- Kia recalls 463,000 Telluride SUVs for a second time because the seat motor may catch fire.
- The seat switch may be dislocated or misaligned, causing the seat to constantly move and the motor to overheat.
- Kia previously recalled these vehicles in 2024 for the same issue and fixed the problem with the bracket.
Kia has issued a second recall for 462,869 vehicles. Some first generation Telluride SUVs may have seat motors that can overheat and catch fire.
according to recall reportThe power seat switch is sensitive to external influences. If one occurs with sufficient force, it may dislodge, misalign, or damage the switch, resulting in interruption of continued operation of the seat motor. This may cause the motor to overheat and increase the risk of fire. The recall affects 2020-2024 Telluride SUVs.
Kia issued the first recall in June 2024. The automaker tried to fix the problem with a bracket designed to strengthen the switch and an improved slide knob, but it wasn’t until October, when it received the fix, that the first reports of seat fires occurred in the Telluride.
Kia began monitoring the issue and learned of seven seat fires and 11 motor meltdowns between October 2024 and April 2026. It is unaware of any injuries, accidents or deaths.
Owners of affected vehicles may notice seat slide knobs sticking, a burning or melting smell, or smoke. Kia’s latest solution is to install an electronic fuse that will prevent the seat from continued operation if the switch is damaged.
How did Kia know the Telluride still had a problem?
After Kia first issued the recall in June 2024 and notified owners in July, it received the first report of a fire in a repaired vehicle in October. The automaker inspected the vehicle and found signs of improper recall repair.
In April 2025, Kia learned of a reported fire in the seat of a second repaired vehicle, and a second vehicle a month later. Kia X-rayed the seat switch assembly of the other vehicle and discovered misaligned interior switches and a dislocated backplate.
Over the next few months, Kia engineers inspected repaired Tellurides with no known problems and identified workmanship deficiencies. The automaker suspects that dealers may have strengthened the power seat switch cover instead of replacing the switch.
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Motor1’s Opinion: This isn’t the first time an automaker has had to issue a second recall of a vehicle, nor will it be the last. Sometimes, intended fixes don’t work as expected, or vehicles are improperly repaired, and we’re glad Kia is correcting the problems.
