Kia has recalled about 463,000 Telluride SUVs because the front power seat motor may overheat and increase the risk of a fire. Owners of affected vehicles should park them outside and arrange the free recall repair as soon as possible.
Why Kia Recalled 463,000 Tellurides
Kia America announced a major safety recall covering approximately 462,869 Kia Telluride SUVs in the United States. The recall affects certain vehicles from the 2020 through 2024 model years.
The issue involves the front power seat motor. A damaged or stuck power seat slide knob can cause the motor to continue running. If this happens, the motor may overheat and could start a fire while the SUV is parked or being driven.
Full List of Affected Kia Telluride SUVs
The recall includes the following vehicles:
| Model | Model Years | Recall Status |
|---|---|---|
| Kia Telluride | 2020 | Affected |
| Kia Telluride | 2021 | Affected |
| Kia Telluride | 2022 | Affected |
| Kia Telluride | 2023 | Affected |
| Kia Telluride | 2024 | Affected |
The affected vehicles were manufactured between January 9, 2019, and May 29, 2024. Not every Telluride from these years is included, so owners should verify their vehicle using the VIN.
What Caused the Problem
According to recall documents, the front power seat slide knob can become damaged if it is struck by force. When this happens, the seat switch may become misaligned or remain activated.
This can cause the seat motor to run continuously instead of stopping normally. Continuous operation may lead to overheating, melting of internal parts, and in rare cases, a fire.
Why This Recall Was Issued Again
This is a replacement recall for an earlier recall announced in 2024.
Kia found that some vehicles repaired under the previous campaign could still develop the same problem because of inconsistent repair work. After receiving additional reports of fires and melted seat motors, the company introduced a new repair solution.
Safety Risk for Drivers
The overheating seat motor may create a fire risk whether the SUV is moving or parked.
Although Kia has not reported crashes or injuries linked to this issue, the company and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration consider the risk serious enough to advise owners to park affected vehicles outside and away from homes, garages, and other structures until repairs are completed.
Signs Owners Should Watch For
Drivers should pay attention to unusual warning signs, including:
- Burning smell inside the vehicle
- Heat coming from the front seat area
- Smoke near the power seat
- Seat movement that continues unexpectedly
- Melted plastic around the seat controls
If any of these signs appear, stop using the vehicle and contact a Kia dealer immediately.
What Kia Will Do to Fix the Problem
Kia dealers will perform the repair free of charge.
The repair includes installing an electronic fuse assembly designed to stop power to the seat motor if the switch becomes damaged or remains activated. This updated repair replaces the earlier recall remedy.
What Owners Should Do
Owners of affected Tellurides should take these steps:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Check whether your VIN is included in the recall. |
| 2 | Park the SUV outside and away from buildings until repaired. |
| 3 | Contact an authorized Kia dealer to schedule the free repair. |
| 4 | Complete the recall repair as soon as parts and appointments are available. |
These steps help reduce the risk while waiting for the repair.
When Owners Will Be Notified
Kia plans to begin mailing owner notification letters starting August 13.
Owners can also check their vehicle’s recall status before receiving a letter by using the vehicle identification number through Kia or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall database.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I continue driving my Kia Telluride?
Kia recommends parking affected vehicles outside and away from buildings until the repair is completed. While the vehicle may still be driven if necessary, owners should schedule the repair as soon as possible because the overheating could occur while driving or while parked.
Is the repair free?
Yes. Kia dealers will perform the recall repair at no cost to owners.
Does this affect every 2020 to 2024 Telluride?
No. Only specific vehicles are included. Owners should verify their VIN to confirm whether their SUV is part of the recall.
What is the main fire risk?
The front power seat motor can overheat if the seat switch remains engaged because of a damaged or stuck slide knob. This overheating may lead to smoke, melting components, or a vehicle fire.
