Read also:
fisher and paykel fabricsmart 10kg review aldi bauhn 32 lcd tv review organi manuka honey peel ebay sauber intelligence si-200 espressotoria coffee capsule machine review hortico weed killer for buffalo lawns anko espresso coffee machine review
Kia Carnival KV (1999-2006) (page 2 of 5)
WpgMbAU
Very good minivan, I like it
I have 2005 model, bought it new. Carnival in Europe <==> Sedona in North America.
Now it has almost 130,000Km.
30% of it have done on highways cross country.
It's stylish, good looking vehicle - both interior and exterior.
Engine is powerful enough and torque is good. There is no delay between you accelerate it and it actually goes (I had such bad experience with Dodge minivans) - KIA reacts immediately, I love how it acts. Good on winter roads.
One of the best thing - very easy handling on highspeed and very comfortable for long dri...Read more
ve (I used to drive up to 1400Km at one shot and have said many thanks to KIA for so comfortable for long drive vehicle). Also it very stable on high speed on a road of any kind. RPM at 100Km - 1900-2000; at 110 - around 2200, not more; at 115 - 2200-2300;
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Engine has life expectancy of only 80 to 90,000ks
Very nice interior and body, engine do not buy unless a mechanic.
Mate bought one and head gasket blew and cooked the engine at 90,000 he bought it from a dealer at 89,500. STAY AWAY !!!!!!!!!!!! unless you like spending money on pointless crap. Money better invested in a toyota or something more reliable.
Cheap and leather interior
Every thing mechanical
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Grandmother. SydneyMELBOURNE
Engine blow up problems
On November 22nd, 2011 we purchased Kia Carnival 2004 second hand. We wanted a car that would be very reliable, safe and roadworthy. Unfortunately, while my husband checked positive reviews for this car, he did not explore any reviews indicating possible problems with the car. If only!
We could not afford a brand new car so chose our Kia Carnival because of the relative newness of the model (12-04) and low mileage 69,015 km, and the above positive reviews. We paid $12,999 dollars for the car. The car yard gave us a 3 month or 5000 kilometre ...Read more
warranty (whichever comes first) upon purchase of the car. Over the past 4 and a half months the car has only been driven an additional 3,847 kilometres (it has now clocked only 73,057km) as I work in the city and often use public transport for work purposes. Of course, we now find ourselves just outside the dealer warranty period, and issues with the warranty itself, as it does not cover for complete engine replacement and has limited cover only for all parts (something the dealer failed to declare to us) When driving from Canberra to Bega the engine of the car broke down with no compression, while I was driving with my daughter and granddaughter on an isolated country road. There was no indication from the car indicator panel that the temperature of the car was high or any oil problems or anything! In fact the fluid levels and timing belts were fine. Within under 0.2km the car began to make a whirring type of sound, and immediately lost power, a smell of burning and then smoke from under the bonnet. I pulled over to the side of the road. Fortunately there were no cars behind us which could have resulted in an accident due to the engine failure; and we were lucky that the car broke down where it was, and not further along which would have brought us to driving down a winding mountainside road. We are now up for the cost of a replacement engine (anywhere between $5,000 - $8,000) and other associated costs (towing, trucking to Sydney, fitting of engine). A Kia representative, while sympathetic, has told us, that for any support to come from Kia, then the car must have all services completed and recorded in the log book by registered Kia mechanics. A warning for buying a second hand Kia Carnival as we did. This has definitely been a learning lesson on what NOT to buy, and what must be carefully checked before buying – our fault for not being careful enough prior to purchasing the car. Kia cars have not earnt our ringing endorsement, and the whole experience (now having to replace an engine so early in the ownership, with no support from Kia Australia or the dealer) has left a sour taste. Grandmother. Sydney Faulty engine - There was no indication from the car indicator panel that the temperature of the car was high or any oil problems or anything! In fact the fluid levels and timing belts were fine. Within under 0.2km the car began to make a whirring type of sound, and immediately lost power, a smell of burning and then smoke from under the bonnet.
