More than half-a-million Kia Telluride SUVs across several model years are involved in a large recall due to the risk of fire. According to federal safety regulators, the front power seat motor in nearly half a million 2020 to 2024 Kia Tellurides is prone to overheating, posing a safety risk. Motorists should refrain from parking their cars outdoors if possible until the problem is fixed for free at an authorized Kia dealership.

For any car owner, the incident sheds light on how crucial it is to stay abreast of vehicle recall campaigns. It’s worth knowing what kinds of warning signs to watch out for in the event the automaker announces something questionable about a particular product to ensure the safety of everyone on board. The Telluride’s particular recall situation can be deemed worrisome, as its seat motor can heat up while the vehicle is stationary and turned off.

The recall applies to any Telluride model equipped with power-adjustable front seats produced on January 9, 2019, through May 29, 2024. Manual front seats do not have power-adjustment features and therefore are not part of this recall. The design of the switch was also updated in models produced on May 30, 2024, and later to provide extra protection.

1. What Caused the Telluride Seat Motor Problem?

The recall concerns side covers and slide knobs of the front power seat. Such external parts could be struck or displaced with a strong impact, provoking misalignments of the seat switch located under them. Even the simple friction of a foot of a passenger sliding over the cover while entering can cause the switch to move out of its seat. Then this can trigger an event which disturbs the power seats from functioning normally.

How The Seat Motor Problem Can Develop:

• Seat covers can become displaced by force
• Misaligned switches can become stuck underneath
• Jammed switches can keep motors operating
• Continuous electrical current can create excessive heat
• Heat can potentially cause sparks or fire

When the switch jams it can remain in a position that would still allow the power seat motor to continue to operate even though the control would have been switched off previously. The motor would then continue to be provided with electric current and it is in an electrically powered, though mechanically not functioning, condition, leading to excessive heat generation within the motor’s internals.

“If the conditions create a temperature at which internal parts could melt or a spark that causes a localized fire around or below a seat,” says a person who described the issue that has been reported many times and even acknowledged by Kia. The issue, at the core, isn’t only tied to when the Kia Telluride is in use, either. It can actually occur even when the vehicle has been parked and shut off.

2. How Many Tellurides Are Affected?

Campaign will affect 462,869 Kia Telluride SUVs from the 2020 to 2024 model years The affected vehicles were made from January 9, 2019 to May 29, 2024, inclusive, and they should be equipped with the power-adjustable front seat. As you may see it covers quite huge number of cars, but not all models of Telluride within that year range.

Vehicles Covered By The Recall:

• 462,869 Tellurides are covered by campaign
• Model years range from 2020 through 2024
• Production dates begin January 9, 2019
• Production ended May 29, 2024
• Power-adjustable front seats are required

Not all tellurides from those years will need to have their seats fixed. The low trim levels with manual front seats do not have the seat motors that are part of this recall. Kia’s design updated their switch design when production rolled off line in may 30 of 2024, to reduce the chances of this issue from happening in all built cars from may 30 on ward.

Based on Kia America’s estimate that only about 1 percent of recalled vehicles are affected with the fault, few Kia SUV drivers may never actually see the recall repair. That is why Kia is urging that even if you are certain your vehicle isn’t the culprit, you still want to use your vehicle’s VIN to double check to see if your SUV was included in the Kia Telluride recall campaign.

3. What Warning Signs Should Owners Watch For?

ForTellurideresidents, you may want to take heed if you come across these tell-tail signs of potential issues with the switch or motor of your front power seats: It the knob on the sliding mechanism seems stuck or is functioning strangely, or if it still makes a noise after you release control. This could mean that the switch never released and made its way back home.

Warning Signs That Need Attention:

• Seat slide knob feels stuck or unusual
• Power seat continues moving after release
• Burning smells come from beneath seats
• Unusual heat develops around the seat
• Smoke or melting appears underneath seats

You will probably know if the power seats keep moving on after turning off switch. Anything such as the smoky odor or melting beneath of front seat also indicates more dangerous sign, that might show that there is something happening to overheating.

