Kia recalls nearly 463K Telluride SUVs over fire risk, urges owners to park outside

Kia is recalling nearly 463,000 Telluride SUVs over a fire risk, urging owners to park outside and away from buildings after reports of fires following previous repairs. The recall was announced this week by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and replaces an earlier recall Kia initiated in 2024. It affects certain Tellurides from model years 2020-2024, warning that the front power seat motor may overheat due to a stuck slide knob, potentially leading to a fire while parked or while driving. Kia North America’s safety office identified 18 incidents between October 2024 and April 2026, involving localized seat fires or melting of the seat motor, with no reported injuries or crashes. Kia will provide a remedy free of charge: dealers will install an electronic fuse assembly, available in early August, with owner letters mailed starting Aug. 13. Kia estimates about 1% of the vehicles have the defect.