Kia America recalled 462,869 model-year 2020 through 2024 Tellurides because a damaged or misaligned front power-seat switch can keep the seat motor running, allowing it to overheat and potentially ignite. NHTSA's public alert tells owners to park affected vehicles outdoors and away from buildings and other vehicles until the repair is completed.
This is not merely a routine owner-notification item. The vehicles were previously recalled for the same basic hazard, and NHTSA says an improper earlier repair may also allow the motor to overheat. Kia reported seven seat fires and 11 melted seat motors when the agency published the July alert.
What the remedy changes
Dealers will install an electronic fuse assembly designed to stop continuous seat-motor operation when the switch is displaced, internally misaligned or damaged. Kia planned to begin notifying owners on August 13, while NHTSA said affected VIN and license-plate records would be searchable beginning July 17.
What dealerships should do now
Kia service departments should prepare for safety-sensitive inbound calls before mailed notices arrive. Used-car and wholesale teams should run VIN checks before acquisition, merchandising or delivery; a model-year match alone does not establish that a specific vehicle is included.
BDC and advisor scripts should repeat the park-outside instruction exactly and avoid promising parts or appointment timing that the store cannot support. Completed repair status should flow back to inventory and delivery systems so a repaired unit is not left on hold—or an unrepaired unit released.
Recall applicability is VIN-specific. Owners and dealers should confirm current status through NHTSA and Kia before acting.
Cited references
- NHTSA consumer alert — Federal safety alert
- NHTSA campaign document 26V430 — Official recall filing