Kia Carnival Gen 3 Review: Complete Minivan Guide

The third-generation Kia Carnival is a spacious and practical minivan that has gained popularity in the international market. Despite not being officially sold in some regions, it has become available on the secondary market and attracts buyers' attention due to its attractive price-to-quality ratio.

History and Model Positioning

The third generation of the Kia Carnival debuted in April 2014. The Korean manufacturer focused on the US, Australian, and several Asian markets, where minivans with 7-9 or 11 seating capacity were in particularly high demand. Naturally, the model was also offered in the home market of South Korea, which subsequently became the main source of used vehicles of this model.

Production of the third generation continued until the second half of 2020, when the fourth-generation model replaced it. During production, the vehicle underwent a light update in 2018, which affected some technical aspects but did not drastically change the model's appearance.

Technical Specifications and Engines

The choice of powertrains for the third-generation Kia Carnival is quite modest but practical. Buyers were offered two main options:

D4HB 2.2 Diesel Engine

The inline four-cylinder diesel engine with a 2.2-liter displacement represents a popular choice among minivan buyers. This unit is distinguished by good torque and fuel economy, which is especially important for a large family vehicle.

G6 DAH/G6 DM 3.3 Gasoline Engine

The V-shaped six-cylinder gasoline engine with a 3.3-liter displacement from the Lambda family provides more dynamic driving. After the 2018 facelift, the G6 DAH engine was replaced with the practically identical G6 DM, which differed only in compliance with higher Euro-6 environmental standards.

Transmission

All Carnival versions were equipped exclusively with front-wheel drive. Before the facelift, a six-speed hydromechanical transmission from the A6 family was installed, and after the 2018 update, it was replaced by a more modern eight-speed automatic transmission from the A8 family.

Diesel Engine Features and Maintenance

The D4HB diesel engine, despite its reliability, requires careful attention to environmental systems. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system raises the most questions and may require attention at around 50,000 kilometers.

A characteristic problem is the appearance of error P0404 related to the EGR system. This error indicates problems with the sensor or recirculation system valve. Not always have the components actually failed - often it's sufficient to conduct thorough cleaning of the unit to restore normal operation.

Urea Injection System (AdBlue)

After the facelift, diesel versions received an exhaust gas neutralization system using AdBlue reagent. This system requires regular replenishment of special fluid and can be sensitive to the quality of the reagent used.

Crankshaft Pulley

An important element requiring attention during diesel engine operation is the crankshaft pulley. Its service life averages 120-140 thousand kilometers. At critical wear, the pulley may split into two parts, so it's recommended to replace it when extraneous sounds appear in the engine compartment from the belt drive side.

Intake System and Turbocharging

Pipes from the turbocharger to the engine through the intercooler may crack and slip off over time. Cracks can also form in the intercooler itself. The GTB 1752 VLX turbine has good reliability and rarely fails, mainly due to insufficient oil quantity or inappropriate oil quality.

Chain Drive Timing and Fuel System

The timing chain drive, including two chains, is quite reliable and rarely requires replacement before 200,000 kilometers. At approximately the same mileage, it's recommended to conduct preventive replacement of the high-pressure fuel pump, which begins to produce metal shavings harmful to the entire fuel system as it wears.

Injectors with quality diesel fuel and timely maintenance can serve more than 200,000 kilometers. It's important to remember the need to replace heat-resistant thermal washers under the injectors every 100,000 kilometers.

Features of G6 DH and G6 DM Gasoline Engines

The G6 DH and G6 DM gasoline engines from the Lambda family are practically identical and have similar problems. A surprising feature of these modern engines is the absence of hydraulic compensators, which requires valve clearance adjustment every 90,000 kilometers at a service station.

Carbon Buildup Problem

Like many direct injection engines, Lambda family engines are prone to intensive carbon buildup on intake valves. This phenomenon can manifest as unstable idle speed, impaired dynamics, jerking during acceleration, and other unpleasant symptoms.

