2025 KIA Carnival Reliability Report

Owners report that the 2025 KIA Carnival frequently experiences issues with vehicle speed control, particularly in cold weather conditions. The most common symptom described is an inability to accelerate beyond 31 MPH, despite the engine revving and the accelerator being fully depressed. This issue often resolves temporarily when the vehicle is turned off and then back on. Several complaints mention that these problems occur at low mileages, sometimes as early as 1,500 miles, and can pose significant safety risks when merging onto highways or navigating busy streets. Additionally, one report describes unintended acceleration from a stop, though this is less common.

Owners report that the 2025 KIA Carnival frequently experiences issues related to acceleration and speed limitation. Multiple complaints describe the vehicle entering a mode where it will not accelerate beyond 30-31 mph, often without any warning lights or error codes, creating potential safety risks of being rear-ended. This problem is sometimes accompanied by warnings incorrectly indicating a speed limit of 30 mph, and in some cases, the vehicle fails to engage third gear, causing elevated RPMs. These issues have been noted in vehicles with as few as 4,500 miles on the odometer. Additionally, one report mentions the engine running rough and a temporary shuddering of the steering wheel, but this is less frequently described.

Owners report issues with the automatic sliding doors on the 2025 KIA Carnival, specifically regarding the door sensors' inability to detect obstructions. In some cases, the doors do not stop when encountering small objects, and one report mentions a child's hand being pinched before the sensor activated. Additionally, there are complaints about excessive heat in the cabin, particularly affecting the floor behind the passenger side, which becomes too hot to touch. These issues are described without specific mileage details, and one incident has resulted in an injury, indicating potential safety implications. Buyers should be aware of these reported problems with the vehicle's door safety features and cabin temperature.

Owners report issues with the 2025 KIA Carnival's second-row seats, particularly with the sliding mechanism. Complaints frequently mention difficulty in sliding the seats forward and backward, with one report detailing a sudden movement of the seat that resulted in a physical injury when the seat struck an occupant. This incident involved the hard plastic seat belt mechanism making contact with the occupant's forehead, causing a swollen lump and dislodging glasses. Safety implications are noted, as the sudden seat movement could pose a risk of injury, especially to young children or elderly passengers. These issues are reported in new vehicles, indicating potential concerns for early buyers or those considering a recent model.