Nearly 463,000 Vehicles Affected. Safety First: Fire Risk Prompts Kia Telluride Recall. Park outside & get a free repair at Kia dealerships.
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| Kia Telluride Recall Addresses Potential Fire Hazard. Users find out if the SUV is affected & get it repaired at a Kia dealership. |
Kia is issuing a major safety recall for nearly 463,000 Telluride SUVs from model years 2020 through 2024. The culprit? A potential fire risk originating from the front power seat motors. This news comes after reports of smoke and overheating issues with the seats in these popular SUVs.
Understanding the Telluride Recall
The problem stems from a malfunction with the seat control switch. According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a forceful impact could misalign the switch, causing it to get stuck in the "on" position. This, in turn, would lead to the front power seat motor running continuously. The excessive heat generated by this malfunction raises the risk of a fire.
Kia first became aware of the issue in 2022 with a customer reporting smoke emanating from under the driver's seat. Subsequent reports in 2023 and 2024, including one instance of a fire while driving, solidified the need for a recall. Thankfully, no injuries or accidents have been reported as a result of this issue.
Park Your Telluride Outside
Kia is urging owners of the affected Tellurides to take immediate action. The safest course is to park the vehicle outside and away from buildings or other structures until the recall repair is completed. This precaution minimizes potential damage in case a fire breaks out.
Kia will be notifying owners by mail starting at the end of July. The recall involves a free repair at Kia dealerships. Service technicians will install reinforcements and improved switches for the power seat controls to prevent overheating and eliminate the fire risk.
It's important to note that this is the second recall for the Telluride in 2024. Earlier this year, Kia issued a separate recall for these SUVs due to a defect that could allow them to roll away while supposedly parked. This highlights the importance of staying informed about recalls and addressing them promptly to ensure your vehicle's safety.
How to Stay Informed and Get Your Telluride Repaired
Kia will be sending out official notification letters to affected owners on July 30th. However, if you own a 2020-2024 Telluride and are concerned about the potential fire risk, you can take proactive steps:
Contact Kia Customer Service: Call 1-800-333-4542 to inquire about the recall and confirm if your vehicle is included. Reference the recall number SC316.
Check the NHTSA website: Visit the NHTSA website's recall search tool ([https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle](https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle)) and enter your vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to see if it's part of the recall.
Schedule a Repair Appointment: Once you confirm your Telluride is involved in the recall, contact your local Kia dealership to schedule a service appointment for the free repair.
Recalls are issued for a reason, and acting on them is crucial for your safety and the safety of those around you. By parking your Telluride outside and promptly scheduling the repair, you can address the fire risk and ensure continued safe operation of your vehicle.