Kia has issued a warning to owners of almost 463,000 of its Telluride SUVs in the United States due to a potential fire risk in the front seats. The issue stems from seat control switches on the front power seats becoming misaligned and stuck if hit hard by something, causing a small electric motor to run continuously and overheat. This recall affects 2020 through 2024 Kia Telluride models, a popular SUV that was designed to appeal to Americans and has been highly sought after since its release.
The problem was first noticed by Kia in 2022 when a customer reported smoke coming from under their Telluride’s driver seat. Subsequent complaints of smoke or burning smells coming from the passenger-side power seat further highlighted the issue. In 2024, a Kia owner reported that the driver’s seat caught fire while they were driving. Fortunately, no accidents or injuries have been reported as a result of this defect, according to Kia. An investigation by Kia determined that the problem was with the power seat switches that could be damaged, causing the motor to overheat.
Kia will be reaching out to owners of the affected vehicles with information on how to bring their SUVs to a dealership for repairs at no cost. Service technicians will install reinforcements and improved switches to prevent the seats from overheating and potentially catching fire. Owners who believe their Telluride may be included in the recall can also contact Kia customer service for assistance. Earlier in the year, Kia had already recalled more than 400,000 Tellurides for a separate issue that could lead to them rolling away while in park.
This recall serves as a precautionary measure to address a potentially dangerous situation involving the front seats of the Kia Telluride SUVs. The misalignment and sticking of the seat control switches can lead to the electric motor overheating, posing a fire risk. Kia’s proactive approach to resolving the issue by offering free repairs at dealerships and communicating with affected vehicle owners demonstrates a commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of their customers. Despite reports of smoke and a few cases of fires, no accidents or injuries have been attributed to this problem.
The popularity of the Kia Telluride as a three-row SUV designed specifically for the American market has made it a favorite among consumers since its introduction. Manufactured in Georgia and designed in California, the Telluride has enjoyed high demand, with dealers struggling to keep up with customer orders. However, the recent recall has shed light on a potential safety concern with the front seats that Kia is taking seriously and addressing promptly. By providing clear instructions for repairs and offering support through customer service, Kia aims to alleviate any concerns owners may have about their vehicle’s safety.
Overall, the recall of nearly 463,000 Kia Telluride SUVs in the United States due to a fire risk in the front seats underscores the importance of proactive safety measures in the automotive industry. Kia’s response to the issue by identifying the problem, conducting an investigation, and offering free repairs to affected owners reflects a commitment to ensuring the safety and satisfaction of their customers. As the company works to address this issue and prevent any potential accidents or injuries, owners of the recalled vehicles are encouraged to take advantage of the repair program and contact Kia customer service for further assistance if needed.
