Vehicle recalls are an important aspect of automotive safety, as they assure that manufacturers remediate defects before they cause serious problems. While many recalls entail only minor fixes, some pose an immediate risk to both drivers and passengers and the surrounding infrastructure. Kia’s recent recall of hundreds of thousands of Telluride SUVs requires owners to take specific precautions in regards to the front power seat motor, which overheated in some cases and could potentially cause a fire.

Both the manufacturer and federal regulators urge owners to take appropriate safety measures, as the hazard can occur even when the vehicle is turned off. Although Kia expects only a small percentage of the affected vehicles to experience the defect, the potential consequences make it important to bring the Tellurides in for a repair. This recall supersedes the previous Kia Telluride recall of 2024, as it was found that the previous repair was ineffective.

1. Kia Recalls Nearly 463,000 Telluride SUVs

Kia America has ordered a safety recall for nearly 463,000 Kia Telluride SUVs due to a defect that could cause the front power seat motor to overheat and catch fire. Most of the affected vehicles are equipped with the 2020 model year power seat motor, although 2021-2024 Tellurides also feature the same design that can be defective. The company anticipates a limited number of incidents, as only a small percentage of the recalled vehicles are expected to exhibit the flaw.

Recall Overview:

• Nearly 463,000 SUVs affected.
• Covers 2020-2024 Telluride models.
• Potential seat motor fire risk.
• Free repair available.
• Customer safety prioritized.

Federal safety regulators have advised owners to park affected vehicles outdoors and away from homes, garages, or other structures until the recall repair is completed. Unlike many recalls that address performance issues, this campaign focuses on reducing the risk of a potential fire, whether the vehicle is parked or being driven.

Nevertheless, Kia recommends that owners of the affected vehicles bring their Tellurides in for a free repair. Federal regulators advise that the recalled SUVs should be kept outside and away from structures and other vehicles until the defect is repaired. The defect, according to NHTSA, could potentially cause a fire hazard while driving or once the vehicle is parked and turned off, which makes it imperative to bring the vehicle in for a repair regardless of whether the hazard has manifested.

2. What Causes the Seat Motor Fire Risk?

The front power seat motor defect that prompted Kia’s latest recall is caused by excessive force on the front seat’s side cover or adjustment knob, which results in damaging or misaligning the switch. While this manufacturing defect does not present immediately, it can result in the malfunction of the front seat switch and lead to it overheating. While the issue may only present sporadically at first, the defect can eventually lead to the seat motor catching fire.

Potential Cause of the Defect:

• Damaged front seat switch.
• Misaligned seat components.
• Switch failure.
• Switch stuck in the on position.
• Seat motor catches fire.

The root cause of the defect is the malfunction of the front seat switch, which can occur due to the misalignment of its components. The malfunction can lead to the switch being stuck in the on position, which causes the seat motor to continue running when it should not. The continuous operation can cause the motor to overheat, which presents a fire hazard underneath the front seats. It should be noted that Kia has identified two separate root causes, one of which affected the 2024 Kia Telluride recall.

3. Why This Recall Replaces the Previous Repair

Many Telluride owners might remember Kia’s previous recall in 2024 that also entailed a defect of the front power seat motor. During that recall, Kia dealers fixed the defective Tellurides, which was supposed to prevent the motor from overheating and eliminate the fire hazard. Nevertheless, the company has discovered that the previously applied repair was not sufficient in some cases.

Reason for the Repair:

• Previous repair was ineffective.
• Vehicle still presented a hazard.
• Inconsistent repair procedure performed.
• New investigation initiated.
• New recall campaign.

As such, Kia initiated the new repair campaign, SC374. Even the owners of the vehicles that were previously repaired can bring their Tellurides in for a free inspection, as Kia dealers have found that the repair procedure was performed incorrectly in some cases and did not adequately address the issue.

4. Warning Signs Owners Should Never Ignore

While many of the recalled Tellurides will not exhibit any signs of the defect, the owners that experience any warning signs should bring their vehicles in for a repair. The symptoms can serve as an indicator that something is wrong with the front seat motor and can help eliminate the hazard even before it presents.

Warning Signs to Watch:

• Power seat controls are stuck.
• Seat moves on its own.
• Smell of burning plastic.
• Smoke coming from under the seat.
• Overheating seat components.

The most common warning sign is the malfunction of the power seat controls. If the adjustment controls stick or do not return to the original position or if the seat moves even when the controls are in the off position, the defect has manifested, and the vehicle needs to be repaired. The owners should also watch out for a smell of burning plastic, which would suggest that the seat motor overheated or is currently doing so.

If the seat produces smoke under the front passenger seat, it is imperative to seek the assistance of a qualified mechanic. The same goes for overheating seat components, as it can be an indicator of excessive heat buildup in the front seat motor.

5. Temporary Safety Measures for Affected Telluride Owners

Due to the potential risk of fire, Kia and the NHTSA recommend that the owners of the recalled Tellurides take the necessary precautions until the repair is completed. While it is advised to park the vehicle outside rather than in the garage or enclosed structure while waiting for the repair, the owners should also ensure that the vehicle is kept away from buildings, other vehicles, and flammable objects.

Recommended Safety Precautions:

• Vehicle should be parked outside.
• Avoid parking in enclosed garages.
• Do not park near buildings or objects.
• Schedule the repair appointment.
• Follow the instructions.

