GROUP

MODEL

Product Improvement

2022-2026MY

Campaign

Carnival (KA4) and
2025-2026MY Carnival
Hybrid (KA4 HEV)

NUMBER

DATE

PI2602

June 2026

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN
SUBJECT:

2ND ROW SEAT (LH & RH) FOLDING
TENSION SPRING REPLACEMENT (PI2602)

This bulletin provides information to enhance the second-row seatback recliner mechanism to dampen the
motion of the manual seatback angle adjustment during the operation on certain 2022-2026MY Carnival
(KA4) produced from 1/4/2021 through 4/14/2026 and certain 2025-2026MY Carnival Hybrid (KA4 HEV)
vehicles produced from 5/21/2024 through 4/8/2026. To aid in the manual adjustment of the outboard
second-row seatback in the subject vehicles, the seats are equipped with recliner springs that work in
conjunction with a user-controlled seatback angle lever or walk-in lever. This seatback motion is controlled by
the user to achieve their desired seat position. To improve usability, Kia has developed a newly designed
second-row seatback recliner spring that will dampen the motion of the manual second-row seatback angle
adjustment. (Note: Only the second-row outboard seats are affected. The second-row center seat, if equipped,
is excluded from this campaign.) Follow the procedure outlined in this publication to replace the second-row
seat folding tension springs on the applicable vehicle. Before conducting the procedure, verify that the vehicle
is included in the list of affected VINs.

 NOTICE
A Product Improvement Campaign is a repair program with customer notification. There is no
charge to the vehicle owner for this repair.
Repair status for a VIN is provided on KDealer+ (Service → Warranty Coverage → Warranty
Coverage Inquiry → Campaign Information). Not completed Recall / Service Action reports are
available on KDealer+ (Consumer Affairs → Not Completed Recall → Recall VIN → Select Report),
which includes a list of affected vehicles.

A printed copy is for reference only; publication information can be updated at any time.
Always refer to KGIS for the latest information. After logging in kdealer.com, the newest technical
publications are listed in ‘Service Releases’ and has the latest service information that has been released.
Kia America, Inc. Confidential

Page 2 of 11
SUBJECT:

2ND ROW SEAT (LH & RH) FOLDING TENSION SPRING REPLACMENT (PI2602)

Seat Folding/Tension Spring Orientation: (Before and After Installation)
IMPORTANT: The ‘new’ inner tension springs are larger in diameter and must be installed in the
opposite orientation (refer to the table below). The ‘new’ outer tension springs for 7 & 8-Passenger
seats are also larger in diameter and are color coordinated blue for 7-Passenger models and yellow
for 8-passenger model applications.

7-Passenger (Equipped with Outer & Inner Arms Rest)
Left Rear - 2nd. Row Seat

Right Rear - 2nd/ Row Seat

Outer Before

Inner Before

Inner Before

Outer Before

Outer Blue After

Inner After

Inner After

Outer Blue After

8-Passenger (Equipped with Outer Arm Rest Only)
Left Rear - 2nd. Row Seat

Right Rear - 2nd/ Row Seat

Outer Before

Inner Before

Inner Before

Outer Before

Outer Yellow After

Inner After

Inner After

Outer Yellow After

Printed document copy is for reference only; information may be updated at any time. Always refer to KGIS for the latest information.

TSB: PI2602 Carnival (KA4) and Carnival Hybrid (KA4 HEV) June 2026
Kia America, Inc. Confidential

Page 3 of 11
SUBJECT:

2ND ROW SEAT (LH & RH) FOLDING TENSION SPRING REPLACMENT (PI2602)

Repair Procedure:
1.

Remove both rear (left and right side) 2nd row
seat assemblies (A) by referring to “Body
(Interior and Exterior) → Rear Seat → Rear Seat
Assembly → Removal and Installation” in the
applicable Shop Manual on KGIS.
Note: Place the seat assembly on a clean
table top during the procedure, with the
seat back in the upright position.

2.

Using a pick tool, remove the outer seat
reclining lever cap (B).

3.

Remove the upper seat recliner lever assembly
(C) by looseing the two (2) retaining screws.

Printed document copy is for reference only; information may be updated at any time. Always refer to KGIS for the latest information.

