NHTSA Complaint #11501451 — 2023 KIA CARNIVAL

The door closing automation applies excessive force before the safety function engages to re-open. This poses a high risk to children and small adults with narrow limbs and/or the fingers of any aged person. On January 11, 2023, my 4 year old's hand was closed in the door without the door stopping or re-opening. This resulted in deep lacerations to his fingers and swelling necessitating emergency room medicine and imaging to eliminate potential of fracture. I tested this morning with the doors by opening and closing and inserting objects as well as my body to determine an approximation of closing force. Even with a full sized adult, the closing force is sufficient to move the trunk of an adult body to the side before safety mechanisms engage. Door travel continues for 2 to 3 inches before safety retraction engages. Children arms, feet, or other appendages are narrow enough that they will be impacted with the force of the mechanism in a pinching mechanic before the safety engages and allows removal of the limb. In this case, the fingers of a child closing their own door was not sufficient to activate the safety mechanism and the door closed fully, causing (thankfully) minimal injury. I have contacted Kia service this morning and will follow their directions. Internet research indicates no recall or technical service bulletin for this problem at this time.