2022 Kia Carnival Power Loss, Electrical Failures, and Sliding Door Defects | California Lemon Law
What’s the Problem
The 2022 Kia Carnival offers a roomy interior and advanced features, but a range of reliability concerns has emerged since its release. Owners have reported recurring issues with electrical systems, power sliding doors, fuel components, and engine/drivetrain performance, including loss of power and acceleration problems. These concerns go beyond expected low-mileage glitches and have safety implications for everyday use.
Allegations
Owners and independent reviewers have raised recurring complaints in several core areas:
1. Power Loss and Driveability Defects
Some Carnival owners report severe engine hesitation, sudden power loss while driving, and instances where the vehicle completely loses propulsion unexpectedly. In some reports, the vehicle would refuse to accelerate beyond moderate speeds or would stall entirely, requiring a restart or towing.
2. Engine and Powertrain Complaints
Consumers have also described issues such as shuddering during acceleration and instances where the vehicle does not respond to throttle input as expected, signaling potential powertrain control or fuel delivery defects.
3. Electrical System Malfunctions
Recurring battery drain, electrical shutdowns, and dashboard failures have been described, sometimes coinciding with engine performance issues or loss of critical systems while driving.
4. Power Sliding Door Failures
A significant volume of complaints involves doors that close forcefully or do not meet auto-reverse safety criteria, which has led to recalls.
5. Fuel System Defects
Recall actions related to damaged fuel rail tubes and other fuel system components indicate broader concerns in the propulsion system.
Recall / TSB
The 2022 Carnival has been the subject of multiple recalls, including:
Fuel Rail Tube Recall: To address potentially damaged fuel rail components that can affect engine operation and safety.
Tow Hitch Electrical Short Recall: Due to possible water intrusion causing electrical shorts.
Sliding Door Latch/Actuator Recall: For issues that could prevent secure latching.
Owners should verify any open recall with an authorized dealer and schedule campaign repairs promptly.
Symptoms
Drivers of 2022 Kia Carnival vehicles — including hybrid system models (as these systems become more prevalent across the Carnival lineup) — have reported the following problematic behaviors:
Sudden Loss of Power: The vehicle unexpectedly loses propulsion while driving at highway or city speeds.
Unresponsive Acceleration: The vehicle hesitates or refuses to accelerate beyond moderate speed when the gas pedal is applied.
Engine Stall or Restart Requirement: In some cases, the engine shuts off or stalls and requires the vehicle to be turned off and restarted.
Driveability Limitations: Situations where the vehicle moves but lacks power to merge, overtake, or maintain normal driving speeds.
Electrical Shutdowns and Battery Drain: Intermittent loss of electrical systems that may also coincide with a lack of throttle response.
These symptoms not only compromise performance but can create serious safety hazards — especially if they occur in traffic or at highway speeds.
How to Proceed
If your 2022 Kia Carnival is experiencing repeated power loss, hesitation, or related performance failures that substantially impair the safety, use, or value of the vehicle — and if Kia has not been able to fix these issues after a reasonable number of repair attempts — you may have a valid lemon law claim. To protect your rights:
Document All Incidents: Keep detailed records of when and how symptoms occur.
Save Every Repair Order: Ensure each visit’s work order clearly describes the power loss or related performance defect.
Note Unresolved Recalls/Repairs: Keep copies of dealer communications and recall campaign records.
Consult a Lemon Law Attorney: Legal counsel can evaluate whether your vehicle qualifies for remedies under state lemon law.
Preserve All Evidence: Photos, repair receipts, dealer notes, and your detailed symptom history will strengthen your claim.
Remedies under lemon law can include a repurchase/refund, replacement vehicle, or cash reimbursement for the loss of value and inconvenience caused by the defect.
Call Valero Law
If your 2022 Kia Carnival is losing power, exhibiting unsafe acceleration behavior, or suffering from recurring performance defects that haven’t been resolved despite repeated repair efforts, you may be entitled to compensation under California Lemon Law.
Call Valero Law, APC today for a free Lemon Law case evaluation and to learn how you can pursue relief for your defective vehicle.