What You Need to Know
• Kia America has recalled nearly 463,000 Telluride SUVs due to fire risks associated with the front power seat motor.
• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced the recall, affecting model years 2020-2024.
• Kia’s new remedy involves installing an electronic fuse assembly to prevent overheating, available in early August.
Kia America has issued a recall for nearly 463,000 Telluride SUVs, urging owners to park their vehicles outside and away from buildings due to fire risks. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced this recall, which replaces a previous one initiated in 2024. The affected vehicles, from the 2020-2024 model years, may experience overheating in the front power seat motor due to a stuck slide knob. Despite a prior remedy, complaints of fires beneath the passenger seat prompted Kia to investigate and identify sporadic dealer workmanship issues. The new fix will involve dealers installing an electronic fuse assembly, available in early August, with owner notifications starting on August 13.
Why It Matters
This recall is significant as it addresses ongoing safety concerns related to the Kia Telluride SUVs, which have previously been linked to fire incidents. Between October 2024 and April 2026, Kia North America’s safety office documented 18 incidents of localized seat fires or melting seat motors. The recall affects 462,869 Tellurides manufactured between January 9, 2019, and May 29, 2024, with Kia estimating that 1% may have the defect. The proactive measures taken by Kia and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration aim to enhance vehicle safety and prevent potential hazards for owners.
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