Kia recalls 462,869 Telluride SUVs for fire risk

Kia on Friday urged owners of the Kia Telluride SUV to park outside due to an issue with a front seat motor that can catch fire. The recall covers 462,869 Telluride SUVs dating back to when the popular three-row SUV launched in 2020.

The recall covers every Telluride made from Jan. 9, 2019 through May 29, 2024, except for the base LX model; it’s the only version without front power seats. The power seat sliding knob can get stuck, causing the motor to continuously operate and potentially, to overheat, even when the vehicle is parked.   

“The automaker is advising owners to park their vehicles outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair has been completed,” the NHTSA reported in a bulletin on Friday. 

Owners may notice the power seat knob sticking or the seat continuing to slide forward or back after it’s been released. There could also be a burning or melting smell, as well as smoke coming from under the seat.

The possibility of the fire occurring while the Telluride is parked prompted Kia to tell owners to park outside away from other vehicles and structures until the repair is completed. 

Kia North America is aware of seven incidents related to the recall, with one under-seat fire and six cases of localized melting in the seat motor. 

The winning Telluride shook up the three-row crossover SUV segment when it launched in 2020 for its Land Rover looks and overall value. It won our 2020 Best Car To Buy award, and ranks highest among all gas-powered SUVs we’ve tested. 

But Kia and parent company Hyundai have been beset by fire-related recalls recently, ranging from issues with the powertrain to the tow hitch connection and now to a seat motor. In September 2023, Kia and Hyundai recalled more than 3 million older cars for a short circuit in a control module that could cause a fire in the engine bay.  

Kia estimates that less than 1% of Telluride vehicles are affected. Owners can expect a notice in the mail by July 30, and they’ll be advised to bring the Telluride into a service center. A bracket will be installed to reinforce the power seat switch back cover and replace the seat slide knob with a better one.

For more info, contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 or visit Kia’s recall page here.