Kia recalls 462,000 Telluride SUVs over fire risk, urges owners to park outside

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced a recall of 462,869 Kia Telluride SUVs from model years 2020‑2024 because the front power‑seat motor can overheat due to a stuck slide knob or an improper prior repair, creating a fire hazard. Kia America advises owners to park the vehicles outside and away from structures until the defect is repaired. Dealers will install a free electronic fuse assembly that stops the seat motor if the switch becomes dislodged. Notification letters are scheduled to be mailed beginning Aug. 13. The recall replaces a 2024 recall and follows 18 reported incidents of seat‑motor fires or melting; no injuries or crashes have been reported.

The fix is available at Kia dealerships nationwide and applies to vehicles manufactured between Jan. 9 2019 and May 29 2024. Kia estimates the defect affects about 1% of the recalled units.