Automaker Kia on Friday announced a recall of certain 2020 to 2024 Telluride SUVs, urging vehicle owners to park them outdoors, away from buildings, due to a fire risk, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The issue stems from the motor in the power front seats, which “can cause the power seat slider to jam, which can lead to the motor overheating and potentially causing a fire or increasing the risk of injury,” NHTSA said in a statement.
“To resolve the issue, dealers will install brackets for power seat switchback covers and replace the seat slide knobs free of charge,” the statement said.
Kia advised drivers to park their cars outside until repairs are completed.
According to the NHTSA, approximately 460,000 vehicles may be affected by the recall, and notices informing affected Telluride owners will be mailed starting July 30.
Kia will also reimburse owners for repair costs that have already been incurred, according to a safety recall report posted online by the agency.
According to a timeline of issues with the Telluride front power seats published by NHTSA, Kia's North American Safety Administration received complaints of smoke and a report that “the driver's seat caught fire while driving. ” No injuries were reported as a result of the fire, and there have been no injuries, crashes or fatalities attributed to the issue, according to the document.
Kia spokesman James Bell called the problem “extremely rare.”
In September 2023, Hyundai and Kia recalled about 3.4 million vehicles in the United States due to the risk of engine compartment fires caused by brake fluid leaks. At the time, the automakers advised car owners to park their cars outdoors.
Hyundai is the parent company of Kia, but the two manufacturers operate independently.