NHTSA safety recall National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Kia Carnival recall: Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the fuel pipe and fuel rail

Recall published 7 months ago

Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the fuel pipe and fuel rail.

The hazard: Fuel leak or fire risk

This campaign concerns a fire or fuel-leak risk, the one vehicle hazard that can harm you while nobody is driving the car.

What the notice says: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.

Why it matters: The vehicle may leak fuel, or a component may overheat enough to start a fire. Several of these campaigns involve a fire risk while the vehicle is parked and switched off, which is why the parking instructions matter.

Recall details

Recall number
26V232000
Published
April 10, 2026
Risk level
NHTSA safety recall
Status
Open safety recall
Issued by
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Brand
Kia
Product type
Fuel System, Gasoline
Distribution
Nationwide
Vehicles
Kia Carnival
Lot / code info
NHTSA campaign number 26V232000

Products covered by this recall

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Carnival vehicles. Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the fuel pipe and fuel rail.

Vehicles in this campaign

Check your product

The notice names 1 code you can read straight off the package. Type the one printed on yours and the list below narrows to it.

Vehicle

Match this against the make and model on your registration.

  • Carnival

Codes are lifted verbatim from the NHTSA — Vehicle safety recalls notice. A code that is missing here may still be covered — the official notice is the complete list.

What to do about Fuel / fire

Kia — This campaign concerns a fire or fuel-leak risk, the one vehicle hazard that can harm you while nobody is driving the car.

  1. Read the risk note above carefully. If it says to park outdoors and away from buildings, do that tonight — the fire can start with the engine off and the key indoors.
  2. If you smell fuel, see a leak under the car or notice smoke or a burning smell, stop driving it and have it towed.
  3. Park away from the house, the garage and other vehicles until the repair is finished, and do not leave it charging unattended if it is electric.
  4. Keep the repair order the dealer hands you. It is your proof the campaign was closed out, and it matters at resale.

Costs, reimbursement and your rights

The repair itself is free. What people most often miss is that money already spent can frequently be claimed back.

  • If you paid for the same repair out of pocket before the recall was announced, ask the manufacturer for reimbursement. Carmakers must run a reimbursement plan for pre-notification repairs; you will need the original invoice.
  • Towing is normally covered where the vehicle is unsafe to drive, and loaner cars or rental reimbursement are often available on long parts delays. Neither is usually offered unless you ask.
  • A dealer may not charge a diagnostic, inspection or shop-supplies fee for recall work. If one appears on the estimate, query it before you sign.
  • If a dealer refuses the repair, delays it unreasonably or tries to bill you, complain to the manufacturer’s customer line, then to NHTSA. Those complaints are logged against the campaign.

Remedy named in the notice: Dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the fuel pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC368. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 24, 2026.

Company contact: Kia America, Inc.

The official notice

This page summarises a notice published by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The agency notice is the authoritative version — read it before you act, and treat it as the final word if anything here looks different.

Open the NHTSA — Vehicle safety recalls record National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recalls

Questions people ask about this recall

Why was Kia fuel system, gasoline recalled?

Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the fuel pipe and fuel rail. A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.

How do I know if I have the recalled product?

The notice does not publish package codes for this recall. Compare the product name, size and the purchase window against the official NHTSA — Vehicle safety recalls record, and contact the company if you are unsure.

What should I do with it right now?

Read the risk note above carefully. If it says to park outdoors and away from buildings, do that tonight — the fire can start with the engine off and the key indoors.

Can I get my money back?

The notice says: Dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the fuel pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC368. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 24, 2026.

Does the repair cost me anything?

No. Safety recall repairs are performed free of charge at a franchised dealer for as long as the campaign is open, whether or not the vehicle is still under warranty.

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