Complaints & Recalls
Consumer Complaints
100 ComplaintsKia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
The battery has died twice within 3 months. I couldn’t leave my house to collect my kids. The problem has been commented on by a dealership. No.
Corrective Action:
The battery has died twice within 3 months. I couldn’t leave my house to collect my kids. The problem has been commented on by a dealership. No.
Additional Notes:
The battery has died twice within 3 months. I couldn’t leave my house to collect my kids. The problem has been commented on by a dealership. No.
Mfg Campaign: 11625614
Recall Date: Nov 15, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
There seems to be a very common problem of the 2025 Kia Carnival having a battery drain issue, leaving people stranded. I had a dead battery today with only one month and 300 miles of use. Thousands have had the same experience and have discussed this on various forums.
Corrective Action:
There seems to be a very common problem of the 2025 Kia Carnival having a battery drain issue, leaving people stranded. I had a dead battery today with only one month and 300 miles of use. Thousands have had the same experience and have discussed this on various forums.
Additional Notes:
There seems to be a very common problem of the 2025 Kia Carnival having a battery drain issue, leaving people stranded. I had a dead battery today with only one month and 300 miles of use. Thousands have had the same experience and have discussed this on various forums.
Mfg Campaign: 11623696
Recall Date: Nov 5, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
12V Vehicle battery drained. Unable to start Vehicle.
Corrective Action:
12V Vehicle battery drained. Unable to start Vehicle.
Additional Notes:
12V Vehicle battery drained. Unable to start Vehicle.
Mfg Campaign: 11623423
Recall Date: Nov 4, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
I'm getting an alert in the car app that says low battery and will not perform any lock/unlock/start, etc features. It says the battery level is under 40%.
Corrective Action:
I'm getting an alert in the car app that says low battery and will not perform any lock/unlock/start, etc features. It says the battery level is under 40%.
Additional Notes:
I'm getting an alert in the car app that says low battery and will not perform any lock/unlock/start, etc features. It says the battery level is under 40%.
Mfg Campaign: 11623349
Recall Date: Nov 3, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
POWER TRAIN
Potential Consequences:
I'm getting an alert in the car app that says low battery and will not perform any lock/unlock/start, etc features. It says the battery level is under 40%.
Corrective Action:
I'm getting an alert in the car app that says low battery and will not perform any lock/unlock/start, etc features. It says the battery level is under 40%.
Additional Notes:
I'm getting an alert in the car app that says low battery and will not perform any lock/unlock/start, etc features. It says the battery level is under 40%.
Mfg Campaign: 11623349
Recall Date: Nov 3, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
I'm getting an alert in the car app that says low battery and will not perform any lock/unlock/start, etc features. It says the battery level is under 40%.
Corrective Action:
I'm getting an alert in the car app that says low battery and will not perform any lock/unlock/start, etc features. It says the battery level is under 40%.
Additional Notes:
I'm getting an alert in the car app that says low battery and will not perform any lock/unlock/start, etc features. It says the battery level is under 40%.
Mfg Campaign: 11623349
Recall Date: Nov 3, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Potential Consequences:
In the general design of the Kia Carnival, among other vehicles from the same manufacture (i.e. Kia Sportage) and different manufacturers (i.e. Chevy Bolt), the false taillight cluster has created a safety issue when signaling. With specific mention of the turn signals being in the lower third of the vehicle height, and not in the taillamp cluster, drivers may not ever see the turn signals from the rear of the Kia Carnival, as most drivers are looking at the large taillamp cluster, not the bottom of the rear bumper for turn signals. The poor visibility is further enhanced when combined with the height or size of other vehicles (trucks with lift-kits, large front end vehicles, or large A-pillars) or poor driving from either the vehicle mentioned, or others. Attached photo taken from the Autopian [XXX] ) as a visual reference. No warning lamps appear, and no failures occurred, as it is normal function. This is a manufacturer-created/designed problem. I believe it was done intentionally by the manufacturers to circumvent other design limitations on signaling lamps not being placed on moving surfaces such as liftgates or trunks, and thus crated a new safety issue with large false taillamp clusters that are just the dim lights for illuminating the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Corrective Action:
In the general design of the Kia Carnival, among other vehicles from the same manufacture (i.e. Kia Sportage) and different manufacturers (i.e. Chevy Bolt), the false taillight cluster has created a safety issue when signaling. With specific mention of the turn signals being in the lower third of the vehicle height, and not in the taillamp cluster, drivers may not ever see the turn signals from the rear of the Kia Carnival, as most drivers are looking at the large taillamp cluster, not the bottom of the rear bumper for turn signals. The poor visibility is further enhanced when combined with the height or size of other vehicles (trucks with lift-kits, large front end vehicles, or large A-pillars) or poor driving from either the vehicle mentioned, or others. Attached photo taken from the Autopian [XXX] ) as a visual reference. No warning lamps appear, and no failures occurred, as it is normal function. This is a manufacturer-created/designed problem. I believe it was done intentionally by the manufacturers to circumvent other design limitations on signaling lamps not being placed on moving surfaces such as liftgates or trunks, and thus crated a new safety issue with large false taillamp clusters that are just the dim lights for illuminating the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Additional Notes:
