Kia Carnival Owners Urged to Park Vehicles Outdoors Due to Fire Risk

Kia America, Inc. is recalling over 141,000 Carnival vehicles manufactured between 2022 and 2026 due to a defect that could lead to fuel leaks and an increased risk of fire. This recall, identified by NHTSA Recall Number 26V232, affects 2022-2024 model year Carnival vehicles and certain 2025-2026 models produced between January 4, 2021, and November 20, 2025. Owners are advised not to drive their affected vehicles and to park them outdoors away from structures until the recall remedy is completed.

The issue stems from a potential production deviation in the high-pressure crossover fuel pipe nuts. Over time, these nuts may loosen, creating a fuel leak. Such leaks, in the presence of an ignition source, significantly raise the risk of a vehicle fire, which could lead to injury. Drivers may notice warning signs such as a fuel smell or the illumination of the check engine light. The potentially involved vehicles were identified by reviewing Kia’s engine and vehicle production records, and not all vehicles within the specified production range are necessarily affected. Customers can verify if their specific vehicle is part of the recall by contacting Kia’s Customer Care Center or a Kia dealer, with VINs becoming searchable on April 24, 2026.

Kia’s remedy program will involve notifying owners via first-class mail starting on June 2, 2026. Upon receiving notification, owners should schedule an appointment with a Kia dealer. Technicians will first inspect the high-pressure crossover pipe for any signs of a fuel leak. If a leak is detected, the dealer will replace the entire high-pressure crossover pipe with a new one. If no leak is apparent, the dealer will securely fasten the nuts on the existing crossover pipe. The improved remedy component is designed to ensure the nuts are securely fastened.

The production line for the engine has been updated to address this issue, with the crossover pipe nut torque specification revised on November 19, 2024. The recall encompasses vehicles produced up to this date, as well as certain 2025-2026 models produced on or before November 20, 2025, that were equipped with engines manufactured prior to November 19, 2024. Kia will reimburse owners for any repair expenses they may have already incurred related to this issue, in accordance with Kia’s General Reimbursement Plan. Dealer notifications for this recall are scheduled to begin on April 13, 2026.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Kia America, Inc. and NHTSA

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