Kia orders nearly half a million Telluride SUV owners to park outside due to fire risk from faulty seat motors

Kia is recalling 462,869 Telluride SUVs spanning model years 2020 through 2024 because a damaged power seat switch can overheat and trigger a fire. The recall supersedes an earlier campaign addressing the same issue. Owners are instructed to park their vehicles outside and away from structures or other cars until dealers complete repairs. The problem stems from an impact to the front power seat side cover or seat slide knob, which can dislodge or misalign the seat switch. Once misaligned, the switch may continuously power the seat motor, leading to overheating and a heightened fire risk while driving or parked. Improper repairs performed under Recall 24V407 can also create the same hazardous condition. Kia warns owners to watch for warning signs such as a seat adjustment switch that sticks or continues moving after release, a burning or melting odor from beneath the seat, or smoke emanating from under the front seat. Dealers will install an electronic fuse assembly designed to cut power to the seat motor if the switch becomes damaged or misaligned. Tellurides built from May 30, 2024 onward feature a reinforced power seat switch mechanism from the factory. Dealer notifications began on July 6, 2026, with owner notification letters scheduled for mailing between August 13 and August 19, 2026. VIN lookup availability is expected to start on July 17, 2026. Kia will cover all repair costs. The recall replaces an earlier campaign for the same issue.