Recalls: Kia VQ 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 VQ Carnival
2006 Kia VQ Carnival: stop lamp switch
In October 2009, a recall was issued for Kia VQ Carnivals produced from September 2006 to October 2006 due to a design flaw that could prevent the stop lamp switch from operating correctly (PRA 2009/11127). This could cause:
- the brake lights not to illuminate when the pedal was depressed;
- the brake lights to remain illuminated when the pedal was released;
- an inability to move the shifter from the ‘Park’ position; the electronic stability control (ESC) light may illuminate, indicating ‘ESC OFF’; and,
- operating the brake may not deactivate the cruise control system.
2006-10 Kia VQ Carnival: short circuit in Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU)
In March 2020, a recall was issued for Kia VQ Carnival vehicles that were available for sale prior to 31 December 2010. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) – which was responsible for the Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control System and Traction Control System – could remain live even when the vehicle was switched off. Furthermore, an electrical short circuit could occur if moisture entered the HECU. If a short circuit occurred, this could result in an engine compartment fire when the key was switched off – this increased the risk of injury to vehicle occupants and other road users. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2020/18212.
2010-15 Kia VQ Carnival: fuel rail leak
In March 2020, a recall was issued for Kia VQ Carnival vehicles that were available for sale in Australia from 1 April 2010 to 31 December 2015. In vehicles with petrol engines, the fuel rail may develop a small heat induced crack that could result in fuel leakage. If a fuel rail leaked, fuel could leak onto the road surface and cause a fire – this increased the risk of injury to vehicle occupants and other road users. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2020/18231.
Problems and faults: Kia VQ 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 VQ Carnival: throttle position sensor and ECM upgrade
In November 2009, Kia Motors issued technical service bulletin 044 for Kia VQ Carnival/Sedona vehicles with 2.7-litre V6 petrol engines that were manufactured prior to 4 January 2009. In these vehicles, the malfunction indicator light (MIL) may illuminate and the following diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) may be issued in relation to the electronic throttle control system –
- P2135: throttle position sensor 1/2 voltage correlation;
- P0638: throttle actuator control range/performance; and,
- P2A00, P2A03 or P2A03: oxygen sensor related.
To fix, the throttle position (TP) sensor was to be replaced with an upgraded component and the engine control module (ECM) reprogrammed.
Kia VQ Carnival: steering wheel noise and vibration
In November 2011, Kia Motors issued service bulletin 084 for Kia VQ Carnival vehicles due to steering wheel noise and vibration. To fix, the steering wheel mounting nut and spring washer were to be removed and a new spring washer fitted.
Kia VQ Carnival: misfire codes
In November 2007, Kia Motors issued service bulletin 035 for 2006-07 Kia VQ Carnival vehicles. In these vehicles, the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) may illuminate and the following diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) may be recorded in the powertrain control module (PCM) –
- P0110: intake air temperature circuit malfunction;
- P0128: engine coolant thermostat stuck open; and,
- P0300: random/multiple misfire detected.
According to the service bulletin, these TSBs were most likely the result of incorrect ECM logic interpretations (i.e. ‘false codes’) and no actual misfire causing conditions or circuit/component faults existed. To fix, the PCM was to be re-programmed.
2005-12 Kia VQ Carnival: rear cross member and lower arm corrosion protection
In March 2014, Kia Motors issued Technical Service Bulletin KCE13-21-P100-VQ for Kia VQ Carnival vehicles that were manufactured from 8 October 2005 to 14 August 2012. According to the service bulletin, these Kia Carnival vehicles may experience rust on the rear cross member and rear lower arm. As a countermeasure,
- the rear cross member and rear lower arm were to be cleaned;
- cavity wax was to be applied; and,
- an under coating was to be sprayed on the affected areas.
2009-11 Kia VQ Carnival: shock when shifting gear
In October 2012, Kia Motors issued Technical Service Bulletin KCE12-52-P170-VQ for Kia VQ Carnival vehicles that:
- had six-speed automatic transmissions; and,
- were manufactured from 16 April 2009 to 25 February 2011.
According to the service bulletin, these Kia Carnival vehicles may experience shock when shifting gear; diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0705 – Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Malfunction – may also be logged. To fix, an inhibitor switch bracket was to be fitted to the inhibitor switch.
Problems and faults: Kia VQ Carnival
- The Kia Carnival’s engine may run rough or hesitate and the ‘check engine’ light may illuminate due to a faulty oxygen sensor.
- The Carnival’s engine may not start – on an intermittent basis – due to an electrical problem with the instrument panel control module.
- A tapping noise may come from the engine bay when the air conditioner is running – this may be fixed by installing an improved compressor clutch and hub.
- A buzzing noise from the fuel pump may require the use of a plastic zip-tie to secure the pump.
- Noises from the front suspension when driving on rough roads may be due to faulty strut mounts.
- If the gearshift cannot be moved out of part, the interlock module may have failed and require replacement.
- If the CD changer malfunctions or does not play, load or eject, the audio system needs to be reset.
