Kia Carnival Engine Problems

While not a common problem, this could be caused by a faulty oil pressure sensor. But it’s important to have this checked out by a mechanic because you could be dealing with an engine that really is suffering from low oil pressure. If the latter is the case, you risk doing permanent and catastrophic damage to the engine because the oil pressure is insufficient to fully protect the internal parts of the engine.

The reason you’re seeing the light come on when the engine is idling (and presumably at operating temperature) is because this is when the engine’s oil pressure is at its lowest. When you rev the engine, the oil pump turns faster, creating more oil pressure. When the engine speed drops again, the pump slows, the oil pressure falls and the warning light switches on.

By having the actual oil pressure checked at a workshop with an independent gauge (separate to the one in the car) you’ll know if the light is coming on because of a duff sensor or because the oil pressure really is too low.

Some oil consumption is normal for engines, and modern engines seem to use a little more than some older designs. That's because modern engines are designed with low-friction piston rings which are great for fuel economy but can lead to slightly higher oil consumption. However, 700ml per 1000km does seem high for what is not an especially high-performance engine, and one that has not travelled very far in the scheme of things.

It wouldn't be the first time a dealer (of any brand) has tried to fob off a customer concern with such a response, so I reckon you're on the right track by contacting Kia Australia's customer service division. I'd also follow up with a phone call as well as an email, but experience suggests Kia is one company that takes customer satisfaction seriously.

Your car is still covered by the factory seven-year warranty, so provided it's been serviced correctly, if there is a fault, it should be covered. Further investigation is warranted, including a compression and leak-down test to show if there's any deterioration in the performance of the engine's piston rings. Your local state motoring club is a good source for these tests, particularly as manufacturers tend to take the clubs and their mechanical inspections seriously.

It is likely that there is a head gasket problem; it was a common issue with the early Carnival. Buying a secondhand engine is inviting trouble. It could also be struck down with the same problem and you could find yourself back in the same situation. I would be doing the head gasket rather than buying a secondhand engine, that way you know it is fixed.

I would get a second opinion on the Kia's engine before you do anything else. A sludged-up engine suggests a lack of servicing, but if no damage has occurred you might be able to salvage it. I wouldn't recommend either a Multivan or Valente, those you are looking at are too old and potentially too expensive to run and repair. A seven-seat SUV might be a better option.

For starters there is no such thing as a 'lemon law' in Australia; our legislators have chosen to leave us without protection when it comes to cars. You really have no comeback on the dealer, except to appeal to their common decency and help you out. You don't say what went wrong with the car, but the Carnival was prone to head gasket problems in the early days, so I'm guessing that could be the problem.

You need to have it checked on a computer diagnostic checker to identify what is causing the engine to run roughly. It could be one of the sensors on the engine; it could be that the throttle body needs cleaning.

Kia never recalled the Carnival, instead preferring to rebuild engines as needed. The problem was with the head gaskets of the early cars and Kia’s approach was to replace the head gaskets when the engine was rebuilt, but some owners report having the rebuilt engine fail as well. That suggests the fix wasn’t altogether successful.

The problem with the head gaskets on the Kia Carnival is well documented. If you’ve just bought it try to get your money back, or come to an arrangement with the seller to repair it. Kia has helped owners in the past, but it seems their goodwill has expired on this issue.

THIS is a common problem with early Carnivals. Kia rebuilt engines when it was widespread, and I guess the engine in yours was rebuilt by the previous owner. I would be sure to have the engine rebuilt by someone who knows what they're doing so that hopefully it won't happen again.

KIA replaced defective engines in Carnivals that were covered by warranty, but offered owners of cars out of warranty short motors at part-cost, taking into account the number of owners the vehicle had, its service history, its age and the kilometres it had done. Should they have recalled the Carnival and fixed it when they knew it was such a widespread problem? They probably should have.