A fire hazard under your seat isn’t something you expect when driving a Kia Telluride, but that’s exactly what’s triggered a nationwide recall. It affects 2020–2024 models, with the front power seat motor at risk of overheating and catching fire—even when the SUV is parked.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is warning owners to park their vehicles outside and away from other cars or buildings until repairs are done. If you own one of these models, here’s what’s happening and how to stay safe.
Why the Front Power Seat Motor Overheats
The issue starts with the front power seat’s side cover and seat slide knob. If either part is pressed too hard—like when adjusting the seat or leaning against it—the back cover of the power seat switch can pop loose.
Once that happens, the motor might run non-stop, building up enough heat to start a fire. And it doesn’t just happen when the car’s parked. The motor can overheat while driving, making it more than just an inconvenience.
Signs of trouble might start with a faint burning smell or a bit of smoke, but ignoring it could lead to something far worse. There have already been real-world cases, including reports of smoke and at least one confirmed fire.
So far, no injuries have been reported, but the risk is serious enough that Kia and the NHTSA are urging owners to act fast.
Which Models Are Affected and When They Were Built
If you drive a Kia Telluride from model years 2020 to 2024, your SUV might be part of this recall. The problem affects vehicles built between January 9, 2019, and May 29, 2024, covering a wide range of production dates.
The recall includes both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions, regardless of trim level. Whether you’ve got the base LX or the fully loaded SX Prestige, the risk is the same.
The issue isn’t tied to specific seat configurations or optional features—it comes down to how the power seat motor and its components were designed.
✔ Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guides – Covers maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair procedures with detailed instructions.
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Not sure if your vehicle’s included? Check your recall status by entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA website or Kia’s recall portal. If your Telluride is on the list, it’s essential to take action right away—especially since the risk of fire exists even when the SUV is parked.
How Kia Is Responding and What the Recall Covers
Kia didn’t waste time once the fire risk became clear. The official recall was announced in June 2024, covering roughly 462,869 Tellurides built between 2019 and 2024. The NHTSA assigned it Recall Number SC316, and Kia began notifying owners by mail on July 30, 2024.
If you received a notice, don’t wait. The recall covers the entire repair process at no cost to you. Kia dealerships will install a bracket on the power seat control switch to prevent the switch cover from popping loose.
If the seat slide knob or power seat switch shows signs of damage, they’ll replace those parts as well. The repair usually takes a few hours, depending on the dealership’s schedule.
Since the work is straightforward, you should be able to wait at the dealership while it’s done. Just make sure to schedule an appointment ahead of time, as demand might be high.
What You Should Do Right Now
If your Kia Telluride is part of the recall, don’t wait for something to go wrong. Until the repairs are done, the NHTSA recommends parking your vehicle outside and away from other cars or buildings.
Next, check your recall status using your VIN on the NHTSA website or Kia’s recall portal. If your SUV is included, contact your local Kia dealership to schedule the free repair. Be sure to mention Recall SC316 so the service department knows exactly what you need.
If you notice any signs of trouble—like a burning smell, smoke, or unusual heat under the driver’s seat—stop driving immediately and have your vehicle inspected. Even if your Telluride hasn’t shown any symptoms, getting the recall repair done as soon as possible is the best way to avoid potential problems.
What to Expect During the Repair
When you bring your Kia Telluride to the dealership, technicians will inspect the power seat control switch and its surrounding components. The main fix involves installing a bracket that holds the switch cover in place, preventing it from popping loose and causing the motor to overheat.
If the seat slide knob or power seat switch shows signs of damage—like cracks, warping, or electrical issues—the dealership will replace those parts as well. Since all repairs are covered under the recall, you won’t have to pay anything out of pocket.
The repair typically takes a few hours, though it could be longer if the dealership is busy or if replacement parts need to be ordered. Scheduling your appointment in advance is a good idea since demand might be high.
Need Help? Here’s Where to Get Support
If you have questions or need help with the recall, Kia’s customer service team is ready to assist. Call 800-333-4542 and reference Recall SC316 to ensure they have the right information about your vehicle.
Whether you need help scheduling repairs or want to confirm your SUV’s recall status, they can guide you through the process. For additional details, visit the NHTSA website and use their recall lookup tool by entering your VIN. Kia’s official website also provides recall information and dealership locations, making it easy to find a service center near you.
If you experience any issues with the recall repair or feel the problem wasn’t fully resolved, report it to the NHTSA. Their vehicle safety hotline, 1-888-327-4236, is available for concerns related to recall compliance or ongoing safety risks.
Why Ignoring This Recall Could Be Dangerous
Skipping the recall might not seem like a big deal, especially if your seat controls work fine. But the risk goes beyond a stuck switch. If the motor overheats, it can spark a fire—even when the vehicle is parked and turned off.
Leaving your Telluride in a garage or near other cars could lead to property damage or worse. The fire hazard isn’t limited to parked vehicles. The motor can also overheat while driving, which could put you and your passengers at risk.
Even if you’ve never noticed a burning smell or smoke, getting the repair done is essential. The recall fix eliminates the risk of overheating by securing the switch cover, ensuring the motor can’t run continuously.
Delaying the repair could also affect your vehicle’s resale value. Buyers and dealerships often check for open recalls, and unresolved safety issues can make it harder to sell or trade in your SUV.
How Drivers and the Auto Industry Are Responding
News of a fire risk is bound to make any driver nervous, and Kia Telluride owners are no exception. Many took to online forums and social media to share their concerns, especially after reports of smoke and one confirmed fire.
✔ Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guides – Covers maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair procedures with detailed instructions.
✔ Vehicle-Specific Coverage – Designed for your exact make and model, ensuring accurate and relevant information.
✔ Includes Diagrams & Photos – Easy-to-follow illustrations and exploded views help simplify complex repairs.
✔ Perfect for DIYers & Professionals – Whether you're a beginner or an experienced mechanic, get the insights you need to fix your vehicle with confidence.
While some questioned why the issue wasn’t caught sooner, others appreciated Kia’s quick response and the NHTSA’s clear safety recommendations.
Overall, most owners seem relieved that the fix is straightforward and covered at no cost. Still, the recall raised questions about the design of power seat motors, with some wondering if other vehicles could face similar issues.
Industry experts point out that as modern cars rely more on electric motors and automated features, ensuring these components don’t overheat is crucial.
Final Thoughts
If you own a 2020–2024 Kia Telluride, this recall isn’t something to ignore. The risk of fire is real, and it can happen whether the vehicle is parked or on the road. Until the repair is done, follow the NHTSA’s advice: park your SUV outside and away from other cars or buildings.
The fix is simple, free, and takes just a few hours at your local Kia dealership. Check your recall status using your VIN, schedule the repair, and get back on the road without worrying about what’s happening under your seat.