When such signs appear, it's necessary to immediately contact a service center, since delay can lead to serious breakdowns up to engine failure. Carbon has poor thermal conductivity, leading to impaired heat removal and increased component temperatures. Aluminum engines are particularly sensitive to overheating.

Oil Consumption

Engines are prone to increased oil consumption related to piston ring sticking. Although appetites are not excessive, lubricant consumption by the end of the service interval can reach noticeable values. Prevention in this case involves reducing service intervals from the traditional 15,000 kilometers to 9-10 thousand, which is also useful in the context of combating carbon buildup.

Automatic Transmissions

Six-Speed A6 Transmission

Pre-facelift versions were equipped with six-speed automatic transmissions from the A6 family. According to service center specialists, these transmissions have a characteristic problem: after 100,000 kilometers, the bolts securing the basket with friction discs begin to unscrew spontaneously.

This problem manifests as characteristic jolts and jerks at speeds around 40 km/h. The rational solution is to eliminate this malfunction with simultaneous filter replacement and assessment of the condition of gaskets, bushings, and friction discs.

Eight-Speed A8 Transmission

The eight-speed automatic from the A8 family, which equipped vehicles after the facelift, is a more modern unit. It appeared in 2016, and began to be installed on the minivan from 2018.

Early versions of these transmissions had noted problems with torque converters, which could fail at mileages from 30 to 50 thousand kilometers. However, after eliminating factory defects, these automatics showed good reliability.

An important point for preserving the eight-speed transmission's service life is preventing load on an unheated transmission. The most common malfunction is burnout of the Low/Reverse and Under Drive pack due to oil starvation when working with cold, viscous transmission fluid.

Suspension and Chassis

The Carnival's suspension doesn't cause serious complaints and requires revision only at 120-130 thousand kilometers. Usually at this distance they replace:

• Rear longitudinal arm silent blocks
• Rear toe links
• Rear and front subframe silent blocks
• Anti-roll bar bushings
• Rear spring mounts and stabilizer struts

Earlier than the specified period, approximately after the first 100 thousand kilometers, wheel bearings may require attention. It's also worth conducting revision of guides in brake calipers, which often seize and stick, leading to noticeable beating. Usually it's sufficient to thoroughly clean the guides, using new dust covers.

Body and Corrosion Protection

Since most third-generation vehicles come from other countries, **it's recommended to immediately conduct anti-corrosion treatment and install engine protection after purchase**. This will help extend body service life and protect important components from damage.

Practical Buying Tips

When choosing a used third-generation Carnival, attention should be paid to all indirect factors characterizing the real age and mileage of the vehicle. The condition of seats, interior upholstery, and some consumables can tell a lot about the vehicle's real operation.

It's hard to imagine that the owner of a vehicle with genuinely low mileage would replace the auxiliary drive belt or brake pads before sale without special necessity.

What to Pay Attention to During Inspection:

• Automatic transmission behavior (should work smoothly, without jolts and vibrations)
• Condition of diesel engine environmental systems
• Evenness of gasoline engine operation at idle
• Absence of extraneous sounds in the engine compartment
• Suspension condition and absence of beating during braking

Maintenance and Operation

To maintain the vehicle in good technical condition, it's recommended to:

1. Reduce service intervals for gasoline engines to 9-10 thousand kilometers

2. Regularly check the condition of diesel engine environmental systems

3. Not allow transmission operation in cold condition under load

4. Use quality fuel and oil

5. Timely replace consumable materials

Conclusion

The third-generation Kia Carnival represents a practical and spacious minivan that, with proper maintenance, can serve long and reliably. Despite some design features and potential problems characteristic of vehicles of this class and age, the model remains an attractive choice for families needing spacious and comfortable transportation.

The key to successful operation is careful attention to the vehicle's technical condition, regular maintenance, and timely elimination of arising malfunctions. With these conditions met, the third-generation Carnival can provide comfortable and safe operation for many years.

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