Kia America has issued a new "park outside" recall covering 462,869 model year 2020 through 2024 Kia Telluride SUVs after determining that the original 2024 recall remedy may not have fully resolved a fire hazard involving the front power seat motor. The automaker is instructing owners to park affected vehicles outside and away from buildings or other vehicles until the updated repair is performed.
According to the recall, if the front power seat slide cover or adjustment knob is struck, the seat switch can become dislodged or damaged. That can cause the seat motor to run continuously, leading to overheating and, in some cases, a vehicle fire. Kia also found that an improper repair completed under the earlier recall campaign could leave some vehicles vulnerable to the same overheating condition.
For insurance claims professionals, the recall highlights the importance of confirming whether prior recall repairs were completed correctly when investigating vehicle fire losses. Adjusters handling fire claims involving affected Telluride models should review recall history, dealership repair records, and the condition of the power seat assembly to determine whether the vehicle was subject to the previous campaign and whether the updated remedy had been performed. The case also illustrates how repeat recalls can influence subrogation opportunities and liability investigations involving manufacturers, repair facilities, or component suppliers.
Kia reports seven seat fires and 11 incidents involving melted seat motors related to the defect. Owner notification letters will begin mailing on Aug. 13, with dealerships installing an electronic fuse assembly designed to stop continuous seat motor operation if the switch becomes damaged or misaligned. Vehicle owners will be able to verify whether their SUV is included in the recall through NHTSA beginning July 17.
