NHTSA safety recall

Recall 23V179000 · manufacturer campaign SC265

Trailer Hitches — Kia · reported 17 Mar 2023 · 3,555 vehicles potentially affected

⚠️ Park Outside advisory. NHTSA and the manufacturer advise owners of affected vehicles to park them outdoors and away from buildings until this recall is repaired.

What's wrong

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Carnival vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Water accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.

The risk

A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

The fix

Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and verify whether the vehicle is equipped with a Genuine Kia accessory trailer tow hitch assembly. If equipped, dealers will install a new fuse and wire extension kit. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 16, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC265.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

NHTSA campaign
23V179000
Manufacturer campaign
SC265
Filed by
Kia America, Inc.
Report received
17 Mar 2023
Owners notified
16 May 2023
Potentially affected
3,555

Vehicles covered by this recall

Whether a particular car is affected and still unrepaired depends on its VIN — a model year being listed does not mean every car of that year is included. Check any VIN free on CarLogs, or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

2022 Kia Carnival 2023 Kia Carnival

Is this car's recall fixed?

Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer, for the life of the vehicle. A CarLogs report shows the recall status for a specific VIN as reported by the manufacturer — whether it's open or repaired, and whether the fix is available yet.

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall database. Look up another campaign →