Kia America is recalling nearly 463,000 Telluride SUVs from model years 2020-2024 due to a potential fire risk involving the power seats. The recall, announced by federal highway safety regulators, advises owners to park their vehicles outside as a precaution. Kia has identified a defect in the power seat motor that could lead to overheating and potentially cause a fire.

Details of the Defect

The issue centers around the motor controlling the power seats in the Telluride. The motor, used to adjust the seat position, can overheat if the adjustment switch dislodges and locks the seat in position while the motor continues running. This misalignment can result in continuous operation of the motor, increasing the risk of overheating and fire. According to documents submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Kia estimates that about 1% of the recalled vehicles are affected by this defect. Kia has reported receiving one incident of an under-seat fire and six reports of the seat motor melting. Fortunately, no injuries or crashes related to the issue have been reported. Signs that a vehicle may be at risk include difficulty adjusting the seat, a burning smell, or visible smoke coming from under the seat.

Recall and Repair Plan

Kia plans to address the issue by installing a bracket for the seat switch to prevent it from dislodging. This repair will be provided free of charge to affected owners. Kia will notify eligible owners by mail starting on July 30. Tellurides manufactured after May 30, 2024, have already had the issue resolved during production. Owners with questions about the recall can contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542 using the recall number SC316, or they can reach out to the NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236.

Previous Recalls

This recall is not the first for the Kia Telluride. In March, Kia recalled over 427,000 Tellurides from the same model year due to a defect that could cause the vehicles to roll away when parked. Additionally, Kia and its affiliate Hyundai issued a recall in March for 147,110 electric vehicles over a charging issue. Last fall, Hyundai and Kia announced a significant recall for 3.4 million vehicles due to a risk of engine compartment fires, advising owners to park outside. The slow pace of repairs left many of these vehicles on the road, raising safety concerns among drivers and consumer advocates.

Kia America’s proactive recall of nearly 463,000 Telluride SUVs underscores the importance of addressing potential safety issues promptly. By providing free repairs and clear guidance to owners, Kia aims to mitigate the risk of fire and ensure the safety of its customers. As with previous recalls, this action highlights the ongoing commitment of automotive manufacturers to uphold stringent safety standards and respond to emerging risks.