Kia Recalls Over 460,000 Telluride SUVs Over Fire Hazard Linked to Power Seats

Kia has issued a major recall affecting roughly 463,000 Telluride SUVs, citing a fire risk tied to overheated power seat motors. The automaker says the issue can arise when the seat's manual adjustment knob is used while the power slide function is active, potentially causing the motor to overheat and ignite nearby components.

The recall covers model years 2020 through 2024, and owners should expect to hear from Kia starting in late August.

The problem stems from a design flaw in the power seat assembly. If a passenger or driver tries to manually recline the seat by turning the knob while the seat is also moving electrically, the motor can jam and overheat. In rare cases, Kia says, this has led to smoke or fire under the seat.

So far, the company is aware of a handful of incidents but no reported injuries or crashes. Dealers will install a new bracket and a reinforced wire harness to prevent the motor from binding.

For Telluride owners, the fix is free, and Kia is also offering reimbursement for any out-of-pocket repairs already made related to the defect. The recall is the latest in a string of safety actions for the popular three-row SUV, which has been a strong seller for the Korean automaker.

Owners can check their vehicle's status by visiting Kia's recall website or calling their local dealer. If you own a Telluride, it's worth acting quickly, even if you haven't noticed any issues with the seats.