When a family in suburban New Jersey noticed a burning smell beneath the front passenger seat of their 2021 Kia Telluride this spring, they thought it was an electrical short. What followed — an inspection that found melting around the seat motor — became part of a widening safety concern that now touches hundreds of thousands of drivers nationwide.
On Friday, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Kia America announced a new, expanded recall affecting 462,869 Telluride sport-utility vehicles from the 2020–2024 model years. Federal and automaker documents say the front passenger-seat motor can overheat if a slide knob becomes stuck, potentially igniting a fire under the seat even while the vehicle is parked.
What led to the new recall
Kia initially issued a remedy in 2024 for the seat-motor problem, but subsequent complaints prompted a fresh look. From Oct. 2024 through Apr. 2026, Kia North America's safety office identified 18 incidents involving either small seat fires or melted seat motors in vehicles that had received the earlier repair, according to the recall filing. The company determined some dealers' workmanship on the earlier fix had been inconsistent and opted to issue a broader remedy.
To correct the defect, dealers will install an electronic fuse assembly at no charge. Kia says that component is designed to stop the seat motor from continuing to run if its switch becomes dislodged or damaged. The dealer fix is expected to be available in early August, and owner notification letters will be mailed beginning Aug. 13.
“Park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete.”
Immediate guidance for owners
While owners wait for the repair, federal regulators are advising caution. The NHTSA and Kia emphasize that the risk includes fires while a vehicle is parked or in use, and they urge owners to reduce potential hazards.
- Confirm whether your vehicle is included by checking the NHTSA recall lookup or Kia’s recall portal.
- Park Telluride SUVs outdoors and away from homes or other buildings until the fix is installed.
- Watch for unusual smells, smoke, or heat near seats and report any problems to dealers and NHTSA.
So far, documents say there have been no reported injuries or crashes tied to these incidents. Kia's public relations contacts did not immediately respond to requests for additional comment.
Scope and timeline
The recall covers Tellurides built between Jan. 9, 2019, and May 29, 2024. Owners can expect dealers to begin installing the electronic fuse in early August and to receive formal notification by mail starting Aug. 13. Until then, the NHTSA advisory underscores practical steps drivers should take to limit fire risk.
| Model years affected | Number of vehicles | Manufacture dates |
|---|---|---|
| 2020–2024 | 462,869 | Jan. 9, 2019 – May 29, 2024 |
For families who rely on SUVs for carpools, work and school commutes, the recall is an unwelcome disruption. But safety officials say the risk of a seat motor overheating and starting a fire — even if uncommon — justifies the prompt and broad response. Owners should act on the NHTSA guidance and arrange the dealer repair as soon as it becomes available.
National safety notices like this one ripple beyond individual vehicles: they test automakers' repair programs and dealers' ability to uniformly apply fixes, and they remind drivers that seemingly minor interior components can pose serious hazards. For now, owners of affected Tellurides are advised to follow the federal guidance and take precautions until the new electronic fuse is installed.
