Kia Issues Second Recall for 463,000 SUVs Over Seat Motor Fire Risk

Kia is once again recalling nearly half a million SUVs after a previous fix failed to eliminate the risk of seat motor fires. The automaker announced a second recall covering 463,000 vehicles, including popular models like the Telluride and Sorento, due to a manufacturing defect that can cause the power seat adjustment motors to overheat.

The problem stems from a faulty component in the seat slide motor assembly. If debris or moisture gets into the mechanism, it can short-circuit and generate enough heat to ignite nearby materials. Kia first attempted to address the issue in 2023 by installing a new fuse, but subsequent field reports showed that fires were still occurring, prompting regulators to demand a more comprehensive solution.

Owners of affected vehicles, primarily 2020-2024 Tellurides and certain Sorento models, will be notified starting next month. The new repair involves replacing the entire seat motor assembly and adding a thermal fuse directly to the motor circuit. Dealers will perform the work at no cost to customers.

In the meantime, Kia advises drivers to park outdoors and away from structures until the fix is applied, as a precaution against potential fire spread.

This marks the second major recall for Kia related to seat motor fires in just over a year, raising concerns about the company's quality control processes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is closely monitoring the situation. Owners can check their vehicle's recall status by visiting the NHTSA website or contacting their local Kia dealership.