Challenging Situation for 500,000 Kia Telluride Drivers

Important Insights

• Kia is recalling around 426,000 Telluride vehicles due to a fire risk, advising owners to park outdoors.
• The issue originates from the front power seat motor, which might overheat and cause a fire.
• Indicators of a problem include burning odors or smoke.
• Both Kia and Hyundai have faced previous recalls related to fire hazards and power loss.

Kia has instructed the 426,869 Telluride owners, whose vehicles were manufactured between 2020 and 2024, to park outside to avoid the potential fire risk. As reported by NHTSA, the problem lies with the front power seat motor overheating due to a stuck power seat slide knob, posing a fire hazard that could lead to injuries. A recall has been issued, but until it is completed at the local dealership, Kia urges owners to exercise caution at home.

This marks the second recall for the Telluride this year, with the previous one affecting slightly more models prone to unintended rolling caused by issues with the intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft engagement. The current fire risk is more serious, potentially causing significant damage or injuries if the vehicle is parked in a garage overnight or left unattended, evoking memories of the Chevy Bolt fire recall from a few years ago.

Recall Information

The NHTSA report on the recall suggests that the risk of a fire arises only under specific conditions, such as a forceful impact on the front power seat that damages the side cover or slide knob, potentially causing the seat motor to overheat. Warning signs, including the inability to adjust the seat and detecting burning or melting smells, may indicate an issue. Visible smoke might also be observed.

Between December 2022 and March 2024, six complaints were lodged, aligning with the aforementioned warning signals. Subsequently, a seventh report highlighted a fire incident while driving, though no injuries were reported. Within the following month, the problem was identified, and the faulty component was pinpointed.

The solution provided by the dealer includes “fitting a bracket for the power seat switch back panels and exchanging the seat slide knobs at no cost.”

Recent Kia/Hyundai Recalls

Scheduled notifications for affected vehicle owners by Kia will commence on July 30th. It is recommended to reach out to your local dealership promptly for a swift resolution before the aforementioned date. As previously mentioned, this marks the second recall for the Telluride in recent times. Kia and its parent company Hyundai have also announced recalls for other models, such as Kia Stinger and K900 sedans due to fire hazards, as well as recalling their electric vehicles due to power loss issues.

In the previous year, they issued a higher number of fire-related recalls affecting a substantial number of vehicles, putting Kia in the third position for the most recalled cars in 2023. Although a less favorable ranking, Hyundai only secured the ninth spot among automakers with the maximum recalls globally. The leading three were Ford with 54, Chrysler (incorporating Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and Ram) with 45, and BMW with 29.