2 comments
Yeap, I just had the same problem. the engine run fine. but, when I was at the traffic light, the engine was shaking. I went home. the next day, I just start the engine & heard a funny engine noise & ... Read more
then the engine stop. I tried to restart but the engine won't turn. has an handyman I start to look for the problem. I use a torque key to turn the engine from the front timing. I couldn't turn it either way. so, I decide to strip the engine starting from the head. big job so little room to work. once I took the head some valves was broken & I notice the 6th cylinder has a quake like a L shape & the piston is very low I think the piston arm has broken. now after a few story on the net. Kia motor was or still build in a poor condition. this I think it will bring a bad reputation. so, if some one thinking to buy a Kia I will say forget about it. It will cost me between 5k to 10k to replace the engine. so, I decide to forget about it & look for a better car. charm on you kia :(:(:(Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Find out how Kia Carnival KV (1999-2006) compares to other People Movers
Know better, choose better.
dadfixthisQueensland, 4519
- 2 reviews
- 3 likes
Bad
Model Year: 2004.
Major engine work at 17,000k's due to coolant entering the oil through the head gasket.
Religously changed the oil and filter every 10,000k's.
175,000k's: blown head gasket. Coolant disappeared into the engine to mix with the oil and now the engine is toast. Quotes to fix it range from "we won't touch it" to $5,000+.
It's not just the early years that suffer from the engine problems.
Nice windscreen wipers...
Not much power unless you rev the hell out of it.
2 comments
Just reading peoples comments as we have a 2005 model that has blown a heat gasket for the second time. We have had it for 2 1/2 years and bought it with only 48000 on the clock. Are being told it nee... Read more
ds a new engine $8-9000 to replace. Problem is the first time it blew a head gasket was before we even had it in our driveway. When the dealer was delivering it to us (we live 4 hrs from where we bought it) it broke down and they had to tow it back to the yard and 'fixed it'. Are still under warranty but they are refusing to help as we did miss the 60000 km service. Believe we have been sold a $20000 dud and are thinking bout going to fair trading???Yep, I would try the Department of Fair Trading!
The motor industry must be aware of the Kia Carnivals, as so many of them have your/mine specific engine problem. ... Read more
I just gave up...it was simply too much hassle to repair and no-one is going to guarantee their work. But it was only that type of motor. The new Kia Carnivals have a completely different engine. No more problems that I'm aware of. I'm sorry that you may have been taken advantage of. I wish you all the best getting satisfaction out of the Department of Fair Trading.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Louise BreslinCANBERRA
Worst car I ever bought in my entire life.
Bought the Kia Carnival in 2002. The first engine died in 2004 and Kia replaced it as it was still under warranty. The second engine came with a 6 month warranty or 20,000km. That engine died after 8 months ( 30000km) Kia refused to help and, as it was obvious it had similiar problems to the first engine, I couldn't afford the $16,000 to replace it!! I was devastated and left broke. Worst still, nobody at Kia returned my calls, e-mails or letters. They didn't want to know me.
Thw warranty etc.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
tcjae10Australia, 2430
- 36 reviews
- 4 likes
So easy to drive
I learnt to drive in my parents Kia Carnival and I found it so easy! With power steering, air conditioning, 7 seats (the back row of seats able to fold away or be removed). I am currently looking for one myself. It has four anchor hooks for car seats or to hold your groceries. The air conditioner is able to be adjusted from the middle row of seats. Fold out trays for the middle row of seats, with cup holders in the front seat and in the trays.
Reliable, efficient, and easy to drive
Nothing I can think of?
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Great car
We have a 2004 carnival. It's great. Heaps of power. We even tow an 18' caravan with no probs!
Gear box is a bit clunky on the changes. We have a 2004 carnival. It's great. Heaps of power. We even tow an 18' caravan with no probs!
Gear box is a bit clunky on the changes.
Room! And a willing donkey. No problems
Gearbox is very clunky on the changes
1 comment
Hi Craig and Narelle, I have a 2005 Carnival and didn't think it would be up to towing my new 17 1/2 foot caravan. I was considering buying a 4WD even though I know the Carnival has a 2000kg tow capac... Read more
ity. How does your Carnival handle on the road and do you have to flog it to get it moving? Thanks. Jason.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
aus_snake2000
- 5 reviews
Excellent
Nice car for a family, comfortable to drive and ride in. Great looking car with all modern features. The whole family can enjoy riding in this one a good choice for a family car.
