Kia America has issued a safety recall covering 462,869 model year 2020–2024 Kia Telluride sport utility vehicles over a risk of seat motor fires, including while the vehicle is parked. Owners are directed to park affected vehicles outside and away from buildings until a dealer remedy has been completed.

The recall, designated NHTSA 26V430000, is the second action on this defect. A 2024 campaign addressed the same fault, but Kia has acknowledged that an improper repair under that recall can itself lead to motor overheating. The recurrence indicates a failure in the original remedy rather than a new fault.

The underlying mechanism involves the front power seat slide cover or knob being struck accidentally, dislodging or misaligning the switch. This can cause the seat motor to run continuously, generating sufficient heat to start a fire. Kia has confirmed seven seat fires and 11 instances of seat motor melt across the affected population.

The new remedy is an electronic fuse assembly that will cut power to the motor if the seat switch becomes dislodged or internally damaged. Owner notification is scheduled to begin 13 August, with dealers carrying out the installation.

Affected vehicle identification numbers will be searchable on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website from 17 July 2026. Owners can contact Kia customer service directly for further information.

Source: NHTSA