Image Credit: Kia.Kia has just recalled 462,869 units of the 2020-2024 Telluride SUVs after it found that the front power seat side cover/side knob could increase the risk of a fire.The model was recalled back in 2024 for the same issue, but it appears that the remedy may not have worked as intended.Due to the fire risk, Kia has advised customers to park their Tellurides outside to prevent any fire from spreading in case of an incident.AdvertisementAdvertisementAffected customers have been asked to look out for smoke or a burning smell in the cabin from the overheated motor.External Impact Can Cause Seat Motor IssuesImage Credit: Kia.According to a recall report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Telluride's front seats could overheat if the seat slide knob is struck with excessive force. Revealing the defect, the report stated:"An external impact with excessive force to the front power seat side cover and/or seat slide knob may cause the power seat switch to become dislodged, internally misaligned, or otherwise damaged. A misaligned or damaged seat switch, or an improper recall 24V407 repair, may lead to continuous operation of a seat motor. Over time, this can result in overheating of a seat motor, thereby increasing the risk of a fire while driving or while parked."The report claims that only 1% of the recall population has been affected by the defect. That is likely because only a significant amount of force on the seat slide knob triggers the issue.AdvertisementAdvertisementOwners whose Tellurides have been included in the recall population have been advised to look out for three signs. They are as follows:1) Seat slide knob sticking (e.g., inability to adjust power seat or power seat continues moving even after seat slide knob is released).2) Burning or melting smell.3) Smoke from underneath the seat.Remedy for Affected OwnersKia will install an electronic fuse assembly as a remedy for the problem. The NHTSA report states:"All owners of the subject vehicles will be notified by first-class mail with instructions to bring their vehicles to a Kia dealer. Dealers will install an electronic fuse assembly to prevent continuous operation of a seat motor if the seat switch becomes dislodged, internally misaligned or otherwise damaged.AdvertisementAdvertisement"Kia will instruct vehicle owners to park their vehicles outdoors and away from other vehicles or structures until the repair has been performed. Kia will reimburse owners for repair expenses already incurred pursuant to Kia's General Reimbursement Plan filed April 30, 2026."Dealers were notified on July 6, 2026. Owners will be notified between August 13 and August 19, 2026.
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