Kia America is recalling nearly 463,000 Telluride SUVs due to a fire hazard caused by a faulty front power seat motor. The issue stems from a stuck slide knob, which can cause the motor to overheat and potentially result in a fire while the car is parked or being driven. The recall was prompted by reports of one under-seat fire and six incidents of localized melting in the seat tilt motor between August 2022 and March 2024.
To address the issue, Kia dealers will install a bracket for the power seat switch back covers and replace the seat slide knobs at no cost to the owners. However, until the repairs are completed, Kia is urging owners to park their vehicles outside and away from buildings as a precautionary measure. This is to minimize the risk of a fire spreading to nearby structures.
The recall affects Tellurides from the 2020-2024 model years that were manufactured between January 9, 2019, and May 29, 2024. Kia estimates that approximately 1% of these vehicles have the defect. Owners will receive notification letters starting from July 30, with dealers being informed a few days earlier. It is unclear why there is a delay in issuing the notifications.
This is not the first recall impacting Kia Telluride owners. In March, Kia America announced a recall of over 427,000 2020-2024 Telluride SUVs due to a defect that could cause the vehicles to roll away while parked. These recurring recalls raise concerns about the overall safety of the Telluride model.
Furthermore, Kia’s parent company, Hyundai, has also had multiple recalls in recent years. Last fall, both Kia and Hyundai issued recalls for 3.4 million cars and SUVs due to the risk of engine compartment fires. However, there have been delays in repairing these vehicles, leading to concerns from drivers and consumer safety advocates.
It’s worth noting that although Hyundai and Kia are related companies, they operate independently. These recalls highlight the importance of prompt and thorough repairs to ensure the safety of the affected vehicles and their owners.
If you own a Kia Telluride, it is advisable to check if your specific vehicle is included in the recall by visiting the NHTSA website or using Kia’s recall lookup platform. It is crucial to take the necessary precautions and get the vehicle repaired as soon as possible to mitigate any potential risks.
