Kia America is recalling nearly 463,000 Telluride SUVs (2020–2024) after finding the front power seat motor can overheat and catch fire. NHTSA has issued a “park outside” advisory until the free fix arrives in August 2026.
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Is my Kia Telluride at risk of catching fire?
Quick Answer: Yes, if it’s a 2020–2024 model year Telluride. Kia has recalled 462,869 of these SUVs because a faulty front power seat motor can overheat and start a fire, whether the vehicle is parked or being driven. NHTSA has told owners to park outside and away from structures until dealers install a free electronic fuse fix starting August 13, 2026.
Kia America has issued a “park outside” recall covering 462,869 Telluride SUVs from the 2020–2024 model years, after determining that the front power seat motor can overheat and catch fire. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is urging owners to park their vehicles outdoors and away from other cars or buildings until dealers complete a free repair. Owner notification letters will go out starting August 13, 2026.
Key Facts: Kia Telluride Recall
- Vehicles affected: 462,869 Kia Telluride SUVs, model years 2020–2024 (built January 2019–May 2024)
- NHTSA ID: 26V43 | Kia recall number: SC374
- Problem: Front power seat motor can overheat and catch fire
- Cause: A stuck power seat slide knob, or an impact that dislodges the seat switch, can make the motor run continuously and overheat; an improperly repaired earlier recall can also trigger it
- Incidents so far: 18 total — 7 seat/under-seat fires and 11 cases of motor melting; no injuries, crashes, or deaths reported
- Advisory: Park outside and away from other vehicles or structures until repaired
- Fix: Free installation of an electronic fuse assembly to stop the motor from running continuously
- Owner letters: Mailed starting August 13, 2026
- VIN lookup: Searchable on NHTSA.gov from July 17, 2026
- Contact: Kia customer service 800-333-4542 | NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline 888-327-4236
What Exactly Is Wrong With the Telluride’s Seat Motor?
The defect centers on the front power seat slide mechanism. If the seat slide cover or knob is struck — even something as ordinary as a passenger’s foot catching it while getting in — the power seat switch can become dislodged or internally misaligned. Once that happens, the seat motor may keep running continuously instead of stopping, causing it to overheat. Over time, that overheating can lead to melting or, in some cases, a fire underneath or around the seat.
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Why Is Kia Recalling the Same Problem Again?
This isn’t the first time. Kia issued an almost identical recall (24V407) for the same population of Tellurides back in June 2024. That fix, however, has turned out to be insufficient — some vehicles that were already repaired under the 2024 recall are still at risk, either because the repair itself was flawed or because the underlying design issue wasn’t fully resolved. The new recall (SC374) replaces that earlier campaign entirely, meaning even owners who already got their seats fixed once will need to bring their Telluride back in.
How Serious Is the Risk?
Kia estimates that only about 1% of the recalled population actually has the defect. The company has logged 18 unique incidents in total: seven localized fires in or under the seat, and 11 cases where the seat motor melted without igniting. Crucially, no injuries, crashes, or fatalities have been tied to the issue. Even so, NHTSA’s “park outside” designation is reserved for cases regulators consider serious enough that vehicles shouldn’t sit inside garages or near buildings until fixed.
What Should Telluride Owners Do Right Now?
Until the repair is completed, Kia is advising owners of affected Tellurides to park outdoors and away from other vehicles or structures. Owners don’t need to wait for their notification letter to check whether their SUV is included — from July 17, 2026, anyone can enter their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) at NHTSA.gov/recalls to confirm. Physical letters will start going out on August 13, 2026, after which owners can schedule a free repair at any Kia dealership. The fix itself involves installing an electronic fuse assembly that prevents the seat motor from running continuously if the switch is ever dislodged again.
The Bigger Picture: A Pattern Across Kia and Hyundai’s Shared Platform
This recall doesn’t exist in isolation. Kia already recalled a small batch of 2027 model year Tellurides back in March 2026 for a related seat issue, a move that came in the wake of a stop-sale order on the closely related Hyundai Palisade after a fatal incident involving a two-year-old tied to power-seat operation. Kia and Hyundai share platforms and components extensively, so recurring seat-motor issues across both brands’ three-row SUVs point to a design challenge that goes beyond a single model year or a single fix.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Kia Telluride model years are affected by this recall?
All Telluride SUVs from the 2020 through 2024 model years, built between January 2019 and May 2024, are included — a total of 462,869 vehicles.
Do I need to stop driving my Telluride immediately?
Kia and NHTSA are not telling owners to stop driving. The advisory is to park outside and away from structures or other vehicles until the free repair is done, since the risk applies whether the SUV is parked or in motion.
How do I know if my specific Telluride is included in the recall?
From July 17, 2026, you can enter your 17-digit VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls to check. You can also call Kia customer service at 800-333-4542 or NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236.
I already had my Telluride repaired under the 2024 recall. Do I need another repair?
Yes. This new recall (SC374) replaces the 2024 recall (24V407) because that earlier fix has proven insufficient for some vehicles. Owners who were already repaired will still need the new electronic fuse assembly installed.
Will the repair cost anything?
No. Kia dealers will install the electronic fuse assembly free of charge for all affected owners.
When will I be notified, and what should I do until then?
Owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed starting August 13, 2026. Until your vehicle is repaired, park it outside and away from other vehicles, homes, or buildings.
Sources
- CBS News — Kia recalling almost 463,000 Tellurides that may catch fire
- WGN TV — Kia issues ‘park outside’ recall for 460K vehicles over fire risk
- The Detroit News — This popular Kia model is being recalled for fire risk
- NHTSA — Consumer Alert: Park Outside Recall for Kia Telluride
FAQ
Which Kia Telluride model years are affected?
2020–2024 model years, 462,869 vehicles total.
Do I need to stop driving my Telluride?
No — park outside and away from structures until repaired, but driving isn’t prohibited.
How do I check if my Telluride is affected?
VIN lookup at NHTSA.gov/recalls from July 17, 2026, or call 800-333-4542.
I was already repaired under the 2024 recall — do I need this one too?
Yes, this recall replaces the earlier one.
Is the repair free?
Yes, Kia dealers install the fix at no cost.
When will I be notified?
Letters start mailing August 13, 2026.