In the general design of the Kia Carnival, among other vehicles from the same manufacture (i.e. Kia Sportage) and different manufacturers (i.e. Chevy Bolt), the false taillight cluster has created a safety issue when signaling. With specific mention of the turn signals being in the lower third of the vehicle height, and not in the taillamp cluster, drivers may not ever see the turn signals from the rear of the Kia Carnival, as most drivers are looking at the large taillamp cluster, not the bottom of the rear bumper for turn signals. The poor visibility is further enhanced when combined with the height or size of other vehicles (trucks with lift-kits, large front end vehicles, or large A-pillars) or poor driving from either the vehicle mentioned, or others. Attached photo taken from the Autopian [XXX] ) as a visual reference. No warning lamps appear, and no failures occurred, as it is normal function. This is a manufacturer-created/designed problem. I believe it was done intentionally by the manufacturers to circumvent other design limitations on signaling lamps not being placed on moving surfaces such as liftgates or trunks, and thus crated a new safety issue with large false taillamp clusters that are just the dim lights for illuminating the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Mfg Campaign: 11623060
Recall Date: Nov 1, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
I purchased brand new 2025 Kia Carnival SX less than 2 months ago and it is back at the dealership for service for the second time. First time it had an airbag light stay on the dash and the battery kept reading low voltage and would not allow us to use any features on Kia Access app such as remote start and 360 view. The dealership fixed the airbag light but did not find any electrical issues with battery after testing. The car is driven daily and after sitting for approximately 16 hours the car battery is completely dead. Tried to do a quick jump and would not crank over. I am convinced it has a parasitic draw. It is currently at second service center in hopes of a resolution. So far Kia has not been very supportive.
Corrective Action:
I purchased brand new 2025 Kia Carnival SX less than 2 months ago and it is back at the dealership for service for the second time. First time it had an airbag light stay on the dash and the battery kept reading low voltage and would not allow us to use any features on Kia Access app such as remote start and 360 view. The dealership fixed the airbag light but did not find any electrical issues with battery after testing. The car is driven daily and after sitting for approximately 16 hours the car battery is completely dead. Tried to do a quick jump and would not crank over. I am convinced it has a parasitic draw. It is currently at second service center in hopes of a resolution. So far Kia has not been very supportive.
Additional Notes:
I purchased brand new 2025 Kia Carnival SX less than 2 months ago and it is back at the dealership for service for the second time. First time it had an airbag light stay on the dash and the battery kept reading low voltage and would not allow us to use any features on Kia Access app such as remote start and 360 view. The dealership fixed the airbag light but did not find any electrical issues with battery after testing. The car is driven daily and after sitting for approximately 16 hours the car battery is completely dead. Tried to do a quick jump and would not crank over. I am convinced it has a parasitic draw. It is currently at second service center in hopes of a resolution. So far Kia has not been very supportive.
Mfg Campaign: 11611009
Recall Date: Aug 26, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
Purchased brand new, went home to put car seats in and that's when we discovered the rear sliding door did not lock. Took the vehicle in on the 7th, took until the 23rd for it to be "fixed". Picked up the vehicle came home and the car now does not lock again. Kia customer care team has been little to no help and it was suppose to be escalated to the Kia escalation team but we have yet to hear from them.
Corrective Action:
Purchased brand new, went home to put car seats in and that's when we discovered the rear sliding door did not lock. Took the vehicle in on the 7th, took until the 23rd for it to be "fixed". Picked up the vehicle came home and the car now does not lock again. Kia customer care team has been little to no help and it was suppose to be escalated to the Kia escalation team but we have yet to hear from them.
Additional Notes:
Purchased brand new, went home to put car seats in and that's when we discovered the rear sliding door did not lock. Took the vehicle in on the 7th, took until the 23rd for it to be "fixed". Picked up the vehicle came home and the car now does not lock again. Kia customer care team has been little to no help and it was suppose to be escalated to the Kia escalation team but we have yet to hear from them.
Mfg Campaign: 11610666
Recall Date: Aug 24, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
Started about a couple weeks ago. Just bought my car and my battery drained 3 nights in a row. Had to jump start it Found out some fan run, when car is off, hours after it has been parked.
