A Warning for Kia Telluride Owners
Kia has issued a massive recall for its popular Telluride, totaling 462,869 vehicles from model years 2020 to 2024. The reason is worrying: there is a risk of fire from the electric motors in the front seats, whether that of the driver or passenger . This risk can occur whether the SUV is running or parked with the ignition off, leading Kia to issue a warning to park the vehicle outside in case the seats catch fire.
The origin of the problem
The problem is not directly with the seat motor, but with the adjustment button that controls it. The recall notice (NHTSA recall number 24V-407) states that an external impact could dislodge the rear seat control switch cover. This could cause the switch controlling the seat motor to misalign and, with the switch stuck, continuously power the motor. If occupants are not aware, the engine could become hot enough to cause a fire.
Reported incidents
According to documents filed with the recall, Kia is aware of a small driver’s seat fire that occurred on a 2023 Telluride while the vehicle was running. Additionally, there have been six confirmed incidents of melted components under seats. Smoke in the cabin was also reported in some of these incidents.
How to recognize the problem?
The recall notice does not address whether it is obvious that a power seat motor is blocked. Kia’s timeline report on the problem, dating back to December 2022, does not mention symptoms before the aforementioned incidents. However, Kia advises that seats that continue to move “even after releasing the adjustment button” as well as burning smells, smoke or inoperable seats could indicate a problem.
The proposed solution
The solution is simple. Kia dealers will install a new bracket for the rear seat control switch cover, and the seat control buttons will be replaced. The recall notice will be mailed to owners starting July 30.
With information from NHTSA
The text Kia Recalls 462,869 Telluride comes from L’annuel de l’automobile – Automotive news
