Problems · by component

2022 Kia Carnival electrical system problems

25 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2022 Kia Carnival cite electrical system, 18% of all 138 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
25
18% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
3
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the electrical system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“Driving down the road and the digital instrument cluster went out. Newer Kia carnivals have a recall on this but my 2022 is doing it. I can’t see speed, rpm, blinkers, high beam indicator, gas gauge, notifications or anything”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 4, 2026Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11775817
“The factory installed Kia 12v battery specification (AGM80L - 80Ah, CCA 800A, RC 155min) was not adequate for the SX Prestige trim-level required (powered liftgate). This created voltage dips over time which required replacement of power liftgate system, blown fuses for infotainment system, numerous “limp mode” occasions. Required 12v battery spec’s per Kia website: 90Ah, CCA 850A. We brought this up with dealership service department and Kia customer care multiple times and were laughed at.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 3, 2026Electrical systemODI 11775315
“The power sliding door actuator motor drive cables on my 2022 Kia Carnival snapped on both the passenger and driver sides. The doors are stuck shut, even in manual mode, creating a safety hazard for passengers since the only way to exit in an accident would be through the rear hatch or the front doors. The Kia dealer said they couldn’t open the doors without removing the interior sliding door panels, which would require damaging them because the doors are stuck shut. There were no warning signs before either cable broke. I have also researched online and it seems many Kia Carnival Owners are having the same sort of issue.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 22, 2026Electrical system, StructureODI 11766039
“My 2022 Kia Carnival, approximately 80,000 miles, had intermittent dashboard warning lights and grinding brake noise for a few weeks. I brought the vehicle to Tasca Kia White Plains first time on 4/14/26 then again on 5/8/26. The dealership initially could not reproduce the issue, then later suspected an ABS sensor issue and ordered the part. On 5/12/26, before the repair was completed, I was driving downhill with my children in the vehicle when the brakes failed to respond properly. I had to steer off the roadway and go over rocks/boulders to stop the vehicle. At that time, the brakes would not respond normally, and I could not immediately shift the vehicle into Park. Police and towing services were involved. The dealership later replaced an ABS sensor. However, when I reviewed the codes with the service manager, I was told the ABS sensor code did not appear on the date of the brake incident. I was also told that an ABS sensor failure itself would not typically cause hydraulic brake failure. I am concerned that the sensor replacement does not explain the brake failure and that this may involve a brake/ABS/electronic stability control safety issue.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 18, 2026Electrical system, Service brakesCrash reportedODI 11738446
“My engine smells like fire and fuel my can will not start or do anything. There was smoke coming out of it. The van has had several issues since buying it. Now it’s completely disabled I heard a popping noise as I was driving and then it died and has not started since.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 11, 2026Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11723675
“Fuel door will not open, there is no manual override, vehicle cannot be refueled and since there is no emergency release it caused me to be stranded at a gas station at night with my 4 kids which is a huge safety concern and should be taken seriously as this is a safety and drivability issue that I should not be held responsible to pay for when it is at no fault to me it is a design/system failure.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 16, 2025Electrical system, Unknown or other, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11705444

Showing 6 of 25 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Other 2022 Carnival problem areas