2000 Kia Carnival LS review from Australia and New Zealand

The usual problems associated with this model.

Now on 3rd Engine!

We purchased the vehicle new in 2000 and had only a few minor problems, which were attended to under warranty. The sliding chrome door handles deteriorated so that when you pulled the handle to open, the chrome cut into your fingers as it was so sharp. These were replaced. Our real problems started at just over 60,000 when the car was towed to the dealer and we were advised it needed new engine. The vehicle was 4 years old and therefore out of warranty. I was without the vehicle for 10 weeks, without a courtesy vehicle from Kia. Kia did cover this under warranty. 30,000kms later the vehicle just stopped in my garage. It was towed to an auto electrician as we thought it had something to do with the starter motor. Can you imagine our surprise when it was then towed into our Kia dealer again for yet another new engine. I was concerned, but the dealer said Kia would cover this under warranty also. This time Kia supplied me with a courtesy vehicle (funny that). The vehicle was returned to me just prior to Christmas. I had only been driving it for 2 days when it had to be towed again. This time the vehicle lost power as we were driving on a busy highway. One of the drive belts had shredded rendered the vehicle useless. This was also repaired under warranty - or so I was led to believe. Since our return from Christmas Holidays I have received a bill for $7,700+ for the new engine from the dealer. Obviously I have no intention of paying this and am currently waiting to hear from Kia/Ateco as to their intentions. I know I'm not alone with this problem and have spoken to three other Kia owners recently with similar experiences. We also heard the story about the Rover engine. We also know other people who have experienced engine problems in later models, although Kia would have us believe the engine problems were only with models between 1999 and March 2003. Yeah Right.