Kia recalls 463,000 Telluride SUVs

Kia America has launched a new safety recall covering nearly 463,000 Telluride midsize SUVs. The action applies to certain vehicles from the 2020 through 2024 model years. The recall centers on a defect in the front power seat system that can create a fire hazard under specific conditions.

The affected SUVs are equipped with a front power seat motor that may overheat if the power seat slide knob becomes stuck or if the associated switch is dislodged or damaged. This overheating can occur whether the vehicle is parked or being driven. Regulators have warned that, in some cases, the overheating motor can result in a fire.

The issue arises when the front power seat motor continues to run due to a malfunction in the slide knob or switch. If those components are stuck or compromised, the motor may operate continuously instead of shutting off as intended. Prolonged operation can cause the motor to overheat, increasing the risk of ignition in the seat area.

Because the condition can develop while the vehicle is stationary or in motion, the risk spans both parked and driving situations. The potential for a fire in or around the seat has prompted safety authorities and the manufacturer to take precautionary measures and instruct owners on interim safety steps.

To correct the problem, Kia will have dealers install an electronic fuse assembly designed to prevent continuous power seat motor operation. This hardware remedy is intended to interrupt power before the motor can overheat. The repair will be provided free of charge to owners of affected Tellurides.

The remedy is expected to become available in early August, at which point dealers can begin performing the fix. Owner notification letters for the recall are scheduled to be mailed starting on August 13, 2026. These letters will inform owners if their vehicles are included and how to arrange for the repair.

Until the remedy is completed on each vehicle, owners of affected Tellurides are being urged to take extra precautions. They are advised to park their SUVs outside and away from buildings, other vehicles, and structures. This guidance applies both at home and in other parking locations.

These interim steps are intended to reduce the potential consequences if a fire were to occur before the repair is performed. Owners are expected to be able to schedule service with dealers once the electronic fuse assembly becomes available, ensuring the power seat system operates within safer limits.