Kia Telluride Recall: Seat Motor Fire Risk

If you drive a 2020 to 2024 Kia Telluride in Victorville, Hesperia, Apple Valley or Adelanto, check this recall today. Kia has recalled about 463,000 Tellurides because a front power seat motor can overheat and cause a fire, and Kia’s recall report advises owners to park outdoors until the repair is done. The fix is free at a Kia dealer, and you can find out right now whether your Telluride is included.

Which Kia Tellurides are part of this recall?

According to Kia’s filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recall covers 462,869 certain 2020 to 2024 model year Tellurides built from January 9, 2019 to May 29, 2024. The vehicles were not produced in VIN order, so your VIN is the only reliable way to confirm.

Source: Kia America’s safety recall report to NHTSA. Kia’s own recall number is SC374.

What can go wrong with the Telluride power seat?

Kia’s report says a hard impact to the front power seat side cover or slide knob can dislodge, misalign or damage the power seat switch. A damaged switch can cause the seat motor to run continuously and overheat, which creates a fire risk while the vehicle is being driven or parked. Kia’s report says an improper repair under the earlier recall can cause the same problem. NHTSA says Kia is aware of seven seat fires.

Kia lists these warning signs:

• A seat slide knob that sticks
• A seat that keeps moving after you release the knob
• A burning or melting smell
• Smoke from under the seat

I already had the earlier Telluride seat recall done. Do I need this one too?

Yes, most likely. This recall replaces an earlier Telluride seat recall from 2024 (NHTSA 24V407), so vehicles that already had that repair still need the new one. Check your VIN to see where your Telluride stands.

Should I park my Telluride outside until it is repaired?

Kia’s recall report advises owners to park outdoors, away from other vehicles and structures, and not to drive the vehicle until the repair is done. NHTSA gives the same park-outside advice. Call our Service team and we will help you figure out the safest way to get your Telluride in.

How do I check my VIN for the Telluride recall?

You do not need to wait for a letter. Kia’s schedule has owner letters going out in phases from August 13 to 19, 2026, and the VIN lookup has been open since July 17.

• Find your 17-character VIN on the driver side of the dashboard or on your registration
• Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls
• Call Kia Customer Care at 800-333-4542 if you want to confirm by phone
• Or call Valley Hi Kia at (760) 955-0046 and we will look it up

Bought your Telluride used? Recalls follow the vehicle, not the original owner, so the same lookup works for you.

Is the Telluride recall repair free, and what happens at the appointment?

Yes. Kia says dealers will install an electronic fuse assembly that keeps the seat motor from running continuously if the switch is damaged. The repair is free. If you already paid for a related repair, Kia has a reimbursement plan in effect since April 30, 2026, so ask our Service team or Kia Customer Care. Our Service team can tell you how long the visit should take and whether anything else is due while your Telluride is here.

What else do Telluride owners ask about this recall?

Does the recall affect every Telluride?

No. It covers certain 2020 to 2024 Tellurides built through May 29, 2024. Your VIN tells you if yours is included.

Is the 2027 Telluride part of this recall?

No. This recall covers 2020 to 2024 model years. You can still check any VIN for other open recalls.

Do I need to wait for the recall letter?

No. You can check your VIN and book now.

Will the repair replace my seat?

Kia says dealers will install an electronic fuse assembly. Ask our Service team what to expect at your appointment.

Can I get this done at any Kia dealer?

Yes, recall work is done at Kia dealers. You are welcome to bring your Telluride to Valley Hi Kia in Victorville.

Shopping for a newer Telluride? See how the Telluride holds up for High Desert families or what is new in the 2027 Telluride.

More from the Valley Hi Kia blog: model guides, comparisons, hybrid and EV tips and High Desert driving advice.

Recall information is based on Kia America’s safety recall report to NHTSA (recall 26V430; Kia SC374) and NHTSA’s public notice. Confirm your vehicle’s recall status by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or through Kia Customer Care. Appointment availability varies.