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Kia is recalling nearly 463,000 Telluride SUVs in the United States after discovering that a previous repair may not have fully resolved a problem that can cause the front power seat motor to overheat and potentially start a fire. Owners of affected vehicles are being told to park outside and away from buildings until the recall repair is completed.
What is the problem?
The recall covers model year 2020-2024 Kia Telluride vehicles, and the issue involves the front power seat motor, which can overheat if the seat slide knob or switch becomes damaged or stuck. In some circumstances, this may cause the motor to remain powered for too long, creating enough heat to ignite surrounding materials.
The concern is particularly significant because a fire could occur while the Telluride is being driven or while it is parked with the ignition switched off. Kia previously recalled affected vehicles in 2024 for the same underlying issue, but subsequent investigations found that some earlier repairs may not have been performed correctly.
What owners should do
Owners of 2020-2024 Telluride models should follow Kia’s warning and park their vehicles outdoors and away from homes, garages, and other structures until the repair has been completed. Kia dealers will install an electronic fuse assembly designed to cut power to the seat motor if a problem occurs.
The repair will be provided free of charge, with owner notification letters expected to begin arriving in August 2026. Drivers can also check their VIN through the NHTSA recall database to determine whether their Telluride is affected.
How Telluride owners can take back control
A recall that follows an earlier repair can be particularly frustrating, especially when the underlying safety concern involves a potential vehicle fire. Owners who have already dealt with repairs may reasonably question whether their vehicle has actually been fixed and whether further problems could arise.
If your Telluride has experienced repeated defects, unsuccessful repairs, or other safety concerns, you deserve to know where you stand. The Lemon Firm can help consumers review their vehicle problems and understand whether they may have a potential claim against the manufacturer.
Get in touch with our team today to discuss your circumstances with a case analyst and find out whether you may have legal options.