TSB: PI2602 Carnival (KA4) and Carnival Hybrid (KA4 HEV) June 2026
Kia America, Inc. Confidential

Page 4 of 11
SUBJECT:

4.

2ND ROW SEAT (LH & RH) FOLDING TENSION SPRING REPLACMENT (PI2602)
Remove the lower seat recliner lever assembly
(D) by looseing the one (1) retaining screws.

5.

Remove the outer shield cover (E) by loosening
the retaining screw, then pulling the rear
portion outward first and sliding the cover
forward to detach it from the seat frame.

6.

Turn the seat around (right side).

7.

Gently remove cover (F) using a small flathead
screwdriver or non-marring tool.
Note: Located next to the seat buckle/inner
seat side.

8.

Remove the inner shield cover (G) by pulling
the rear part out first and then forward to
detach it from the seat frame.
Note: The seat belt location side is the inner
seat working area.

Printed document copy is for reference only; information may be updated at any time. Always refer to KGIS for the latest information.

TSB: PI2602 Carnival (KA4) and Carnival Hybrid (KA4 HEV) June 2026
Kia America, Inc. Confidential

Page 5 of 11
SUBJECT:

2ND ROW SEAT (LH & RH) FOLDING TENSION SPRING REPLACMENT (PI2602)

 NOTICE
Pay close attention to the orientation
of the strap. During reassembly, it
should not be twisted or face reverse.

9.

Temporarily reinstall the lower seat recliner
lever, without the retaining screw, and place
the seatback in the folded position.

10.

Starting from the outer side of the seat, loosen
the sub-arm retaining nut (H), then rotate the

Outer Side

sub-arm (I) downward as shown.

11.

Mark the existing tension spring (J) with a
marker to prevent it from being confused with
the replacement spring.

12.

Using a zip tie (K), hook it onto the curved end
of the tension spring (J), then pull outward to
detach the spring end from the retaining tab.

13.

Remove the existing marked outer tension
spring and discard.

Printed document copy is for reference only; information may be updated at any time. Always refer to KGIS for the latest information.

TSB: PI2602 Carnival (KA4) and Carnival Hybrid (KA4 HEV) June 2026
Kia America, Inc. Confidential

Page 6 of 11
SUBJECT:

2ND ROW SEAT (LH & RH) FOLDING TENSION SPRING REPLACMENT (PI2602)

14.

Turn the seat around to the inner seat side.

15.

Using a pick tool, release one end of the two

Inner Side

(2) sub-arm mechanism springs (L & M).

16.

Mark the existing inner tension spring (N) and
attachment location using a marker.

17.

Using a zip tie (K), hook it onto the curved end
of the tension spring (N), then pull outward to
detach the spring end from the retaining tab.
Note: The existing tension spring CANNOT
be removed at this time, allow it to remain
without tension. The existing inner spring

The existing inner spring hook attachment
area was marked with a red marker.

hook attachment is marked with a red line.
18.

Reattach the lower seat recliner lever (D) from
Step 4, then place the seatback in the upright
position.

19.

Detach the inner seat recliner cable (O) from
the bracket (P).
Note: Be sure to note the ‘before’ inserted
facing orientation of the cable hook end.

20.

Remove the inner sub-arm retaining nut (Q).

21.

Remove the inner seat recliner cover retaining
screw (R).

Printed document copy is for reference only; information may be updated at any time. Always refer to KGIS for the latest information.

TSB: PI2602 Carnival (KA4) and Carnival Hybrid (KA4 HEV) June 2026
Kia America, Inc. Confidential

Page 7 of 11
SUBJECT:

22.

2ND ROW SEAT (LH & RH) FOLDING TENSION SPRING REPLACMENT (PI2602)
Pull the inner seat recliner cover (S) outward
to allow access/view into the inner recliner
rod mechanism.

23.

Locate the shaft locking ‘E-clip’ (T) and remove
it using a pick tool.

24.

Pull out the sub-arm (U), then slide the entire
shaft assembly out of the seat recliner
mechanism.

25.

Remove the existing marked inner tension
spring (N) and discard.

INNER RECLINER TENSION SPRING INSTALLATION
LH (Driver) Seat Sample: Inner and outer tension springs shown for reference.

INNER
Spring

INNER
Spring

OUTER
Spring

Reverse the orientation of
the Inner Tension Spring.