(RepublicanJournal.org) – Automakers routinely issue recall notices when an issue crops up that could cause injury or a safety hazard. In early June, we reported that several manufacturers recalled around 94,000 vehicles for a fire hazard. Now, Kia has issued another notice, this time affecting nearly half a million cars.
On June 7, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that Kia had issued a recall of more than 460,000 of its model years 2020 to 2024 Telluride vehicles. The notice asks owners to park their cars outside due to a fire hazard stemming from the front power seat motor. The slide knob could potentially get caught and overheat, resulting in “a risk of fire while parked or driving.”
Parking the car outside is an added precaution to prevent any structures from catching fire. Drivers should be aware of a “burning or melting smell, and/or smoke from underneath the seat,” per the NHTSA safety recall report.
Kia has agreed to fix the issue, free of charge. Telluride owners should contact their dealer to schedule an appointment to replace the slide knobs and install a bracket for the back covers of the power seat switch. The notice for recall number SC316 will be sent out starting July 30 and after the owner receives it, they can schedule an appointment for the repair. Kia will also reimburse vehicle owners for any repair expenses as a result of the faulty part.
Kia said it was not aware of any injuries, deaths, or crashes associated with the recall notice, but there have been instances of “localized melting of a power seat motor,” per The Washington Post. Past Kia recalls were made in 2020 and 2023 for brake fluid leaks that also posed a fire hazard.
Consumers can use the NHTSA lookup tool to determine if their vehicle falls under the recall by entering their license plate or VIN. They can call customer service at 800-333-4542 for additional questions.
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