Corrective Action:
Started about a couple weeks ago. Just bought my car and my battery drained 3 nights in a row. Had to jump start it Found out some fan run, when car is off, hours after it has been parked.
Additional Notes:
Started about a couple weeks ago. Just bought my car and my battery drained 3 nights in a row. Had to jump start it Found out some fan run, when car is off, hours after it has been parked.
Mfg Campaign: 11610563
Recall Date: Aug 23, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
Started about a couple weeks ago. Just bought my car and my battery drained 3 nights in a row. Had to jump start it Found out some fan run, when car is off, hours after it has been parked.
Corrective Action:
Started about a couple weeks ago. Just bought my car and my battery drained 3 nights in a row. Had to jump start it Found out some fan run, when car is off, hours after it has been parked.
Additional Notes:
Started about a couple weeks ago. Just bought my car and my battery drained 3 nights in a row. Had to jump start it Found out some fan run, when car is off, hours after it has been parked.
Mfg Campaign: 11610563
Recall Date: Aug 23, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
The battery on this car drains despite standard operation. Battery replacements do not work and it must be jumped. Some programming aspect clearly is wrong and drains the battery when not in use. It needs to be fixed asap for safety and to avoid stranding.
Corrective Action:
The battery on this car drains despite standard operation. Battery replacements do not work and it must be jumped. Some programming aspect clearly is wrong and drains the battery when not in use. It needs to be fixed asap for safety and to avoid stranding.
Additional Notes:
The battery on this car drains despite standard operation. Battery replacements do not work and it must be jumped. Some programming aspect clearly is wrong and drains the battery when not in use. It needs to be fixed asap for safety and to avoid stranding.
Mfg Campaign: 11610202
Recall Date: Aug 22, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
After day or two purchasing the car, I started getting notifications at the car battery was low eventually after two weeks it completely died, and I was locked out with no way to enter the car because they no longer provide a manual key in the key fob. Multiple chargers and charging with another car for hours with no luck to get the car back up once I finally did get the car open. Seems like the dealerships themselves are aware of this issue and they have no way of fixing it. They keep playing games and making circles about how they’re escalating they’re doing they’re doing that and they have not provided me with a loaner.
Corrective Action:
After day or two purchasing the car, I started getting notifications at the car battery was low eventually after two weeks it completely died, and I was locked out with no way to enter the car because they no longer provide a manual key in the key fob. Multiple chargers and charging with another car for hours with no luck to get the car back up once I finally did get the car open. Seems like the dealerships themselves are aware of this issue and they have no way of fixing it. They keep playing games and making circles about how they’re escalating they’re doing they’re doing that and they have not provided me with a loaner.
Additional Notes:
After day or two purchasing the car, I started getting notifications at the car battery was low eventually after two weeks it completely died, and I was locked out with no way to enter the car because they no longer provide a manual key in the key fob. Multiple chargers and charging with another car for hours with no luck to get the car back up once I finally did get the car open. Seems like the dealerships themselves are aware of this issue and they have no way of fixing it. They keep playing games and making circles about how they’re escalating they’re doing they’re doing that and they have not provided me with a loaner.
Mfg Campaign: 11610104
Recall Date: Aug 21, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
My bran new 2025 with 3,000 miles has a completely dead battery. The Kia roadside assistance person was unable to jump start it.
Corrective Action:
My bran new 2025 with 3,000 miles has a completely dead battery. The Kia roadside assistance person was unable to jump start it.
Additional Notes:
My bran new 2025 with 3,000 miles has a completely dead battery. The Kia roadside assistance person was unable to jump start it.
Mfg Campaign: 11609018
Recall Date: Aug 16, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
Battery inexplicably drains to death. I purchased the vehicle new and, within 5 days, had battery failure. The first sign of the issue is the inability to utilize remote commands via the Kia app, receiving a message that the vehicle's battery is at a low charge of <40%. Without intervention, the battery will then drain to death.
Corrective Action:
Battery inexplicably drains to death. I purchased the vehicle new and, within 5 days, had battery failure. The first sign of the issue is the inability to utilize remote commands via the Kia app, receiving a message that the vehicle's battery is at a low charge of <40%. Without intervention, the battery will then drain to death.
Additional Notes:
Battery inexplicably drains to death. I purchased the vehicle new and, within 5 days, had battery failure. The first sign of the issue is the inability to utilize remote commands via the Kia app, receiving a message that the vehicle's battery is at a low charge of <40%. Without intervention, the battery will then drain to death.
