Used KIA Carnival

What to know before buying: KIA Carnival

From 3 video reviews and 1 press test · updated 23/09/2026

What the reviews say

• The third-generation Carnival is highly practical: the cabin is spacious, third-row access is easy, and folding or removing seats provides almost van-like capacity.[4]one sourceThird generation
• The 2022–2024 models have a low floor, easy access, an adult-friendly second row and a very large cargo area; the seats remain comfortable on long drives.[2]one sourceFourth generation
• The eight-seat fourth-generation model has room for five or six adults and more than 620 litres of luggage space even with every seat in use.[3]one sourceFourth generation
• Sources credit the third generation with good handling and a soft ride; the reviewed vehicle also remained in fairly good condition after 130,000 km.[1][4]Third generation

Typical faults

• The third-generation 3.3-litre V6 may develop oil consumption and timing-chain stretch at 120,000–150,000 km; signs include cold-start metallic noise, rough running and timing errors.[1]one sourceThird generation

  120 000–150 000 km · 3.3 V6 petrol

• The third-generation turbodiesel may suffer head-gasket failure at 150,000–220,000 km, causing hidden coolant loss, overheating, bubbles in the expansion tank or white exhaust smoke.[1]one sourceThird generation

  150 000–220 000 km · turbodiesel

• The third-generation cooling radiator may begin leaking or clogging at 80,000–120,000 km; corrosion and external debris reduce cooling performance.[1]one sourceThird generation

  80 000–120 000 km

• The third-generation 6AT and 8AT are generally durable, but at 150,000–200,000 km they may shift harshly, respond slowly or overheat because of worn clutches and dirty fluid.[1]one sourceThird generation

  150 000–200 000 km

• Third-generation power sliding doors can glitch, fail or remain stuck open; central-locking faults and failures of early infotainment systems have also been reported.[4]one sourceThird generation

Which engine and version to take

• The third-generation naturally aspirated 3.3-litre V6 is described as reasonably reliable, but oil consumption and the timing chain need particular scrutiny beyond 120,000 km.[1]one sourceThird generation
• The fourth-generation 3.5-litre petrol V6 is more powerful and efficient than the previous 3.3-litre V6 and is paired with an eight-speed automatic.[3]one sourceFourth generation

What to avoid

• Avoid a third-generation turbodiesel with an overheating history, coolant loss, expansion-tank bubbles or white smoke, as these may indicate head-gasket failure.[1]one sourceThird generation

What to check at the inspection

• Cold-start the third-generation 3.3-litre V6: listen for metallic ringing or rattling, scan for timing errors and establish its oil-consumption history.[1]one sourceThird generation
• On a turbodiesel, check the coolant level, evidence of overheating, bubbles in the expansion tank and white exhaust smoke.[1]one sourceThird generation
• Inspect the radiator core for corrosion, external debris and leaks; even a small, gradual drop in coolant level may indicate trouble.[1]one sourceThird generation
• During the test drive, ensure the 6AT or 8AT shifts without jolts, delayed response or overheating, and review its transmission-service history.[1]one sourceThird generation
• Operate both power sliding doors, the central locking and infotainment repeatedly; use the service history to confirm that earlier faults were rectified.[4]one sourceThird generation
• Check panel-gap consistency and compare paint colour and texture between panels to identify poorly repaired accident damage.[4]one sourceThird generation

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]favorit-motors.ru — Kia Carnival 3: 6 частых поломок · press
2. [2]CarMax — Pick or Pass? | Should You Buy a Used 2022–2024 Kia Carnival Minivan? · ▶ video
3. [3]carsales — Kia Carnival S 2022 Review · ▶ video
4. [4]ReDriven — Are you and your family worthy of this thing? | ReDriven Kia Carnival/Sedona used car review · ▶ video

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