Washington, D.C. – April 24, 2022 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) minivans whose rear power sliding doors could trap and injure the occupants of the car.

If the investigation leads to a recall, it could affect an estimated 24,312 2022 Kia Carnival vehicles. 

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on April 10, following five complaints about alleged issues with rear door operation on vehicles in question. 

These vehicles have automated power sliding doors, which open and close at the touch of a button. This system also has an auto-reverse function, which backs up the closing door if it detects any obstacles. 

Based on the complaints, “excessive force” is required to get the door to reverse the direction. As a result, the occupant’s arm or other objects can be trapped by the closing door. 

Risks

Power sliding doors that do not stop at an obstacle may trap occupants’ limbs while they are getting in or out of the vehicle. So far, three injuries have been reported as a result of this potential defect.  

Other Kia Carnival recalls 

This is not the first time the Korean manufacturer is having issues with sliding doors. In December 2021, some of these Kia minivan 2022 models have been recalled over sliding doors that may open while driving. 

Separately, Kia recalled over 70,000 Kia Optima cars in February because of the risk of fire, as reported, as part of its ongoing fire-related recalls that are subject to a separate NHTSA investigation.

Could your vehicle be part of the potential recall?

This investigation may eventually lead to a Kia Carnival power sliding door recall, possibly affecting close to 25,000 vehicles.  To do a Kia recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.