Mfg Campaign: 11608729
Recall Date: Aug 15, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
Battery drain which results in vehicle not starting. There have been a series of events that ended in my Carnival not starting. Purchased new on July 6, 2024. Picked up from to Dealership July 8, 2024 and drove home. The below events started Aug 2, 2024 1. Side mirrors didn’t “wake up” when I approached with key fob 2. Truck wouldn’t close (had to manually pull shut) 3. Received app notification when attempting to lock doors through app that battery was less than 40% 4. Received dashboard warning when attempting to start 5. Lights remained on for a few seconds after attempting to start 6. Vehicle wouldn’t start 7. Turn signal - Action required via app 8. Towed to Dealership 8/5/2025 a vehicle would not start
Corrective Action:
Battery drain which results in vehicle not starting. There have been a series of events that ended in my Carnival not starting. Purchased new on July 6, 2024. Picked up from to Dealership July 8, 2024 and drove home. The below events started Aug 2, 2024 1. Side mirrors didn’t “wake up” when I approached with key fob 2. Truck wouldn’t close (had to manually pull shut) 3. Received app notification when attempting to lock doors through app that battery was less than 40% 4. Received dashboard warning when attempting to start 5. Lights remained on for a few seconds after attempting to start 6. Vehicle wouldn’t start 7. Turn signal - Action required via app 8. Towed to Dealership 8/5/2025 a vehicle would not start
Additional Notes:
Battery drain which results in vehicle not starting. There have been a series of events that ended in my Carnival not starting. Purchased new on July 6, 2024. Picked up from to Dealership July 8, 2024 and drove home. The below events started Aug 2, 2024 1. Side mirrors didn’t “wake up” when I approached with key fob 2. Truck wouldn’t close (had to manually pull shut) 3. Received app notification when attempting to lock doors through app that battery was less than 40% 4. Received dashboard warning when attempting to start 5. Lights remained on for a few seconds after attempting to start 6. Vehicle wouldn’t start 7. Turn signal - Action required via app 8. Towed to Dealership 8/5/2025 a vehicle would not start
Mfg Campaign: 11608173
Recall Date: Aug 13, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
Battery randomly died in the car overnight
Corrective Action:
Battery randomly died in the car overnight
Additional Notes:
Battery randomly died in the car overnight
Mfg Campaign: 11608271
Recall Date: Aug 13, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
Brand New 2025 KIA Carnival SX model - experiencing major electrical failure within the first month (around 800 miles). There's a battery negative draw issue, and the car battery will die completely within 3 days, if not driven. Had to jump-start the car 4 times within the first month. One of the incidents had me stuck right in the middle of the road - When the battery is low, turning on the AC will result electrical system flickering, and then shutting the car down entirely. The dealership acknowledges the issue but stated no solution has been found yet.
Corrective Action:
Brand New 2025 KIA Carnival SX model - experiencing major electrical failure within the first month (around 800 miles). There's a battery negative draw issue, and the car battery will die completely within 3 days, if not driven. Had to jump-start the car 4 times within the first month. One of the incidents had me stuck right in the middle of the road - When the battery is low, turning on the AC will result electrical system flickering, and then shutting the car down entirely. The dealership acknowledges the issue but stated no solution has been found yet.
Additional Notes:
Brand New 2025 KIA Carnival SX model - experiencing major electrical failure within the first month (around 800 miles). There's a battery negative draw issue, and the car battery will die completely within 3 days, if not driven. Had to jump-start the car 4 times within the first month. One of the incidents had me stuck right in the middle of the road - When the battery is low, turning on the AC will result electrical system flickering, and then shutting the car down entirely. The dealership acknowledges the issue but stated no solution has been found yet.
Mfg Campaign: 11608327
Recall Date: Aug 13, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
I've owned my new car for less than two weeks and already my car has a dead battery. I did not leave any lights on or doors opened.
Corrective Action:
I've owned my new car for less than two weeks and already my car has a dead battery. I did not leave any lights on or doors opened.
Additional Notes:
I've owned my new car for less than two weeks and already my car has a dead battery. I did not leave any lights on or doors opened.
Mfg Campaign: 11608049
Recall Date: Aug 12, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
As noted my many drivers in the Kia forum, I bought a 2025 Kia Carnival SX prestige only have a dead battery 2 week into ownership.
Corrective Action:
As noted my many drivers in the Kia forum, I bought a 2025 Kia Carnival SX prestige only have a dead battery 2 week into ownership.
Additional Notes:
As noted my many drivers in the Kia forum, I bought a 2025 Kia Carnival SX prestige only have a dead battery 2 week into ownership.
Mfg Campaign: 11608117
Recall Date: Aug 12, 2024
Need Legal Help?
Featured Attorneys
Barry Edzant
Edzant Price LLC
Valencia, CA • 36 yrs
Focus: Lemon Law, Personal Injury