As such, while waiting for the repair, the affected owners should not park their Tellurides in enclosed structures or near buildings, other vehicles, or objects. The precautions should be taken regardless of whether the hazard has manifested, as the defect can potentially cause a fire even when the engine is off. Following these recommendations will considerably minimize the risk to personal safety.

6. Kia’s Updated Repair Solution

Kia dealers will perform the free repair that eliminates the hazard posed by the Telluride’s front seat motor. As such, the owners that have previously brought their vehicles in for a repair under the 2024 Kia Telluride recall can once again schedule an appointment to have their vehicles repaired.

Updated Repair Summary:

• Recall repair is free of charge.
• Electronic fuse limits power seat motor power.
• Prevents the motor from overheating.
• Upgraded switch for enhanced protection.
• Improved switch design.

As part of the free-of-charge repair, Kia technicians will install an updated electronic fuse that ensures the seat motor does not receive enough power to overheat and catch fire. The updated design of the power seat switch also offers additional protection, whereas the reinforced switch assembly enhances the protection further. The improved switch assembly will also be installed on all new Tellurides starting from May 30, 2024; thus, the vehicles that were purchased after this date have already been protected from the defect and are not subject to the recall.

7. Recall Timeline and Owner Notification

Kia dealers have begun preparing for the 2026 Kia Telluride recall by receiving the repair instructions, with the dealer notifications beginning on or around July 6, 2026. This way, the dealers can familiarize themselves with the updated repair procedure before the vehicle owners receive their recall letters. As a result, the Kia Telluride owners can expect to receive the letters between August 13 and August 19, 2026. If the owners have questions about the recall or schedule their repair appointments before receiving the letter, they can look up their vehicle’s VIN online to confirm whether it is affected.

Important Recall Dates:

• Dealer notice begins.
• Owner letters mailed.
• VIN lookup available.
• Free repairs scheduled.
• Official recall campaign.

Once the owners have received the recall letter, they should follow the instructions that come with it and schedule an appointment with their local Kia dealer. The owners that wish to check their vehicle’s status without waiting for the letter to arrive can utilize Kia’s recall website or the NHTSA VIN lookup tool that becomes available on July 17, 2026. By entering their 17-digit VIN, the owners can confirm whether their vehicle is affected by the recall. In turn, once the repair is completed, the owners can ensure that their vehicle is no longer at risk.

8. Reimbursement and Incident Reports

Many owners that are affected by the recall might not be aware that they can seek reimbursement for any expenses incurred as a result of the defect. Kia’s General Reimbursement Plan ensures that the owners who have already sought the repair are not held responsible for any additional expenses. The plan also allows the owners to seek reimbursement for any expenses that they have incurred due to the defect.

Key Recall Facts:

• Repair reimbursement available.
• Eighteen incidents reported.
• No confirmed injuries.
• No reported crashes.
• Prompt repairs recommended.

The report contains details of the recent incidents that prompted Kia’s latest recall. In the course of its investigation, Kia became aware of 18 incidents in the affected Tellurides that resulted in local fire hazrads. However, no injuries or crashes were reported, even though the burn-through of the carpet or seat components occurred in the majority of the incidents.

Nevertheless, the combination of the incidents and the concerns that the owners have voiced prompted Kia to launch the latest repair campaign. As a result, the owners that are affected by the recall should follow the guidelines and schedule an appointment with their local dealer as soon as possible.

9. What Affected Telluride Owners Should Do Next

Affected owners should ensure that they understand what is required of them in regards to the defect in the power seat motor of their Kia Tellurides. As such, the first step is to verify whether their vehicles are affected by the recall, which becomes possible on or around July 17, 2026. The owners should not wait for the recall letter, as it is anticipated to arrive only between August 13 and August 19, 2026. Thus, in the meantime, it is advisable to familiarize oneself with the free repair Kia offers in regards to the defect.

Steps for Owners:

• Check vehicle VIN.
• Schedule free repair.
• Park vehicle outdoors.
• Watch warning signs.
• Contact Kia support.

Until the free repair is completed, the owners should continue to follow the parking guidelines issued by Kia and ensure that their vehicles are kept outside and away from structures, other vehicles, and objects. Furthermore, the owners should also ensure that they watch out for any of the warning signs that can help identify the hazard before it presents. If the owners have any questions or need to clarify something in regards to the defect or the repair, they should contact Kia directly. Referring to the recall number SC374 will allow them to receive the necessary information from the customer care department.

10. Understanding the Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride is a mid-size three-row crossover utility vehicle that was introduced in America for the 2020 model year. Similar to the Kia Sorento, the Telluride shares many powertrain components with the Hyundai Palisade. In comparison to the Sorento, the Telluride offers additional space and comfort and is one of Kia’s most popular vehicles in North America.

About the Kia Telluride:

• Midsize three-row SUV.
• Introduced for 2020.
• Built in America.
• Spacious family interior.
• Popular Kia model.

The name ‘Telluride’ refers to the location in Colorado, as the Telluride National Forest is where Kia first unveiled the model to the public in America. The model became an important milestone in Kia’s development as a manufacturer, as it was their largest vehicle to be produced in North America at the time of its introduction. Despite the popularity and general goodwill attributed to the Kia Telluride, some of the manufacturing defects can present a serious hazard. Thus, the importance of the safety recalls cannot be understated, as they ensure the owners that the necessary precautions are taken against potential defects.