Kia recalls Telluride SUV due to fire risk; Encourage owners to park their cars outside

Kia Motors Corp. issued a recall Friday for some 2020 through 2024 Telluride SUVs and urged vehicle owners to park their vehicles outside and away from structures because of the fire risk, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said.

The problem stems from the front seat motor, which can overheat “due to an electric slide handle stuck in the seat, potentially causing a fire and increasing the risk of injury,” the company said. NHTSA said in a statement.

“To fix the problem, dealers will install a bracket for the power seat switch rear covers and replace the seat slide handles free of charge,” the statement said.

Kia recommended that drivers park outside until repairs are completed.

About 460,000 cars may be affected by the recall According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).Notices notifying affected Telluride area owners are expected to be mailed beginning July 30.

Kia will also reimburse owners for repair expenses already incurred, according to the agency’s safety recall report Published online.

A timeline of Telluride power front seat problems Shared by NHTSA It shows that Kia’s North American safety office saw complaints of smoke and a report of “the driver’s seat catching fire while driving.” No injuries were reported as a result of this fire, according to the document, and there were no injuries, accidents, or deaths resulting from the problem.

Kia spokesman James Bell described this case as “very rare.”

In September 2023, Hyundai and Kia recalled nearly 3.4 million vehicles in the United States due to an engine compartment fire risk caused by a brake fluid leak. At that time, car manufacturers also advised car owners to park their cars outside.

Hyundai is the parent company of Kia Motors, but the manufacturers operate independently.