RELEASE NOTES: OVER-THE-AIR: SERVICE ACTION SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR ELECTRIC WATER PUMP (SA617) - This Over-the-Air (OTA) software update is designed to update the Motor Control Unit (MCU) logic of certain 2025 Carnival vehicles. This update is designed to improve the control logic of the Electric Water Pump to reduce the unintended display of warning lights.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2025 Kia Carnival engine problems
moderate 6 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
6
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
SC333_STKR: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN COMPLETION LABEL/STICKER
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC333) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to improve the emissions software logic in the Electronic Control Module (ECM) on certain 2025 MY Carnival vehicles equipped with 3.5L Gas Direct Injection (GDI) engines to ensure compliance with emissions regulations.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (SC333) - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign on certain 2025 MY Kia Carnival vehicles equipped with 3.5L Gas Direct Injection (GDI) engines manufactured from April 15, 2024 to November 27, 2024 to improve the emissions software logic in the Electronic Control Module (ECM) to ensure compliance with emissions regulations.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO (SC333) - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service managers advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign on certain 2025 MY Kia Carnival vehicles equipped with 3.5L Gas Direct Injection (GDI) engines manufactured from April 15, 2024 to November 27, 2024 to improve the emissions software logic in the Electronic Control Module (ECM) to ensure compliance with emissions regulations.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had engine trouble with your 2025 Kia Carnival?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2025 Kia Carnival?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 6 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2025/Kia/Carnival.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.