Woman Buys New 2024 Kia Carnival. Now She's Posting This Video as a 'Cry For Help' After Being Forced Into a $500 Rental

"Brand new van with the windows open so that we don't die."

Photo by: isabellaelaineavery & CarExpert

By: JT Wilson

Aug 2, 2025 at 9:00am ET

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What would you do if your year-old, $50,000 family vehicle became a health hazard? One Arizona mother is fighting back against what she calls a dangerous design flaw in her near-new Kia Carnival.

On June 19, TikTok user Isabella Avery (@isabelleelaineavery) initially posted what she described as "a cry for help" after experiencing ongoing exhaust fume issues with her 2024 Kia Carnival.

In a July 29 follow-up video, she announces a major development: She's retained a Lemon Law attorney and qualified for both state and federal lemon law protection.

The Original Problem

Avery says in the first video that she bought the vehicle brand-new from “Kia Scottsdale” in October 2023. According to her, the car began showing problems almost immediately.

There is no dealership called “Kia Scottsdale,” so there's no way to be sure where she bought the Carnival with further information, but there is a Kia dealership in the city. Motor1 reached out to that dealership and Avery for comment. We'll update this if either responds.

She says that problems have been recurring. “Ever since I've purchased this vehicle, every time the car gets hot, even if the engine temperature gauge is only at halfway.”

Avery adds, “Anytime the car gets hot or the outside is hot, which I live in Arizona, by the way, where it gets to 115 consistently, the car throws straight gas fumes and exhaust into the cabin.”

It’s not just uncomfortable—she thinks that it's potentially life-threatening for her family of seven.

"I know for me and my husband, it gives us headaches, it makes us dizzy, and it makes us feel sick. So I can't imagine, like, how my kids are feeling when they're experiencing this," she continues, describing how her children, ranging from one to nine years old, are regularly exposed to the fumes.

The symptoms her family reportedly experiences are consistent with carbon monoxide or hydrocarbon exposure, both serious health risks.

"They say it's yucky. They say open the windows. We have the windows open. But we should not have to drive a $50,000 brand new van with the windows open so that we don't die," she states.

Dealership Doesn't Help

According to Avery, at the time the first video was recorded, multiple trips to the Kia dealership had only yielded frustration.

She said that even after leaving her vehicle at the dealership for days on end, the dealership's service manager said that they couldn't replicate the smell, although they acknowledged that the problem exists.

"She said that in the Kia Carnival 2024, that other people are complaining about this. She said anytime the van gets hot that they are throwing fumes into the cabin," Avery recounts. When she asked for a solution, she says their response was devastating: "Because there is no recall, there is no solution."

On Avery’s account, the dealership even attempted to sell her a different vehicle instead of fixing the problem, leaving her feeling abandoned with a dangerous vehicle.

She says Kia Consumer Affairs proved equally unresponsive. In an update, she claims, "I basically have a case manager who's reviewing my case, and they've been reviewing it for at least four weeks now with absolutely no updates, no resolution. They haven't asked me any questions, nothing."

Her greatest fear extends beyond daily discomfort.

"My concern is that if I get in an accident with this vehicle, that it's just going to blow up with all of us in it,” she says.

Lawyer Up

As her frustrations mounted, Avery decided to get outside help.

"I have officially retained legal counsel with a Lemon Law attorney. I signed the papers today. They say that my car qualifies under state and federal lemon law," she announces in her latest video about the Kia Carnival fiasco.

In that video, she says that the vehicle had been in the shop for over 30 days total—including another 27-day stint, influencing her decision to lawyer up.

In the update video, she says, “Obviously, this is great news for me. I don't have to do any of the communication with Kia anymore. I have an attorney who's going to handle everything for me.”

Her concern extends beyond her own family. "I am still considering suing Kia because of this and for the sake of all the other families who are having the same problem and are not getting answers because it's wrong," Avery shares.

Community Support and Expert Advice

The TikTok community rallied with both support and practical guidance. Dozens opined that she has a case under Arizona's Lemon Law, which provides buyers with relief of up to the full amount of the purchase for cars that have significant defects the seller can't or won't repair.

58hammer, who describes themself as a Ford dealer technician, wrote, "Contact the Kia field service engineer and complain LOUD. This is absolutely NOT acceptable. The dealer should be paying for the rental."

In response to her update, viewers expressed relief and offered additional strategies.

PamPamNanaPam suggested she try to recover comprehensive costs. "Lawyers aren't cheap, hope you can recover those costs as well…” she wrote. “Would add that cost too. Nickel and dime them for EVERYTHING out of pocket related to the whole ordeal!"

Michelle Marie recommended documenting health impacts. "As a mom, I would consult with a physician regarding anything health wise that may result with the kids as a result of being exposed bc there's no guarantee on what might develop,” she urged.

ChiefBerry agreed, saying, "Keep your kids early childhood developmental in mind. This could be huge. Why is your auto insurance company not involved? Get the national news involved."

Common to Kia?

Other viewers shared similar Kia experiences.

Stoneeeeee revealed, "Kia engines run hot. We have a 2014 Kia Sorento that one of our college kids is driving into the ground currently. We had engine issues from the beginning. Kia ended up replacing the engine at no cost after it finally blew…and a class action lawsuit."

What do you think?

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Several commenters suggested additional escalation routes, with basset1217 sharing success. "Contact the Attorney General,” basset1217 wrote. “We had to do that with our Hyundai in AZ. Once we contacted the AG, it was resolved quickly under the Lemon Law."

With legal representation secured, Avery now awaits potential negotiations or settlement discussions with Kia.