Kia has issued a major recall for its popular Telluride SUV, affecting a total of 462,869 vehicles from the 2020 through 2024 model years. The reason is a little scary—there’s a fire risk from the electric seat motors for the driver or front passenger seats. It can happen either while the SUV is in use or parked with the ignition off, so Kia is advising people to park outside in case the seats catch fire.
The specific cause is not the seat motor, but the shift knob that controls it. The recall notice (NHTSA Recall No. 24V-407) states that an external impact can cause the rear cover of the seat switch to come off. This can cause the switch that controls the seat motor to become misaligned, and if the switch sticks, it will apply constant power to the motor. If the passenger is not aware of this, the motor can become hot enough to cause a fire.
According to documents filed with the recall, Kia is aware of one small driver’s seat fire that occurred in a 2023 Telluride while it was being driven. There have also been six confirmed incidents of components melting under the seat. Smoke in the cabin has also been reported in some incidents.
Wouldn’t it be obvious if the electric seat motor had jammed? The recall notice doesn’t address this, and Kia’s chronological report on the issue (dating back to December 2022) doesn’t mention any symptoms before the incident. However, Kia does advise that the seat moving “even after the seat shift knob is released” along with a burning smell, smoke, or an inoperable seat could indicate a problem.
The fix is easy. Kia dealers will install a new bracket for the power seat switch back cover, and the seat control knob will be replaced. Owners will be notified of the recall by mail on July 30; concerned owners can also call Kia Customer Service and mention the SC316 recall. The number is 800-333-4542.
