Kia has recently issued a recall for its popular model, the Kia Carnival, due to a potential issue with the vehicle's power sliding doors. The problem lies in the doors' operation, which under certain circumstances may pose a risk to occupants, particularly those unaware of the door's closing action. The recall is active in markets such as the USA and Australia.

The concern centers around the power sliding doors' ability to automatically reverse direction when encountering an obstacle while closing. Some users have reported difficulty reversing the door's motion once it initiates the closing process.

This situation could potentially lead to injuries if an occupant attempts to enter or exit the vehicle as the door is closing. In 2021 the same model was recalled for an issue regarding the side doors accidentally sliding open. An issue which has since been fixed.

In response to this safety concern, Kia Philippines has taken a proactive approach. Their statement reads: "The Kia Philippines dealer network will contact affected owners of Carnival units found to have a minor problem in their power sliding doors, wherein the said doors could pose risk of injury to occupants unaware of the door system operating. Customers are advised to bring their units to the nearest Kia dealer for a free fix or logic upgrade. This will only take 30 to 45 minutes using Kia Diagnostic System tool."

Owners of affected Carnival units are urged to heed the recall notification promptly. Ensuring your vehicle receives this upgrade not only enhances the safety of its operation but also validates the trust you've placed in the Kia brand.

The solution involves a software upgrade carried out using the Kia Diagnostic System tool. This fix will enhance the door's operational logic, adding two warning chimes to alert occupants when the door is about to open or close.

Additionally, the upgrade will modify the door's operation, allowing it to close more slowly when approaching the fully closed position. This adjustment is aimed at reducing the risk of unexpected injuries due to the door closing. It's worth noting that the upgrade process is expected to take a minimal amount of time, estimated between 30 to 45 minutes.

The recall pertains to Carnival minivans manufactured between 4 January 2021, and 22 February 2023. While this announcement may cause some concern among Carnival owners, it's essential to note that Kia has not identified any manufacturing or design faults in relation to the issue.

The company believes the incidents may have occurred due to unawareness that the power sliding door was closing. As such, the recall is part of an effort to increase customer awareness and reinforce the safety of all Carnival occupants.

Owners of affected Carnival units are urged to heed the recall notification promptly. Ensuring your vehicle receives this upgrade not only enhances the safety of its operation but also validates the trust you've placed in the Kia brand.

With this recall, Kia Philippines underscores its commitment to customer safety and satisfaction, reminding us that even in the face of minor setbacks, the welfare of the customer remains paramount.