What the source says
The documented condition
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.
Consequence identified by NHTSA
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Campaign 23V179000; report received 2023-03-17. Source checked 2026-10-18.
Source component: TRAILER HITCHES
Compare the pattern
Symptoms and vehicle scope
Condition described by NHTSA
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.
Vehicles and limits
- NHTSA model names: CARNIVAL. Model years: 2022, 2023.
- NHTSA campaign 23V179000
- The complete campaign lists 3,555 potentially affected units across all listed vehicles.
- A make, model and year match does not establish VIN eligibility.
Manufacturer position
What the official procedure directs
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.
Mileage context
Safety recall eligibility is based on the VIN and campaign scope, not ordinary warranty mileage. Check the complete VIN even when the vehicle is outside its original warranty.
Original evidence
Open the documents behind this record.
NHTSA safety recall · 23V179000 · 2023-03-17
NHTSA campaign 23V179000
Official component, defect, consequence and remedy; checked 2026-10-18.
Repair paths and safe checks
Match the action to the evidence.
Official recall 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.
Confirm VIN eligibility and current remedy instructions with the manufacturer.
Check the complete VIN
Check the 17-character VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls and ask the manufacturer whether this campaign remains open for the vehicle.
The model-year list is not proof that an individual vehicle is affected.
Record reviewed in the source on 2026-10-18. Confirm the current document and VIN instructions before arranging work.
How we check a problem · All records for the 2023 Kia Carnival