Kia recalls nearly half a million Tellurides due to fire risk in seats
Kia announced the recall of 462,869 Telluride vehicles due to an increased risk of seat motor ignition. This campaign replaces a previous recall that was initiated for the same reason. Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside until repairs are completed at dealerships.
When the Kia Telluride hit the market, it generated a wave of positive attention for the brand. However, the situation now looks less rosy: nearly half a million owners of Telluride SUVs from the 2020-2024 model years are facing a recall. Even worse, some of them are dealing with this issue due to an unsuccessful fix related to a previous recall. The problem is so dangerous that Kia advises drivers to park their cars outside, as there is a risk of fire.
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Cause of the problem
According to documents submitted to the NHTSA, an impact to the side cover of the front seat or the adjustment knob can dislodge or damage the seat switch. If this happens, the switch can continuously power the seat motor. Additionally, Kia notes that incorrect repair work performed under recall 24V407 can create the same condition, leading to motor overheating and increasing the risk of fire while the vehicle is being driven or parked.
Symptoms to take seriously
There are several warning signs to watch out for. These include a seat adjustment switch that gets stuck or continues moving after being released, a smell of burning or melting coming from under the seat, or smoke appearing from under the front seat. The latter symptom may be the most obvious, but Kia says owners should not wait to take precautionary measures. In its filing, the company specifically instructs owners to park their vehicles outside, away from buildings and other vehicles.
Solution and repair schedule
Dealerships will install an electronic fuse designed to stop the continuous operation of the seat motor if the switch is damaged or dislodged. The automaker states that Tellurides built from May 30, 2024, have received a reinforced seat switch mechanism during production.
Dealer notifications began on July 6, 2026, and owner letters are scheduled to be sent between August 13 and 19, 2026. VIN code checks will become available from July 17, 2026. As always, Kia will cover all repair costs.
This recall is a serious reminder that even popular and well-rated models can have hidden defects that require immediate attention. While Kia is responding promptly to the problem, the fact that the previous fix proved ineffective raises questions about the quality of control and testing. Owners should not delay checking their VIN code and contacting a dealer, as the fire risk, while not widespread, remains real. This case also highlights the importance of timely response to warning signs, such as unusual smells or behavior of the car’s electronics.