Great car for the medium size family (like mine).
Comfortable to drive and ride in. Easy to park and get in and out of tight spots.
Nothing bad
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Jurlique_Max
- 11 reviews
Good
I needed a people mover and for price this was by far my best option. At first I was not keen on Kia at all but it has won me over. Room for the twin pram, 5 kids, 4 child seat, 2 adults and luagge for a week. So it does a great job for what its for. I have the extra air bags fitted too.
There is a couple of blind spots you need to be aware of but once use to them its very easy to drive.
It fits 5 children - 4 still in child seats really well. We had a DVD installed and its fantastic for driving with the kids. Seat arrangement is very fl...Read more
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Find out how Kia Carnival KV (1999-2006) compares to other People Movers
Know better, choose better.
Excellent
Mine one is MY04. Auto. After 1 week I purchased (only 130km on clock ). I drove it from Melb to Qld and return in 2 weeks time. Over 5000kms. It was 4 yrs ago. The car still like new with no problem at all. A/c and heater are excellent. Thought it only done 36000kms.
Comfortable. We get what we pay for.
The DVD player has no sound. (either the infra red headset or the DVD itself).Really thirsty in petrol.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
whildantics
- 2 reviews
Good
you would need to be extremely careful when purchasing a pre 2005 model, the 7 seater is definately better than 8 seater, allowing to walk through to back row. and the long wheel base in the 8 seater with the seats that fold into the floor are amazing!!! the kids love it, i love it, having 2 couples travel comfortably on holidays and removing the back row of seats to hold luggage is great! love the seperate air cons too. I wouldn't drive another car, we have 3 children, but even with only 2, i'd drive it just for the convenience of having the e...Read more
xtra room for friends and unexpected school pick ups. a must for any family, big or small. love the room, that i can walk up the back to check seat belts and secure children. i love the cabin seats in the middle row, the mirrors in the visar, the cup holders in the back row with two sizes, fits the tupperware drink bottles perfectly! i know there has been alot of negative feedback for the pre2003 models, i have a 2001, i bought it seconhand, it had a new engine put in by Kia for the previous owner and in the 2 years i haven't had a single thing wrong with it. I find it easier to park than our magna, and i can see more of the road being higher up, manual great on fuel with 550 - 575km per tank light to medium traffic.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Zaf.AU
DON'T even TOUCH IT!!!!!! JUST RUN!!!!!
Unfortunately I had to give it one star. It just kinda looks good. And that's about it!!! The fact that the engine keeps blowing up is a disaster. It should never happen these days. As stated from other peoples experiences many other headaches to come. Sad thing is, I can't sell it privately knowing it will be a nightmare for someone else. Kia should be shot for this.
Seats come out & replace real easy. not much else really.
Engine of Mass Destrucion! I've only had it for 4 months and got stuck on the freeway about midnight. Head gasket went ...Read more
6 comments
I think your vehicle just a 'lemon', unfortunately. Sad but not regular case as well as I know about KIA Sedona/Carnival 2005
Lemon? You are kidding me?
In Australia, we had the 2.5 L Rover KV6 engine. In North America, you had a different 3.5 litre V6. ... Read more
The main problem is not usually with the vehicle; the Rover engine is rubbish. You can't compare a North American Sedona with an Australian Carnival.Sorry, I was thinking that Sedona <--> Carnival absolutely _identical_ vehicles with the marketing name difference only. My mistake.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
brandyGreater Melbourne (Inner), VIC
- 17 reviews
Excellent
Great value for money family car. Loads of room. Just as fuel efficient today as when new. Comfortable and not noisy like some people movers or vans.
Love the dual sliding doors - makes loading and unloading easier (whether it be people or cargo). Reliable. Does not cost a fortune to run/maintain.
Fits 7 people comfortable. Inexpensive to service. Fuel efficient. Has never broken down. Have had it since 2001 (2001 model) from new and is still going strong. Value for money. Spacious and drives like a car (anyone who has owned or dr...Read more
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Terrible
Read the Kia complaints corner before you even look at these cars!! Do yourself and your family a favour and stay away from these cars.