If you detect smoke or a burning odor beneath the front seat, your priority should be your safety, not diagnosing the problem yourself. Safely pull over, turn off your engine, everyone exit the vehicle and move a safe distance away from your SUV and call emergency services or a roadside assistance service. You should not reach under the seat or attempt to repair the electrical components.

4. What Happened With the Earlier Recall?

The new Kia recall campaign, number SC374 and 26V430 to federal agencies, builds upon a previous recall that also identified the same core manufacturing issue. In June 2024, Kia issued recall 24V407 after it discovered the possible issue in front power seat motor systems in its efforts to proactively warn owners about and fix the defect.

Earlier Recall Raised Further Concerns:

• Recall 24V407 launched in June 2024
• Under-seat fire reports continued after repairs
• Repaired vehicles remained under investigation
• Returned components underwent further examination
• X-rays revealed remaining switch misalignment

But complaints of fires occurring even after those same vehicles had received the initial fixes kept coming. As a result, investigators from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as well as Kia look into whether the initial fix really is fully solving the problem, and if vehicles continuing to report fires after being repaired simply indicate the fix doesn’t adequately resolve the problem for each vehicle.

Following customer reports related to repaired cars between April and May 2025 Kia had another look at returned components and X-ray imaging indicated that there was still misalignment of the interior switches regardless of having dealership repairs. This went a long way in understanding why extra work seemed warranted and further highlighted the seat motor issue again.

5. Why Was a Second Recall Necessary?

Investigation revealed that on vehicles affected with this problem some dealer techs attempted to repair the back cover(s) by applying additional support rather than replacing the worn switch back. The goal of this attempt was to eliminate this area as a weak point but due to the inconsistency of the attempted repair it left the opening for a vehicle to suffer with this same condition. Therefore, a possibility of the seat motor continuing to operate and thus overheat is still present in some vehicles.

Reasons Behind The Second Recall:

• Some switches were not properly replaced
• Repair workmanship varied between dealerships
• Earlier repairs did not eliminate every risk
• A new repair strategy became necessary
• Electronic protection adds another safety layer

The effect of this discovery is that a new repair procedure needs to be implemented, in favor of the one from the first recall. “Re-recalls” are rather rare and are quite serious by indicating that a first repair wasn’t offering enough protection for the concerned part. This extra campaign is looking for cars which, for one reason or another, did not have their problem totally fixed by the recall remedy.

For extra protection, Kia created a new electrical fuse assembly. The electrical fuse will trip when the mechanical condition of the switch cover is such that the switch would normally not be functional, so it will actually stop power to the motor if the switch is frozen so the motor will not build up dangerous levels of heat.

6. How Will Kia Fix the Problem?

Affected owners will receive the new electronic fuse assembly repair for free. For owners who received the earlier 2024 repair, an updated remedy will be available and owners will require it performed because it provides an extra element of protection-in effect, having had the first fix won’t negate this recall work.

Details Of Kia’s Updated Repair:

• Electronic fuse assembly will be installed
• Recall repairs will be provided free
• Previous repair recipients also need updates
• Parts become available from early August
• Dealerships will handle the installation process

Dealership technicians will then install the electronic fuse assembly in these vehicles. The new hardware remedy will be available from dealerships beginning early August, and the vehicle owner may schedule the repair with the dealer when parts arrive. This new part will offer a further layer of protection in case the seat switch is jammed.

This should be an fairly easy fix for Kia dealer services departments so you may not have to leave your car at the shop for more than half the day. The parts needed can be special ordered if not currently stocked, and owners are encouraged to check with their local Kia dealer before heading in so they can be assured that they have what’s needed before stopping by their 23 mile away dealer shop for repair.

7. How Can Owners Check Their VIN?

Letters informing affected owners of their vehicle’s inclusion in the recall campaign will be sent by the manufacturer to addresses on file sometime between August 13th and August 19th of 2026, although owners needn’t wait to find out whether their specific Telluride requires the work. Checking their status can now be done on the company’s VIN lookup tool.

