Kia recalls 463,000 Telluride SUVs for fire risk, advises parking outside

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents, the issue arises when the front power seat motor overheats due to a stuck slide knob. This can lead to a fire, whether the vehicle is parked or in motion. Kia's investigation into vehicles that had undergone the prior repair identified "sporadic dealer workmanship issues," prompting the new, broader recall.

Between October 2024 and April 2026, Kia's safety office documented 18 incidents involving localized seat fires or melting of the seat motor. No injuries or crashes have been linked to these fires. Kia stated that an external impact to the seat's side cover or slide knob could dislodge or damage the switch, leading to overheating if the motor is continuously used.

The automaker's updated remedy involves dealers installing an electronic fuse assembly at no cost to the owner. This fix is expected to be available in early August, with owner notification letters scheduled to be sent out starting August 13. Until the repair is completed, both Kia and NHTSA strongly advise owners to park their affected Tellurides outdoors.