Kia Carnival Power Sliding Door May Close on Occupant

Kia will be contacting the owners of all 2022 model year and certain 2023 model year Carnival minivans manufactured between January 4, 2021 to February 22, 2023. These vehicles have a software issue with the power sliding doors (PSD) auto-reverse feature. The auto-reverse feature may not activate under certain circumstances and could increase the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.

Kia first became aware of the problem in the summer of 2021, when they noticed an increase in the number of complaints alleging child injuries caused by the power sliding door in a 2022 Kia Carnival.

An investigation into the problem found that the power sliding door auto-reverse feature in the subject vehicles is a supplemental feature that may not activate in all situations. Although a cause related to a manufacturing or design issue has not been identified, Kia believes the cause of injuries may be associated with customers’ unawareness that the door is closing. To correct the problem, Kia will be updating the software in an effort to increase customers’ awareness that the PSD is closing in order to mitigate the risk of injury.

The owners of the affected vehicles will be contacted, by first-class mail. with instructions to bring their vehicles to a Kia dealer. Dealers will reprogram the power sliding door control module with updated software that adds two (2) warning chimes when the power sliding door begins to open or close. The updated software will also change the door speed to move more slowly as the door approaches its latching point.

There have been nine confirmed injuries, one fractured thumb, one broken arm, and seven bruises, swelling, and/or minor cuts/scrapes, alleged to have been caused by the power sliding door. Kia's number for this recall is SC266 and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-236.

If you are having repeated problems with your Kia Carnival and you think it could be a Lemon, or if you have any questions about your rights under the California Lemon Law, contact a Lemon Law Lawyer today, and get some great Lemon Law Help!