Kia Recalls 141,032 Carnival Minivans Over Fuel Leak and Fire Risk

Kia America is recalling approximately 141,032 Carnival minivans from model years 2022 through 2026, manufactured between January 4, 2021, and November 20, 2025. A suspected production deviation caused the high-pressure crossover fuel pipe nuts to loosen over time, resulting in a fuel leak — and a fuel leak near an ignition source increases the risk of fire. Kia reports no accidents or fires linked to the defect as of the recall announcement.

Quick Facts

Field	Detail
Company/Brand	Kia America, Inc.
Product Name	2022–2026 Kia Carnival Minivan
Units Affected	141,032
Engine	3.5-liter V6 (hybrid variant not affected)
Recall Reason	High-pressure crossover fuel pipe nuts may loosen, causing a fuel leak and fire risk
Date Announced	April 2026
Kia Recall Number	SC368
NHTSA Recall Number	26V-232
Geographic Scope	United States nationwide
VIN Lookup Available	April 24, 2026 — NHTSA Recall Lookup
Owner Notification Letters	Mailing begins June 2, 2026
Recommended Consumer Action	Check VIN now; bring vehicle to a Kia dealer for free inspection and repair
Kia Customer Service	1-800-333-4542 (reference recall number SC368)
NHTSA Hotline	1-888-327-4236

Detailed Recall Information

Which Vehicles Are Affected

This recall covers 2022–2026 model year Kia Carnival minivans produced between January 4, 2021, and November 20, 2025. All 2022–2024 model-year Carnivals are included. Certain 2025–2026 model year Carnivals are included based on engine production records — specifically those equipped with engines produced before November 19, 2024.

All recalled Carnivals are equipped with the 3.5-liter V6 engine. The newly introduced hybrid variant is not impacted.

How the Problem Was Discovered

Kia received reports of a fuel smell and leakage from the high-pressure crossover pipe connecting the GDI fuel rails in certain Carnival models. Investigations eventually found a loose nut on two vehicles with leaks, though a definitive root cause was not established.

The root cause is a suspected production deviation — specifically, an insufficient torque specification for the crossover pipe nuts during engine assembly. Kia identified and corrected the specification on November 19, 2024, but vehicles already in the field with under-torqued nuts remain at risk as those connections continue to loosen over time.

The Safety Risk

Official NHTSA documentation confirms that fuel may leak at the connection between the fuel pipe and the fuel rail. A fuel leak near any ignition source — including a hot engine, electrical component, or external spark — creates a fire hazard. Kia estimates approximately 1% of the 141,032 vehicles in the recall population carry the active defect, roughly 1,410 units.

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Regulatory Oversight

This recall is administered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) under recall number 26V-232. The recall is part of a broader campaign also involving certain Genesis models, bringing the total to approximately 235,792 vehicles. The NHTSA report was filed by Kia America, Inc., and the full recall chronology document is on file with the agency.

What Owners Should Do

1. Check your VIN immediately. Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your vehicle identification number to confirm whether your Carnival is included. VIN lookup has been available since April 24, 2026.
   
2. Watch and smell for warning signs. If you notice a fuel smell or spot any sign of a leak, park the minivan outdoors, avoid driving it, and contact your dealer or Kia customer service immediately.
   
3. Schedule a dealer inspection. Bring your vehicle to an authorized Kia dealer. Dealers will check for a fuel leak in the high-pressure crossover pipe. If there is a leak, they will replace the pipe. If there is no active leak, dealers will securely fasten the high-pressure crossover pipe nuts. All repairs are free of charge.
   
4. Do not wait for the mail notice. Kia will begin notifying owners via mail on June 2, 2026 — but you can schedule your dealer visit now without waiting for the letter.
   
5. Contact Kia directly at 1-800-333-4542, referencing recall number SC368, if you have questions or want to confirm your vehicle’s status.
   
6. Contact NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236 if you experience a safety issue or want to report a problem independently of Kia.
   
7. Reimbursement for prior repairs. Kia says it will reimburse owners for any repair expenses already paid, according to Kia’s General Reimbursement Plan filed May 1, 2024. Contact Kia customer service with your repair receipts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which vehicles are affected by this recall?

 All 2022–2024 model year Kia Carnivals are included outright. Certain 2025–2026 model year Carnivals are included depending on engine production date — vehicles with engines built before November 19, 2024 are in scope, even if the vehicle itself was assembled later. The hybrid Carnival is not affected.

How do I know if my Carnival is included?

 Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. VIN lookup has been available from April 24, 2026. You can also call Kia at 1-800-333-4542 and reference recall SC368.

What should I do if I already smell fuel from my vehicle? 

Park the minivan outdoors, avoid driving it, and contact your dealer or Kia customer service immediately. Do not attempt to inspect the fuel line yourself.

How do I get the repair done, and what does it cost?

 Take your vehicle to an authorized Kia dealer. If a leak is present, the pipe will be replaced. If no leak is found, the nuts will be tightened. All repairs are at no cost to the owner.

Who oversees this recall?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) oversees all vehicle safety recalls in the United States. The official recall reference is NHTSA 26V-232. Full documentation is available at nhtsa.gov.

What are the specific risks if the defect is present?

 A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of fire, thereby increasing the risk of injury. The defect can develop gradually as under-torqued nuts loosen over time — the vehicle may show no immediate symptoms before a leak begins.

Has anyone been injured because of this defect?

 Kia reports no accidents or fires linked to the defect as of the recall announcement.

What if I already paid to repair this problem before the recall was announced? 

Kia will reimburse owners for prior repair expenses under Kia’s General Reimbursement Plan filed May 1, 2024. Contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 with your documentation.

Last Updated: May 1, 2026. This article is for informational purposes only. Always follow official recall guidance from Kia America and NHTSA for the most current instructions. Official recall information is available at nhtsa.gov/recallsusing NHTSA recall number 26V-232.