Kia Carnival Minivan Recalled After Sliding Door Injuries

Jan 12, 2024

The automaker will install a software update that adds warning tones and slows the powered sliding door

Kia is recalling over 51,000 Carnival minivans from the 2022 and 2023 model years because their powered sliding rear doors may close on an occupant instead of automatically reversing.

So far, Kia says it is aware of nine injuries—one broken arm, one fractured thumb, and seven minor incidents—that may be related to this recall. In most cases, a child reached into the vehicle as the sliding door was closing, and the door did not automatically reverse as it was supposed to do. Owners have also complained that it takes excessive force to reverse the door once it starts closing. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has an open investigation into these injuries and complaints.

To address the issue, Kia dealerships will perform a software update to make the door play two warning chimes when it's about to open or close, and so that the door will move more slowly as it approaches the fully closed position. Vehicles built after Feb. 23, 2023, will not need the software update, because it will have already been installed.

In documents provided to NHTSA, Kia says that it has not identified a manufacturing or design issue, that the injuries may be due to "unawareness" that the powered sliding door is closing, and that today's recall is "an effort to increase customers’ awareness."

Vehicles recalled: Kia Carnival minivans manufactured between Jan. 4, 2021, and Feb. 22, 2023.

The problem: The powered sliding rear door might not automatically reverse if it is blocked, which may have caused injuries.

The fix: Kia dealerships will install new software that adds warning chimes and makes the door close more slowly as it approaches the closed position.

How to contact the manufacturer: Owners may contact Kia at 800-333-4542.

NHTSA campaign number: 23V236. Kia's own number for this recall is SC266.

Check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall: NHTSA's website will tell you whether your vehicle has any open recalls that need to be addressed.

If you plug your car's 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) into NHTSA's website and a recall doesn't appear, it means your vehicle doesn't currently have any open recalls. Because automakers issue recalls often, and for many older vehicles, we recommend checking back regularly to see whether your vehicle has had a recall issued.

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Keith Barry

Keith Barry has been an auto reporter at Consumer Reports since 2018. He focuses on safety, technology, and the environmental impact of cars. Previously, he led home and appliance coverage at Reviewed; reported on cars for USA Today, Wired, and Car & Driver; and wrote for other publications as well. Keith earned a master's degree in public health from Tufts University. Follow him on Twitter @itskeithbarry.