Kia America is recalling nearly 463,000 Telluride SUVs because the front power seat motor could overheat and catch fire while the vehicle is parked or being driven.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is advising owners of affected vehicles to park outside and away from buildings and other vehicles until the recall repair is complete.
The recall affects Tellurides from the 2020 through 2024 model years. Kia is aware of seven seat fires and 11 incidents involving melted seat motors, according to the NHTSA. Taking care of the free recall repair can help protect your family, your vehicle and one of your biggest financial investments. Here’s what you need to know.
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What is causing the fire risk?
(Image credit: Getty Images)
The problem involves the front power seat motor.
If the power seat knob is accidentally hit, the seat switch can become dislodged and damaged. That can cause the seat motor to keep running, which may lead to overheating and potentially a fire.
The issue can occur while the Telluride is being driven or while it is parked.
These vehicles were previously recalled in 2024 for the same underlying problem. However, the NHTSA says an improper repair performed under the earlier recall could also allow the seat motor to overheat and catch fire.
That’s why owners who had the previous recall repair completed should still check whether their vehicle is included in the latest recall.
What Telluride owners should do now
Until the latest repair is complete, NHTSA says that affected owners should park their vehicles outdoors, away from buildings and other vehicles.
Kia dealers will install an electronic fuse assembly designed to prevent the seat motor from operating continuously if the seat switch becomes dislodged, misaligned or damaged. The repair will be performed free of charge.
Kia is expected to begin mailing notification letters to affected owners on August 13. However, owners do not have to wait for a letter to check whether their vehicle is included in the recall.
You can search for open recalls using your vehicle identification number, or VIN, through this NHTSA recall lookup tool. You can also contact a local Kia dealership for more information about the repair.
Can you still drive your Kia Telluride?
The recall does not tell owners to stop driving their Tellurides, but the fire risk can occur whether the SUV is parked or in use. Until the repair is complete, owners should follow NHTSA’s guidance and park outside away from buildings and other vehicles.
Drivers should also pay attention to potential warning signs around the front power seats. If you notice unusual heat, a burning or melting smell or smoke coming from underneath a seat, stop driving and move away from the vehicle.
If you own a 2020 through 2024 Kia Telluride, check whether your SUV is included in the recall, even if you had work performed under the previous 2024 recall.
Handling a recall can help protect your vehicle and give you peace of mind. The right auto insurance coverage can provide an additional layer of financial protection when the unexpected happens.
Use the tool below, powered by Bankrate, to compare coverage options and find a policy that fits your needs and budget:
