Kia is issuing a warning to owners of nearly 463,000 of its popular Telluride SUVs in the US, advising them to keep their vehicles parked outside and away from buildings due to a potential seat fire hazard. The issue stems from seat control switches on the front power seats becoming misaligned and stuck if impacted by something, causing a small electric motor to overheat and run continuously. This recall affects 2020 through 2024 Kia Telluride models, which have been a hit with American consumers since their release. The Telluride, known for its spacious design and three rows of seats, was specifically designed to appeal to the US market.
The problem with the power seat switches was first noticed by Kia in 2022 when a customer reported smoke coming from under the driver’s seat of their Telluride. Subsequent complaints of a smoke smell and non-functional passenger-side power seats further raised concerns. In 2024, a Kia owner reported their driver’s seat catching fire while driving, prompting the automaker to investigate the issue. Fortunately, no accidents or injuries have been reported as a result of this problem. The investigation determined that the issue lies with the power seat switches potentially becoming damaged and causing the motor to overheat.
Recalled vehicle owners will receive letters from Kia starting at the end of July, inviting them to bring their SUVs to a dealership for free repairs. Service technicians will install reinforcements and improved switches to prevent the seats from overheating and catching fire. Customers who suspect their Telluride may be affected can also contact Kia customer service for assistance. Earlier this year, Kia recalled over 400,000 Tellurides for a separate issue that could result in the vehicles rolling away while parked, further emphasizing the importance of addressing safety concerns promptly and thoroughly.
In response to safety concerns related to potentially burning front seats in nearly 463,000 Kia Telluride SUVs, the automaker is advising owners to park their vehicles outside and away from buildings. The recall, affecting models from 2020 through 2024, is linked to seat control switches on the front power seats that can become misaligned and stuck, leading to continuous operation and overheating of the electric motor. The Telluride, known for its spacious design with three rows of seats, has been immensely popular in the US since its debut, attracting customers with its appealing features and American-centric design.
The discovery of the seat fire hazard began in 2022 when a customer reported smoke emanating from the driver’s seat of their Telluride, sparking concerns within Kia. Additional complaints regarding a smoke smell and non-functional passenger-side power seats surfaced in 2023, followed by a report in 2024 of a driver’s seat catching fire while in use. Despite these incidents, there have been no accidents or injuries reported due to this issue. Kia’s investigation revealed that the problem lies with the power seat switches potentially sustaining damage that leads to motor overheating, highlighting the importance of proactive safety measures.
Kia will be reaching out to recalled vehicle owners with notification letters from the end of July onwards, offering complimentary repairs at dealerships to address the seat fire hazard. Service technicians will implement reinforcements and improved switches to prevent overheating and potential fires, ensuring the safety of affected Telluride models. Customers who suspect their vehicles may be included in the recall can contact Kia customer service for assistance and guidance. This recall follows a previous one earlier in the year involving over 400,000 Tellurides for a separate issue related to rolling away while in park, underlining the significance of prompt and comprehensive safety measures in the automotive industry.
The proactive approach taken by Kia in addressing safety concerns regarding potentially burning front seats in a significant number of Telluride SUVs demonstrates the company’s commitment to ensuring customer safety and satisfaction. By advising owners to keep their vehicles parked outside and away from buildings and offering free repairs to rectify the issue, Kia is taking responsibility for addressing the seat fire hazard promptly and effectively. The popularity of the Telluride among American consumers underscores the importance of promptly addressing safety concerns to maintain customer trust and loyalty. With no accidents or injuries reported thus far, Kia’s proactive recall and repair efforts are key to ensuring the continued safety and satisfaction of Telluride owners.
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