Kia Carnival Problems
No car is perfect, but we've gathered everything relating to the Kia Carnival reliability here to help you decide if it's a smart buy.
- Diesel
- Engine
- Recall
- Transmission
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2011
- 2010
- 2009
- 2008
- 2007
- 2006
- 2005
- 2004
- 2003
- 2002
- 2001
- 2000
- 1999
Seven or eight-seater for my family
The latest Carnival is excellent, gets The Tick and rates for me ahead of the Odyssey.
Best budget people mover?
I would not recommend a Ssangyong of any type, without worrying about the ugliness of the Stavic. You'll be far better served by a second-hand Kia Carnival.
Best people mover for $15,000?
The Kia Carnival gets The Tick, every time, in that price range. And with four kids you will find that a proper people-mover gives far more flexibility than an SUV or even a converted van.
Kia Carnival engine light and noise
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.
Ask Smithy Xtra Kia Carnival engine fault
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.
Ask Smithy Xtra Oil and water don't mix
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.
Carnival is over
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.
