Recalls: Kia KV Carnival
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Kia KV Carnival
- In December 2000, a recall was issued for Kia KV Carnival vehicles due to improper welding procedures during the production process of the brake pedal assembly (PRA 2000/4576).
- In August 2005, a recall was issued for Kia KV Carnival models manufactured from 24 June 2003 to 29 October 2004 due to a potential issue with the wheel bearing cap which, if not rectified, could alloy water ingress to the wheel bearings (PRA 2005/7946).
- In January 2006, a recall was issued for Kia KV Carnival models manufactured up to 1 December 2003 due to wiring for the power adjustable front seats potentially overheating the circuit breaker in the interior fuse box (PRA 2006/8262).
Problems and faults: Kia KV Carnival
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
Kia KV Carnival: head gasket failure
The 2.5-litre V6 engines in the KV Carnival manufactured before March 2002 were prone to gasket failures that enabled water to enter the cylinders; this led to engines having to be replaced by Kia.
Kia KV Carnival: air conditioning problems
In April 2005, Kia Motors issued service bulletin 008 for Kia KV Carnival/ Sedona vehicles. The service bulletin described a range of possible concerns and fixes –
- Vibration and humming noise while idling the engine in park: replace suction hose with part no. 1K52Y 61462B for vehicles produced before December 2002. Check for interference between air conditioning lines and body;
- A/C compressor noise with no cooling problems: check crankshaft pulley and compressor mountings. Inspect air conditioning for undercharge condition;
- A/C compressor locking up or clutch slippage: check refrigerant amount for over-charge. Replace compressor if necessary; and,
- Intermittent high pitched whine or siren type noise from rear A/C unit: replace the rear expansion valve with part no. 1K52Y 61463B. During recharge, add air conditioning dye and perform a leak test after driving.
Kia KV Carnival: flat battery/high battery discharge
In May 2003, Kia Motors issued service bulletin 010 for 2003 model year Kia Carnival/Sedona vehicles. In these vehicles, high battery discharge may occur when the vehicle is used in high ambient temperatures for extended periods or at idle with the air conditioning, headlights and other accessories on. As a result of this battery drain, the Kia Carnival may not restart on the next attempt. To fix, the following changes were introduced:
- A battery heat cover was added;
- A new alternator with a smaller 55 mm pulley was introduced (previously 65 mm); and,
- ECM battery compensation was revised.
For 2002 and 2003 ‘model year’ Kia Carnival vehicles manufactured before 28 February 2003, these revised parts and software logic could be applied.
Kia KV Carnival: EVAP vacuum
In December 2004, Kia Motors issued service bulletin 006 for Kia KV Carnival vehicles because the malfunction indicator may illuminate and diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0446/P2422 (EVAP system: vent control) may be logged. In these vehicles, DTC P0446/P2422 may be logged because the amount of vapours being purged from the charcoal canister in the evaporative emissions system exceeded the volume of fresh air entering the canister. This caused a vacuum in the canister and the remainder of the fuel system. If the vacuum level exceeded the ECM threshold, the error codes would be logged; if this occurred on two consecutive drive cycles, the malfunction indicator light (MIL) would illuminate.
Kia KV Carnival: Other problems and faults
- If the engine may hesitate or stumble during cold starts, the ECM may require reprogramming.
- The original electric cooling fans could be noisy; a quieter fan with different style blades was subsequently released.