Ways Owners Can Check Recall Status:

• Search the 17-digit VIN online
• Check the VIN on registration documents
• Find it near the driver’s-side windshield
• Use the NHTSA recall lookup service
• Contact Kia for additional recall information

Owners of the vehicles subject to the recall can use federal recall lookup systems beginning on July 17, 2026 to determine if their VIN is affected. Vehicles’ identification numbers can be found on their registration documents, or on the lower part of the driver’s side windshield, where owners will find their VIN; which consists of 17 characters. Each Telluride from these model years will not be affected.

Once you have the VIN, type it into the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s recall lookup service, or into Kia’s own recall search system online. You can also contact Kia Customer Care at 1-800-333-4542, or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236. Finding out if your car is included can help determine if you’re in line for this new remedy when you go in for service.

8. Should Owners Stop Driving Their Telluride?

Kia and the federal safety regulators are not telling the impacted owners to cease operation of the Telluride SUV altogether. The primary cautionary instruction addresses the area where the vehicle is to be parked prior to the recall fix has been installed. This instruction addresses the concern that the seat motor might overheat while unattended.

Precautions Before The Recall Repair:

• Affected vehicles do not require complete driving bans
• Park the Telluride outdoors before repair
• Keep vehicles away from homes and garages
• Maintain distance from nearby vehicles
• Schedule the updated repair promptly

Owners of affected vehicles are urged to park these vehicles outdoors and away from the home, garage, or other structure, and also away from other vehicles. This is because even though the vehicle is stationary, the seat motor is capable of overheating. Parking away from a structure will minimize a consequence should such an event occur.

Once your new electronic fuse assembly is in place at the dealership, your recall-specific parking prohibition will no longer apply to your particular vehicle. Even so, your service appointment can not be put off any longer than absolutely necessary, and then it’s important to set up the follow-up recall remedy that’s supposed to give your vehicle much needed extra electrical protection for just this situation.

9. What Does This Mean for Used Telluride Buyers?

The Telluride has been a major success for Kia since its introduction as a 2020 model. The midsize three-row SUV is manufactured at Kia’s facility in West Point, Georgia, and has become one of the company’s most recognisable family vehicles. Its popularity means many examples are likely to remain available in the used-car market.

Checks Used Telluride Buyers Should Make:

• Review the vehicle’s complete recall history
• Verify the VIN through official databases
• Confirm completed safety repairs before purchase
• Check whether campaign SC374 remains outstanding
• Arrange recall service through Kia if necessary

Anyone considering a used 2020-2024 Telluride should pay close attention to its recall history. A vehicle history report can provide useful background, but buyers should also check the VIN through an official recall database to confirm whether required safety repairs have been completed. This additional check can help identify outstanding safety campaigns that may not be obvious during a normal vehicle inspection.

Buyers should specifically confirm that the latest SC374 campaign has been addressed. If the electronic fuse assembly repair is still outstanding, the issue can be discussed with the seller before purchase and the necessary service can be arranged through Kia. Confirming the repair status before completing the transaction can help buyers avoid inheriting an unresolved recall issue.

10. Why This Recall Matters for Telluride Owners

The Telluride recall is another example of how manufacturers respond when a component problem creates an unexpected safety risk. Kia’s updated electronic fuse solution is designed to provide a fail-safe response rather than relying solely on the mechanical protection used in the earlier repair. This additional safeguard is intended to reduce the possibility of the seat motor overheating if the switch becomes jammed.

Key Reasons The Recall Matters:

• Seat motor overheating creates a fire risk
• Updated fuse provides additional electrical protection
• Earlier repairs may not have fully worked
• Fire-related recalls highlight broader industry risks
• Owners should complete the updated repair

The recall also reflects a wider pattern of fire-related vehicle campaigns in the automotive industry. Kia and Hyundai have previously faced other large recalls involving components that could create electrical or fire risks, including the 2023 campaign covering more than 3.3 million vehicles with potentially defective anti-lock brake system modules. These campaigns demonstrate why unresolved electrical and component-related safety issues require prompt attention.

For Telluride owners, the most important step is straightforward: check the VIN, follow the outdoor parking recommendation, watch for warning signs, and arrange the free electronic fuse repair. Taking these precautions can reduce the potential risk to the vehicle, home, and family while ensuring the SUV receives the latest safety improvement.