NHTSA Warns Kia Telluride Owners to Park Outside in New 462K-Vehicle Fire Recall
Kia is recalling 462,869 Tellurides for a seat-motor fire risk and telling owners to park outside until a new repair is done.
- 462,869
- 7
- 11
- Aug. 13, 2026
What Happened
Kia America has issued a park outside recall for 462,869 2020-2024 Kia Telluride vehicles because of a fire risk while driving or parked. The vehicles were previously recalled in 2024 for the same issue, and owners must park them outside and away from buildings and other vehicles until the new repair is done. The problem stems from the front power seat slide cover or knob: if it is hit or accidentally struck, the switch can become dislodged, misaligned or damaged, causing continuous operation and overheating of the seat motor. An improper repair under the previous recall could also lead to the motor overheating and catching fire.
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Kia is aware of seven seat fires and 11 seat motors melting in affected Tellurides.
Kia will notify affected owners starting Aug. 13 to schedule a remedy at their local dealership. Dealers will install an electronic fuse assembly to prevent continuous operation of the seat motor if the seat switch becomes dislodged, internally misaligned or otherwise damaged. Owners can also contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542 or visit Kia's owner portal for more information.
Affected Tellurides previously recalled for the same seat-motor issue.
Affected VINs and license plates become searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Kia begins notifying owners to schedule the repair.
- Park the vehicle outside and away from buildings and other vehicles until the repair is complete.
- Search affected vehicle identification numbers and license plates on NHTSA.gov starting July 17.
- Call NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236.
- Download NHTSA's SaferCar app to stay informed on current recalls.
- Contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542 or use Kia's owner portal.
Why this matters
This is a repeat recall: the same 2020-2024 Tellurides were already recalled in 2024, yet Kia still knows of seven seat fires and 11 melted motors. Because the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is parked, owners should park outside away from buildings and other vehicles until the dealer installs the electronic fuse fix. Anyone who owns one of the 462,869 affected SUVs should check their VIN when the tool goes live July 17.
Terms in This Story
- recall
- A manufacturer's action to repair or replace a vehicle component when it poses a safety risk.
- seat motor
- The electric motor that adjusts the position of a power seat.
- electronic fuse assembly
- A device that interrupts electrical flow to prevent overheating.
- VIN
- Vehicle Identification Number; a unique code used to identify a specific vehicle.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.