Kia Telluride SUVs Recalled for Fire Risks

Kia is calling back nearly half a million Telluride sport utility vehicles over a defect that could cause the cars to catch fire. It is also telling owners to park their vehicles outside until the defect is addressed. 

The SUVs’ front power seat motors may overheat, the automaker recently told federal vehicle safety regulators. That is thanks to a power seat slide knob that may become stuck, according to Kia.

“Over time, this can result in overheating of a seat motor, thereby increasing the risk of a fire while driving or while parked,” the company said in a defect notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The recall covers more than 462,000 Telluride SUVs from model years 2020 to 2024. Kia plans to notify owners of recalled cars via mail by the end of July. Telluride drivers, in the meantime, can check NHTSA’s website to see if their SUVs are covered by the recall.

The company will ask owners of recalled SUVs to bring their vehicles to authorized service providers for inspection and repair. The company will also pick up the tab for certain expenses already incurred by owners and related to the defect.

“Kia dealers will be instructed to install a bracket to reinforce the power seat switch back cover(s) and replace the seat slide knob(s) with an improved one,” the company told NHTSA.

Owners should be alert for signs of possible problems, including “seat slide knob sticking (e.g., inability to adjust power seat or power seat continues moving even after the seat slide knob is released), burning or melting smell, and/or smoke from underneath the seat,” Kia said.

They should also think about where they park.

“Kia will instruct vehicle owners to park their vehicles outdoors and away from other vehicles or structures until the recall repair has been performed.” The precaution is meant to prevent possible fires from quickly spreading.

Other Kia, Hyundai Fire Risks

The announcement comes just months after a massive recall by Kia and parent company Hyundai over other fire risks.

The automakers earlier this year called back some 3.4 million vehicles, citing brake fluid leaks that they said could spark fires. 

That recall covers a wide range of Hyundai models from 2010 through 2015, including the Accent, Elantra and Tucson. Kia models from 2010 through 2019, including the Cadenza, Optima and Sorento, are also covered.

Months later, most of the cars reportedly are still on the road and unrepaired.

Legal Rights for California Car Owners

California car owners and lessors have some important rights and protections under the state’s lemon law. You do not need to wait for a recall or an investigation to get a defective vehicle fixed.

The lemon law forces automakers to do a full range of repairs on cars while they are under warranty. It also requires the companies to buy back (or replace, in some cases) vehicles that they are unable to or simply decline to fix. 

An experienced lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and take action.

Talk with a California Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.