The defect
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 remedy
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.
NHTSA's own wording · initiated by MFR
Vehicles covered
| Model | Model years |
|---|---|
| Kia Carnival | 2022, 2023 |
Components: TRAILER HITCHES
Model years in this recall
NHTSA complaints and the number of recall campaigns for each model year this recall covers.
| Model | Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Carnival | 2022 | 136 | 6 |
| Kia Carnival | 2023 | 52 | 4 |
Other trailer hitches recalls in 2023
10 of the 894 recall campaigns reported to NHTSA in 2023 concerned the trailer hitches; Kia America, Inc. filed 73 campaigns in all.
| 23V629000 11 Sept 2023 | Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC |
| 23V586000 17 Aug 2023 | Grand Design RV, LLC |
| 23V529000 28 Jul 2023 | Temp-Air, a division of Sunbelt Rentals |
| 23V383000 30 May 2023 | Wabash National Corporation |
| 23V351000 18 May 2023 | REV Recreation Group |
| 23V319000 4 May 2023 | PJ Trailers |
| 23V181000 17 Mar 2023 | Hyundai Motor America |
| 23V135000 1 Mar 2023 | Mazda North American Operations |
NHTSA recalls (public domain) · all recalls of 2023