Kia Telluride Recall: 462,000+ SUVs Face Potential Fire Risk
If you own a 2020–2024 Kia Telluride, there is an important safety recall you should know about. Kia America is recalling 462,869 Telluride SUVs because a front power seat motor can overheat and potentially cause a fire.
This recall is especially important because the potential fire can occur while the vehicle is being driven or while it is parked. Kia and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are advising owners of affected vehicles to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is completed.
What Is Causing the Problem?
The issue involves the front power seat switch and seat slide knob.
An impact to the side of the power seat or the seat slide knob can cause the switch to become dislodged, damaged or misaligned. When that happens, the seat motor can continue running even after the switch is released.
The motor can then operate continuously, eventually causing it to overheat and potentially catch fire. An improper repair from the previous recall can also contribute to the problem.
Which Kia Tellurides Are Affected?
The recall covers certain:
2020–2024 Kia Telluride SUVs
The affected vehicles were manufactured between January 9, 2019, and May 29, 2024. The recall population includes 462,869 vehicles.
The important thing to remember is that not every 2020–2024 Telluride will necessarily be included. The best way to determine whether your particular vehicle is affected is to check the VIN through NHTSA or Kia.
What Warning Signs Should Telluride Owners Watch For?
According to the recall information, owners may notice:
- The power seat slide knob sticking
- The power seat being difficult or impossible to adjust
- The seat continuing to move after the switch is released
- A burning or melting smell coming from underneath the seat
- Smoke coming from underneath the seat
If you notice smoke or signs of overheating, don't ignore it. Move away from the vehicle and contact emergency services if there is an active fire.
Why Are Owners Being Told to Park Outside?
This is one of the more serious parts of this recall.
Because the seat motor can potentially overheat and start a fire even when the vehicle is parked, NHTSA and Kia are advising owners of affected Tellurides to park outdoors and away from buildings and other vehicles until the recall repair is completed.
That means affected owners should avoid parking the vehicle inside a garage or directly next to a home or other structure.
This Is a Recall of a Previous Recall
Here's another important detail.
Kia previously recalled these same Telluride vehicles in 2024 for the power seat motor issue. The new 2026 recall, NHTSA 26V430, supersedes that earlier recall because the previous repair did not completely resolve the safety concern for all affected vehicles.
NHTSA reports that Kia is aware of seven seat fires and 11 melted seat motors associated with the issue.
What Is the Repair?
Kia dealers will install an electronic fuse assembly designed to prevent the power seat motor from continuously operating if the seat switch becomes stuck, dislodged or damaged.
The repair is being performed free of charge by Kia dealers.
Kia began sending owner notification letters on August 13, 2026, according to the recall information.
How Can You Check Your Kia Telluride?
If you own a 2020–2024 Telluride, don't assume you're in the clear simply because you haven't received a letter.
You can check your vehicle using its 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall database.
Check for Vehicle Recalls — NHTSA
You can also contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542 and reference recall SC374.
Don't Ignore a Recall
Recalls can range from relatively minor issues to serious safety concerns. This Telluride recall falls into the category that deserves immediate attention because of the potential for a vehicle fire.
If you own a 2020–2024 Kia Telluride, take a few minutes to check your VIN. And if your vehicle is affected, follow Kia and NHTSA's guidance to park it outside and away from structures until the recall repair has been completed.
At Dickerson Automotive, we always recommend staying on top of manufacturer recalls and safety campaigns. A recall may not mean your vehicle is unsafe to drive under every circumstance—but it does mean the manufacturer has identified a condition that deserves attention.
Sources:
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — Official Recall Report 26V430
This is the primary source for the recall. It includes the affected model years, number of vehicles, defect description, fire risk, warning signs, remedy, and parking recommendation.
NHTSA Official Recall Report 26V430 / Kia SC374 - NHTSA — Vehicle Recall Search
This is where vehicle owners can check their specific vehicle using the VIN and look for open recalls.
NHTSA Recall Search - Kia America — Official Website
Kia's official site is another place owners can use to check recall information and contact Kia regarding their vehicle.
Kia America