Kia is facing the hot seat, because owners of nearly half a million Telluride SUVs could literally be sitting in one. Kia has issued a recall for the Telluride from model years 2020 through 2024, and safety officials are telling owners to park outside. A problem with the seat motor switch could result in a fire while parked or driving.
Seat Motors Could Be Stuck On
2020 Kia Telluride front interior angledKia
The recall affects 462,869 2020-2024 Kia Telluride SUVs with power front seats. There are two possible problems: the first is a stuck seat slide switch and the second is an improper repair of that switch from an earlier recall. Either one can result in a fire while you’re parked or driving, which is why Kia and the NHTSA are advising owners to park outside and away from structures.
If you’re the owner of a 2020-2024 Kia Telluride, this recall might sound familiar, and that’s because it is. In 2024, the Korean automaker issued a recall for the same issue, covering the same group of SUVs.
The issue in both is the front power seat slide knob. It is the large switch that controls movement of the power front seat. It can stick, which can put one or more of the seat motors into continuous operation. When the motor is running continuously, it can overheat and possibly catch fire.
Kia says the problem happens if the power seat side cover takes a blow. “An external impact with excessive force,” to be specific. Smashing the cover can knock it out of place, and that can knock the switch out of alignment. When the switch is out of alignment, it can stick on, which leads to a possible fire.
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If there’s any good news here, it’s that you’ll probably notice a problem if it happens while you’re in the vehicle. It’s hard not to notice your seat moving or making noise when you’re sitting on it. But, if it gets knocked as you’re getting out, it could very well churn away without anyone the wiser.
First Fix Didn’t Solve The Problem
2024 Kia TellurideKia
The first time around, the fix was a new bracket to reinforce the power seat switch cover and a new switch. Just months after dealers began installing that fix, however, there were new reports of fires in vehicles that had already received the repair.
In documents filed with the NHTSA, Kia’s investigation into the issue found “sporadic dealer workmanship issues.” The company discussed a suspicion that dealers may have mistakenly reinforced the switch back cover and not replaced the switch. It also found that “if occupant strikes the seat slide knob when entering vehicle, twisting forces may also result in a dislodged or misaligned seat switch.”
That led to the second recall. This time, dealers will add a fuse to the seat motor system. If the switch gets stuck and the motor runs continuously, it will increase the motor’s current draw and pop the fuse, preventing a fire. All Telluride vehicles built after May 30, 2024, have a reinforced switch.
Letters to owners will be mailed on August 13, and the fix will be available at that time. Customers are advised to park away from any structures until the recall is completed. Kia says it is aware of 7 localized underseat fires and 11 “localized melting of seat motor” incidents, but reports no injuries or deaths.
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Customers with questions can contact their dealer or Kia Customer Care. Specific Vehicle Identification Numbers will be searchable starting July 17.
Source: NHTSA
