Carnival Owners Claim Sliding Doors Pose a Risk, Kia Responds That No Injuries Have Been Reported Yet | Carscoops

      A lawsuit alleges that the sliding doors of Kia minivans present a danger to children, but the automaker contends there have been no injuries and that the case is premature.

      Kia is requesting that a U.S. court dismiss a class-action lawsuit concerning the sliding door issue.

      The plaintiffs assert that the doors failed to respond to individuals and obstacles.

      In 2023, the company issued a recall to introduce new warning sounds and safety features.

      Kia is seeking to have a U.S. court dismiss a class-action lawsuit regarding the sliding doors of its Carnival minivan, claiming that the case is devoid of actual injuries and is based on speculative concerns. The lawsuit focuses on the 2022–2023 Kia Carnival models after years of consumer complaints highlighting issues with the power-operated doors.

      The lawsuit, initiated by Rachael and Andrew Langerhans in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, claims that the power sliding doors on their 2022 Carnival SX stopped responding to individuals and objects while closing. The plaintiffs assert that this issue began in late 2021.

      The matter first came to light due to numerous complaints and at least nine reported injuries associated with the minivan's doors. In response, Kia implemented a recall in early 2023 for the 2022 and 2023 Carnival models, updating the vehicle's software to include warning chimes when the sliding doors are in the process of opening or closing.

      However, the lawsuit, filed after the recall, contends that Kia failed to address a more significant issue: the amount of force necessary to activate the doors’ pinch sensors. The plaintiffs argue that unless this underlying problem is resolved, the doors continue to pose a risk, particularly to children.

      The suit seeks over $5 million in damages, but Kia is contesting the claim, stating that it is founded on speculation. The company asserts that the plaintiffs are urging the court to consider "hypothetical" risks, rather than actual harm, as neither they nor their children have reported any injuries resulting from the power sliding doors.

      Kia noted that the couple only expresses "concerns about the chance of the doors closing on them or their children."

      Kia further stated that "until the defect remains in the Plaintiffs’ vehicle post-recall—or at least until the Plaintiffs can plausibly present facts showing the recall is ineffective—any dispute regarding the recall is speculative."

      In its motion to dismiss, Kia also pointed out that the plaintiffs do not claim to have experienced any issues with their vehicle, leaving it unclear what damages necessitate resolution through this lawsuit.

      Ultimately, Kia argues that the lawsuit should not have been filed in court at all. When the Langerhans acquired their Carnival, they signed a binding arbitration agreement, which Kia claims prevents them from advancing the case in court. If upheld, that agreement could potentially end the case before it reaches a judge.