Thought we would be able to rely on this car for more than 18 months!!
Overcooked engine. Common problem in Kia carnvals of this era although Kia will try to deny it. Do not buy a carnval or anything in the kia range. Have joined the hundreds of unhappy Kia Carnival owners with dead kia in the garage that no one wants to touch!!
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
ameski
- 2 reviews
- 1 like
Terrible
I bought this car as I needed a 7 seater and this was the most affordable for this age.
3 days after I bought it It broke down quite dramatically with smoke bellowing from under the bonnet.
After 2 weeks I got it back with a new engine, this time it lasted a week before the temperature went through the roof and it stalled and would not start. I was told it need new hoses.
It then went for about 3 weeks when exactly the same thing happened. This time I was told it needed a new radiator cap as it was low on water so must have a leek.
When I ...Read more
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Find out how Kia Carnival KV (1999-2006) compares to other People Movers
Know better, choose better.
Terrible
still looking to get one? well dont. these have alloy blocks with steal cylinder sleeves, the problem is that the seal between these two fail and you end up with oil and coolant mixing together and thats the start of the problems.the problem here is, is that you cannot simply rebuild the engine as the same thing will happen again, you need to have these blocks modifyed by installing another way to make the seal beween the block and sleeve work. another problem these have is that their camshafts cease causing the motor to self destruct. my advis...Read more
e to those looking to get a large car, stay away from kia's. and to those out there who have one make sure you never get them hotter then normal and keep replacing engine oil every 7000km .good luck people are giving them away. why? because all these 2.5 litre v6 engines have an design flaw, which is FATAL!! i bought a 2004 model after reading a RAA report believeing that kia had fixed its problems after 2002. mine lasted three weeks before packing up. kia didn't want to know about it and we were up for $8000 to have it fixed.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Terrible
KIA should refund anyones money that brought a car from 1999-2005 thats engine had died. because there is clearly a problem with them.
i liked the fact that it had plenty of room to check seat belts...
i brought it from ebay for $2000 i thought i was getting a bargin little did i know it was going to cost me $10,000 to fix it. $5,000 for the motor, $1,300 parts,and $3,500 in labour.engine started playing up again so we had to sell it... All up we paid $12,000 and we had to sell it for a low price of $6,500.Then the new owner rings us 1 month after the warrenty finished complaining that the engine just blew up and kia wont do anything about it..
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
OK
Very dissapointed in the engine and service from Kia spare and dealers.I`m very much in love with my car, but the engine need an overall again.
very spacious,nice family car
engine failure long before 100 000km
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Terrible
Very disappointed with Kia have warned my frinds not to buy a kia rating is well below 1 a -5
Very roomy
everything, cant afford to buy a new one, so have to go without car and rely on husbands car. Second hand car yards should not be able to sell them if they now the problems they have. Had no problems with car until I had it for 5 months then the problems started. Brought it with only 88000km and only have done 9000km.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Terrible
needed a new engine after 66 000 km! Pathetic cannot get it fixed by Kia motors because it's out of warranty never buy kia
Pathetic
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Questions & Answers
Janelle B.asked
How much would it cost to replace oil pump in 2005 kia carnival
No answers
Jungleasked
Just replaced the idle air control valve on my 2004 Carnival LS. when I started it the motor ran smoothly. after about 2 mins it started to drop revs & miss so I removed the IAC & MAF connectors. This killed motor. I reconnected the two plugs then tried to start motor again but will not start. I have no taco or spark from the coils. I hope the repairs are not expensive as I can't afford it on the pension. Thank you in advance, Denis.
Robertasked
I have a Ls carnvial 2005 starts fine idles fine but when u go to drive it has a miss and a surge under load when u on open road in 4 and 5th gear it runs fine any clues
No answers
ieatwords.com.au has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence our content moderation policies in any way, though ieatwords.com.au may earn commissions for products/services purchased via affiliate links.
A Pires
This is exactly what occurred to our KIA Carnival and the exact unsympathetic response from KIA. Don't buy a new engine.