Kia Recalls 462,800 Telluride SUVs for Fire Risk After Previous Fix Fails

Kia is recalling 462,800 Telluride SUVs from model years 2020 through 2024 over a fire risk caused by overheating front power seat motors, in an expanded recall that replaces a previous remedy that proved ineffective. The recall, designated SC374 by federal safety regulators, affects one of the brand’s most popular three-row SUVs and requires even vehicles already repaired under the earlier recall to receive a new fix.

According to recall documentation from Kelley Blue Book, the fire risk stems from the front power seat motor overheating due to a stuck power seat slide knob or improper repair from the previous recall campaign, numbered 24V407. The replacement recall reflects a significant escalation in the safety issue and raises questions about the effectiveness of automotive recall remedies industry-wide.

Urgent Parking Guidance Issued

Kia has issued an unusual warning for affected Telluride owners: park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is completed. The automaker notes that fires can occur not only while the vehicle is being driven but also when it is parked, presenting a particular hazard to garages and adjacent buildings.

The recall affects one of Kia’s most popular models in the US market, making this one of the largest single-model recalls announced in July 2026. The timing is particularly challenging as it coincides with peak summer travel season, when many families rely on three-row SUVs like the Telluride for vacation trips.

What Went Wrong With the First Fix

The current recall’s designation as a replacement for recall 24V407 indicates that the initial remedy did not adequately address the fire hazard. While specific details about the failure of the first fix have not been disclosed, the expanded scope suggests that the original repair either did not cover all potential failure modes or was improperly designed.

Dealers will now install an electronic fuse assembly free of charge as the new remedy. This electronic safety device should interrupt power to the seat motor before temperatures reach dangerous levels, providing a fail-safe mechanism that the previous repair apparently lacked.

Timeline and Owner Notification

The recall was officially dated June 17, 2026, but vehicle identification numbers involved in the recall only became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 17, 2026. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 13, 2026, meaning some owners may not receive official word for several weeks.

The gap between recall filing and owner notification creates a window during which proactive owners should check their vehicle status themselves. Telluride owners can visit NHTSA.gov and enter their 17-digit VIN to determine whether their specific vehicle is affected.

What This Means for Buyers

For current Telluride owners, the immediate priority is determining whether your vehicle is affected and following the parking guidance until repairs are completed. The interim period of parking outside may extend for weeks or months depending on parts availability and dealer scheduling capacity, given the massive scope of nearly half a million vehicles.

Prospective buyers shopping for used 2020-2024 Tellurides should verify whether the recall has been completed before purchase. Given that this is a replacement recall, documentation showing completion of the earlier 24V407 recall is insufficient—only the new SC374 repair will resolve the issue.

The recall also raises broader concerns about three-row SUV safety and the automotive industry‘s recall remedy development process. When an initial fix fails and requires expansion, it suggests that root-cause analysis may have been incomplete or that testing of the remedy was insufficient. Consumer advocates may scrutinize whether manufacturers are rushing repairs to close recall campaigns without ensuring long-term effectiveness.

For Kia, the Telluride has been a critical success in the competitive three-row SUV segment, competing against established players like the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Hyundai Palisade. This recall, particularly given the failure of the initial remedy, represents a significant reputational challenge for a vehicle that has won numerous awards and helped elevate Kia’s brand image in recent years.

Owners waiting for repairs should remain vigilant for any signs of electrical issues with their power seats, including unusual odors, smoke, or difficulty adjusting seat positions. Any such symptoms warrant immediate disconnection of the vehicle’s battery and contact with a Kia dealer for expedited service.

Kia owners can contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542 with recall number SC374 for additional information, or contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.