What Happened to Kia Telluride Front Power Seat Motor Fire Recall (2026)?
Kia America has issued an urgent 'park outside' recall for nearly 463,000 Telluride SUVs (2020-2024 model years) due to a fire risk from overheating front power seat motors. This 2026 recall supersedes a similar 2024 recall, as the previous remedy proved insufficient, with owners advised to park away from structures until a new electronic fuse assembly is installed.
Quick Answer
As of July 9, 2026, Kia America has issued a new 'park outside' recall for 462,869 Telluride SUVs (2020-2024 model years) due to a fire risk from the front power seat motors. The motors can overheat and ignite if the seat slide knob is stuck or the switch is dislodged, even in vehicles previously 'repaired' under a 2024 recall. Owners are urged to park outdoors and away from buildings until dealers install a new electronic fuse assembly, with notification letters expected by August 13, 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline12 events
Tow Hitch Fire Risk Recall Issued
Kia America recalled approximately 36,417 Telluride vehicles (2020-2022 model years) due to a fire risk from a tow hitch wiring harness module. Moisture and debris could cause an electrical short. Owners were advised to park outside.
Tow Hitch Recall Owner Notifications Begin
Owner notification letters for the tow hitch fire risk recall (SC247) were scheduled to be mailed by Kia.
Initial Front Power Seat Fire Recall (24V407) Issued
Kia issued a recall (NHTSA ID 24V407) for 462,869 Telluride SUVs (2020-2024 model years) due to a fire risk from overheating front power seat motors. The issue was linked to a stuck power seat slide knob. Owners were advised to park outside.
Initial Seat Recall Owner Notifications Begin
Owner notification letters for the initial front power seat fire recall (SC316) were expected to be mailed by Kia.
Production Change for Reinforced Seat Switch
Kia began equipping 2024 model year Telluride vehicles with a reinforced power seat switch mechanism in production to mitigate the fire risk.
Consumer Alert: Check for Safety Recalls
NHTSA issued a general consumer alert reminding vehicle owners to check for safety recalls.
Consumer Alert: Time to Check for Vehicle Safety Recalls
NHTSA issued another general consumer alert, noting that over 29 million vehicles were recalled in the previous year.
Recall for 2027 Telluride Second-Row Seats
A recall (NHTSA ID 26V173) was issued for a small population of 2027 model year Tellurides regarding second-row seat assemblies that may not detect obstructions, increasing injury risk. This was not a fire recall.
Kia Submits New Recall Report to NHTSA
Kia America submitted a report to NHTSA outlining the new recall (26V430) for the front power seat motor issue, superseding the 2024 campaign.
Urgent 'Park Outside' Recall (26V430) Issued
Kia America issued an urgent 'park outside' recall for 462,869 Telluride SUVs (2020-2024 model years) due to a fire risk from overheating front power seat motors. This recall (SC374) supersedes the 2024 recall (24V407) as the previous remedy was deemed insufficient.
VIN Searchable on NHTSA.gov
Affected Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) for the urgent 2026 seat motor fire recall are expected to become searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Owner Notification Letters Begin
Kia is scheduled to begin mailing owner notification letters for the urgent 2026 seat motor fire recall (SC374), instructing them to schedule a free remedy at dealerships.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The Kia Telluride, a popular three-row SUV, has been subject to multiple recalls concerning fire risks, with the most recent and significant being issued on July 9, 2026. This recall, identified as NHTSA ID 26V430 and Kia recall number SC374, affects 462,869 vehicles from the 2020-2024 model years. The core issue revolves around the front power seat motor, which can overheat and potentially cause a fire while the vehicle is either driving or parked.
The problem stems from several factors: an excessively strong impact to the front power seat side cover or slide knob can cause the power seat switch to become dislodged, internally misaligned, or otherwise damaged. This malfunction can lead to the continuous operation of the seat motor, which, over time, results in overheating and an increased risk of fire. Furthermore, Kia has acknowledged that improper repairs performed under a previous 2024 recall (NHTSA ID 24V407) for the exact same issue could also contribute to the motor overheating and catching fire.
This is not the first fire-related recall for the Telluride. In August 2022, Kia recalled approximately 36,417 Telluride vehicles (2020-2022 model years) due to a fire risk associated with a tow hitch wiring harness module. Moisture and debris could accumulate on the module's printed circuit board, leading to an electrical short and potential fire. Owners were also advised to park these vehicles outside.
For the current seat motor issue, Kia has identified 18 unique incidents, including seven localized seat or under-seat fires and 11 cases involving localized melting of the seat motor. Fortunately, no injuries, crashes, or fatalities have been reported in connection with this specific defect. The urgency of the situation has led the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to issue a 'park outside' warning, advising owners to keep their Tellurides away from buildings and other vehicles until the new repair is completed.
The remedy for the 2026 recall involves dealers installing an electronic fuse assembly designed to prevent continuous operation of the seat motor if the seat switch becomes compromised. This repair will be provided free of charge to affected owners. Kia plans to begin notifying owners by mail starting August 13, 2026, and vehicle identification numbers (VINs) will be searchable on NHTSA.gov for this recall starting July 17, 2026. For Telluride vehicles manufactured beginning May 30, 2024, Kia implemented a reinforced power seat switch mechanism in production to address the issue.
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