Recall 23V236 affects 51,568 2022-2023 Kia Carnival vehicles for power sliding doors that fail to auto-reverse. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
Kia is recalling 51,568 2022-2023 Carnival minivans because the power sliding door auto-reverse feature does not activate in all situations. A door that fails to reverse can close on an occupant and increase injury risk; Kia dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The power sliding door control module on the 2022-2023 Kia Carnival is the electronic controller for each powered side door. It tells the door motor when to open, when to close, and when to reverse if the door meets resistance while closing. That auto-reverse function is meant to help stop the door from continuing to close on an obstruction.
In affected Carnivals, the power sliding door software does not activate the auto-reverse feature in every situation. The hardware named in the recall is the power sliding door control module assembly, but the repair centers on updated software for that module. When the software misses the condition, the door can continue closing instead of backing away.
There is no warning sign before failure. Owners should not expect a light, message, or sound that confirms the auto-reverse feature is about to miss an obstruction.
Who's affected?
Covers the Carnival across 2 model years, with the same power sliding door control module assembly listed for both.
| 2022 Kia Carnival | body structure |
|---|---|
| 2023 Kia Carnival | body structure |
| Units affected | 51,568 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific minivan is included.
What's the safety risk?
A power sliding door that fails to auto-reverse can close on an occupant, increasing the risk of injury. There is no warning sign before this failure. Use extra care around the door until the software update is complete, especially when passengers are entering or exiting. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2022-2023 Kia Carnival is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the free power sliding door control module software update that fixes the auto-reverse issue.
- Keep hands, children, and passengers clear of the power sliding doors until the software update is complete.
- Bring the recall notice if Kia mailed one, and reference recall number 23V236 (Kia recall SC266) when you call.
- Call Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 if you need help finding a dealer or confirming the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kia technician updates the power sliding door control module software. The software update and labor are free under the recall. If you already paid for a related power sliding door repair, Kia's General Reimbursement Plan covers eligible repair expenses already incurred. Keep your paid repair paperwork and ask Kia customer service or the service desk how to submit it under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 31, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 6, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| April 6, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 28, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 28, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V236?
Recall 23V236 covers 51,568 2022-2023 Kia Carnival vehicles with power sliding doors whose auto-reverse feature does not activate in all situations. A door that does not reverse can close on an occupant, increasing injury risk. Kia dealers will update the door control module software for free.
What should I do if my 2022-2023 Kia Carnival is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Carnival is included in recall 23V236. If it is, contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the power sliding door control module software update. Reference Kia recall number SC266 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Kia's remedy says dealers will update the power sliding door control module software free of charge. You can use any franchised Kia dealer for the recall repair.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is that a power sliding door can close on an occupant instead of reversing. Kia's recall filing says this increases the risk of injury. Until the software update is completed, keep hands, arms, and passengers clear of the sliding door path.
When were owners notified about recall 23V236?
Kia mailed owner notification letters on April 28, 2023. If you own a 2022-2023 Kia Carnival and never received a letter, check your VIN anyway. Used vehicles, address changes, and missed mail can keep an owner from seeing the original notice.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V236000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 1-800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V236 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V236000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →