The recall applies to certain 2020-2024 Kia Telluride models and replaces a previous campaign launched in 2024 for the same issue. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the latest repair introduces an electronic fuse assembly designed to prevent continuous operation of the front power seat motor if the seat switch becomes damaged.
The recall covers 462,869 vehicles manufactured between January 9, 2019, and May 29, 2024. Kia estimates that about 1% of the recalled vehicles are affected by the defect, although all vehicles within the identified production range are included in the campaign.
The manufacturer plans to begin notifying owners by first-class mail on August 13, while dealers were scheduled to receive notification in early July. Until repairs are completed, owners are instructed to park their vehicles outside and away from buildings and other vehicles because of the potential fire risk.
Seat Switch Damage Can Cause the Motor to Overheat
According to the NHTSA recall report, an external impact with excessive force to the front power seat side cover or seat slide knob may cause the power seat switch to become dislodged, internally misaligned, or otherwise damaged. If this occurs, the seat motor may continue operating without stopping.
The agency states that prolonged operation of the motor can lead to overheating, increasing the risk of a fire while the vehicle is either parked or being driven. The recall also notes that an improper repair completed under the previous recall campaign, identified as 24V407, may result in the same condition.
Drivers may notice warning signs before a failure occurs. According to the NHTSA, these include a seat slide knob that sticks, a power seat that continues moving after the control has been released, a burning or melting odor, or smoke coming from underneath the seat. Federal documents state that seven seat fires and 11 cases involving melted seat motors have been reported. The safety report adds that a fire increases the risk of injury.
Updated Repair Replaces Earlier Recall Campaign
This recall supersedes Kia’s previous 2024 campaign covering the same population of Telluride vehicles. According to Kia’s filing with federal regulators, some vehicles repaired under the earlier campaign may still require the updated remedy.
The new repair consists of installing an electronic fuse assembly that prevents continuous seat motor operation if the power seat switch becomes dislodged, misaligned, or otherwise damaged. Kia says the updated component addresses the condition that could allow the motor to remain energized. The manufacturer also states that Telluride vehicles produced beginning May 30, 2024, were equipped in production with a reinforced power seat switch mechanism.
Owners of affected vehicles will receive instructions to schedule the repair with a Kia dealer at no cost. According to the NHTSA, reimbursement will also be available for eligible repair expenses already incurred under Kia’s reimbursement program. Vehicle owners can check whether their SUV is included once VIN information becomes searchable through the federal recall database beginning July 17, while owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed between August 13 and August 19.
