Kia recalled more than 462,000 Telluride SUVs from the 2020-2024 model years. As part of the action, the South Korean automaker issued a “park outside” order due to the potential for fire.
Kia recalled more than 462,000 Telluride SUVs from the 2020-2024 model years.
The recall recommends affected Telluride owners park their vehicles outside and away from other vehicles until the repair has been completed. The problem is related to a front power seat motor that could overheat due to a stuck power seat slide knob. If left long enough, a fire could start.
“If there is an external impact with excessive force to the front power seat side cover and/or seat slide knob, the power seat switch back cover can dislodge, resulting in internal misalignment of the seat motor control switch,” the company noted in a report.
Kia acknowledged one fire and seven cases of melted components related to the problem, but no injuries or crashes.
Problem and identification
“A misaligned seat motor control switch with a stuck seat slide knob can 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 recall recommends affected Telluride owners park their vehicles outside and away from other vehicles until the repair has been completed.
Owners may determine if their vehicle is at risk if the seat slide knob is sticking, preventing the seat from being adjusted, or if it keeps moving after the knob is released. Also, if there is a “burning or melting smell, and/or smoke from underneath the seat.”
The problem first arose in December 2022 after the owner of a 2021 Telluride brought the vehicle to a dealer for the problem.
Resolution of the problem
To fix the issue, dealers will install a bracket for the power seat switch back covers and replace the seat slide knobs, free of charge. Owners who have already resolved the issue can be reimbursed as part of Kia’s General Reimbursement Plan.
Vehicle owners will be receiving notices from the company July 30.
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