Kia Carnival Recalled In The US – Over Auto Sliding Doors Injuring Passengers

Over 51,000 units of Kia Carnival recalled in the US – Until now 9 passengers have been injured due to auto sliding doors

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is a US Federal agency and a part of the US Department of Transportation. NHTSA and South Korean automaker Kia have issued a Kia Carnival recall over its Power Sliding Doors (PSD). This recall will be of no additional cost on the owner’s tab.

Kia Carnival Recalled – 51,568 Models Affected

A total of 51,568 models of Kia Carnival are affected which were manufactured till 22nd February, 2023. All units manufactured post that date are equipped with revised preventive measures. This recall has been issued after 9 confirmed injuries to adults and children combined over the years.

Kia Carnival MPV comes equipped with PSD with a load-sensing anti-pinch feature. In this sense, while the powered doors are closing automatically and encounter an obstacle, the door closing function should immediately stop and even be reversed. However, there have been nine confirmed injuries leading to a broken arm, fractured thumb, cuts and bruises. Kia’s recall numbered 23V-236 with NHTSA mentions that the cause of said injuries might result from customers’ lack of awareness over the PSD closing automatically.

In all nine cases of injuries, Kia Carnival PSD allegedly failed to detect obstructions and continued closing and even latched in place. PSDs come equipped with load sensors that detect any obstacle in their path and when it does, reverse its function. India-spec Kia Carnival (previous generation) also gets PSD.

Counter Measures To Stop Injuries With PSD

Injuries pertaining to Kia Carnival PSD have existed for some time now. Kia has been conducting investigations into said PSDs since summer of 2021. Even third-party engineering firms have been involved in investigating this and there are no immediate issues detected. This led Kia to decide there are no apparent faults with its PSD mechanisms.

According to Kia, customers are not aware that PSD is closing and hence these undesirable incidents take place. Hence, Kia Carnival recalled, will get a free-of-cost software patch to include two warning chimes to alert users that PSD is closing. Also, this software will alter PSD speed at the end of its function where it latches.

These two functionalities should create an awareness in passengers that PSD is closing, so they are informed and given enough time to retaliate accordingly. From April 28th, official owner notification will commence and all the Carnival manufactured till February 22, 2023 can contact their local dealership.

Globally, Kia Carnival is set to receive a facelift. Test mules have been spotted already and they feature Kia EV9-inspired design language at the front. In India, we still get previous-generation Carnival while the new-gen Carnival model was showcased at 2023 Auto Expo. India launch of the new Carnival is expected later this year.