133

Liability only / year

$595

vs US avg

-4%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (minivan)0.91x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age1.05x

= Full coverage estimate$1600

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Kia CARNIVAL Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

60K mi

Spark plugs

90K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

Turbo engines (Optima 2.0T, Sorento 2.5T) may benefit from more frequent oil changes.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Kia New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

5 yr / 60K mi

Powertrain

10 yr / 100K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

10 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / 100K mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

10 year powertrain not transferable to subsequent owners

Estimated Repair Costs

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 59 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
OTHER: Sliding door shut on toddlers fingers, the safety mechanism for the door to open failed.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BODY/STRUCTURE: Daughter presses the button on the inside of the van. She didn't move her hand soon enough out of the way for the door to close. The door closed on her hand, she had to press the button open from the door closing on her thumb. She came balling her eyes out to me. Her thumb swelled 3 x's as big. The
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: Rear automatic door shut on adult even after bumping into the individual. The sensor did not stop the door from closing. This could have caused serious injury, especially if this were to happen to a kid.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: The car keeps shutting of while driving ,the car jerks when accelerating, I press on the gas and sometimes it doesn't accelerate at all .the car windshield cracked, the doors closed on my hands when I was retrieving my coat the doors didn't open back up i had to snatch my hands and arms back. I have
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 4 recalls have been completed — free at any Kia dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)