Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 122 complaints with NHTSA about the 2025 Kia Carnival, and it carries 1 recall. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 59 | 48% |
| Unknown or other | 11 | 9% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 5 | 4% |
| Engine | 4 | 3% |
| Electrical system | 3 | 2% |
| Electrical system | 2 | 2% |
| Seats | 2 | 2% |
| Lane departure | 2 | 2% |
| Engine | 2 | 2% |
| Electrical system | 2 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
The contact owns a 2025 Kia Carnival with an external Harmar Swing Away Lift, Model Number: AL100, with a mobility scooter attached. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65-70 MPH, after driving for two ho
NHTSA complaint: Equipment
The contact owns a 2025 Kia Carnival. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and coming to a complete stop, the vehicle shut off. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted a
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
Fuel evap canister leak was suspected due to very strong gas smell inside vehicle. Dealership had to change out entire fuel tank to deal with whatever was leaking. Got the car back, and the next day, the smell was back.
NHTSA complaint: Fuel/propulsion system
The vehicle's passenger cabin continually has a strong odor smell after longer drives or after the vehicle idles for a longer duration in time. The vehicle was brought to Horne, KIA in Gilbert, AZ twice in June for same
NHTSA complaint: Fuel/propulsion system
The rear sliding door on the driver's side was not locking. I took it to the dealership and they have replaced the actuator, the wiring harness, and the IPM power module. None of this has fixed it. We now have a Kia spec
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
The contact owns a 2025 Kia Carnival. The contact stated that while parked in a bank drive-thru, the contact's son mentioned that his seat belt was stuck. The contact parked the vehicle in a parking spot and attempted to
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
The contact owns a Chico Car Seat, Model Type: Fit 360, Model Number: 08087216240070, Manufactured Date: December 2025, and used in a 2025 Kia Carnival. The contact stated that the magnetic chest clip failed to remain cl
NHTSA complaint: Child seat
**Vehicle:** 2025 Kia Carnival **Current Mileage:** Approximately 18,000 miles I am reporting a serious and ongoing safety defect involving the center LCD display in my 2025 Kia Carnival. The problem began immediately a
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2025 Kia Carnival. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
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.
Fix: 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.
| Reliability raw | 91 | excellent |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 84 | excellent |
| Maintenance | 76 | good |
| Depreciation | 40 | below average |
| Performance | 57 | average |
| Efficiency | 39 | below average |
| Safety | 40 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other minivans & vans in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 122 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and electrical system is the most reported area with 59 of them (48%). There is 1 recall on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 91/100 (excellent) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 84/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2025 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 61/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.