Kia Recalls 463,000 Telluride SUVs Again Due to Seat Motor Fires
Kia issues a second recall for 463,000 Telluride SUVs due to seat motors that can overheat and catch fire.
Key Takeaways
- Kia recalls 463,000 Telluride SUVs for a second time due to seat motor fires.
- The seat switch may become dislodged or misaligned, causing the seat to operate continuously and overheat the motor.
- Kia previously recalled these vehicles in 2024 for the same issue and fixed the issue with a bracket.
- The recall affects the 2020-2024 Telluride SUV.
- Kia’s latest remedy is to install an electronic fuse to prevent the seat from continuous operation if the switch is damaged.
What’s Causing the Seat Motor Fires?
The power seat switch is susceptible to external impacts, which can dislodge, misalign, or damage the switch, resulting in the continuous operation of the seat motor. This can overheat the motor and increase the risk of a fire.
Kia’s investigation found that the seat switch may become dislodged or misaligned, causing the seat to operate continuously and overheat the motor.
How Kia Learned the Telluride Still Had a Problem
After Kia issued the first recall in June 2024, it received its first report of a repaired vehicle catching fire in October. The automaker inspected the vehicle and discovered signs of an improper recall repair.
Kia engineers inspected repaired Tellurides without any known issues and identified workmanship deficiencies. The automaker suspected that dealers may have reinforced the power seat switch cover rather than replaced the switch.
What Owners Should Do
Owners with affected vehicles might notice the seat slide knob sticking, a burning or melting smell, or smoke. Kia’s latest remedy is to install an electronic fuse that will prevent the seat from continuous operation if the switch is damaged.
Recall Details
The recall affects the 2020-2024 Telluride SUV. Kia began monitoring the issue, and between October 2024 and April 2026, it learned of seven seat fires and 11 melted motors. It is unaware of any injuries, crashes, or fatalities.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Affected Model Years | 2020-2024 |
| Affected Vehicles | 463,000 |
| Seat Fires Reported | 7 |
| Melted Motors Reported | 11 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is causing the seat motor fires in the Kia Telluride?
The power seat switch is susceptible to external impacts, which can dislodge, misalign, or damage the switch, resulting in the continuous operation of the seat motor. This can overheat the motor and increase the risk of a fire.
Q: What is Kia’s latest remedy for the issue?
Kia’s latest remedy is to install an electronic fuse that will prevent the seat from continuous operation if the switch is damaged.
Q: How many vehicles are affected by the recall?
The recall affects 463,000 Telluride SUVs from model years 2020-2024.
