Kia America, Inc. has issued a significant recall affecting 462,869 vehicles, a move that has raised considerable concern among owners and automotive safety advocates alike. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced on July 9 that certain 2020–2024 Telluride models are at risk of spontaneous combustion due to overheating of the power seat motor. This alarming defect is linked to a malfunction caused by a stuck power seat slide knob or improper repairs associated with a previous recall (24V407). The repercussions could be severe, with the potential for fires occurring whether the vehicle is parked or in motion.
In light of this serious safety issue, Kia is taking proactive measures, advising owners to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until they can have them inspected at a dealership. The automaker will provide remediation at no cost, including the installation of an electronic fuse assembly designed to prevent continuous operation of the seat motor in the event of dislodgment or damage to the seat switch. Owners of the affected vehicles can expect to receive notification letters by mail after August 13, and those seeking immediate assistance can reach out to Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542, referencing recall number SC374. Importantly, vehicles that have already undergone repairs related to the prior recall must also receive the new remedy to ensure safety.
This recall is not an isolated incident. Concerns regarding fire risks associated with power seat motor control switches date back to June 2024, when Kia first alerted vehicle owners to the potential dangers. The situation escalated when a customer reported a fire under the passenger seat after repairs had been completed, prompting an investigation into the quality and effectiveness of those repairs. Further complaints emerged between April and May 2025, leading to a comprehensive review and eventual completion of the recall process by June 2025.
The data surrounding vehicle recalls for fire risks is striking. A report from Carfax, released on June 18, indicates that such recalls have surged by nearly 50% over the past two months, affecting more than 3.2 million vehicles across the United States. Faisal Hasan, Carfax’s vice president of data acquisition, emphasized the serious implications of “park outside” recalls, stating, “An unrepaired ‘park outside’ recall doesn’t just put a vehicle at risk, it can threaten garages, homes, and anything parked nearby.” While the increase in recalls is concerning, it’s essential to note that repairs are provided at no cost to the vehicle owners.
Kia’s situation mirrors that of other manufacturers facing similar challenges. In early June, Stellantis North America announced a massive recall of over 1 million Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator models (2021–2025) due to faulty wiring in the electric hydraulic power steering pump, which could lead to fires even when the vehicle is turned off. Although Stellantis has reported no accidents related to this issue, they have acknowledged one injury potentially linked to the defect.
In another instance, Hyundai Motor America recalled more than 54,377 Elantra hybrid vehicles in mid-May due to an electrical fault that could cause the hybrid power control unit’s transistor to overheat, again posing a fire risk.
Geographically, the impact of these recalls is uneven, with Texas leading the nation for “park outside” recalls at 302,000 vehicles, followed closely by California and Florida. States like Ohio, New York, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania are also notable, each with over 120,000 vehicles affected.
As consumers navigate these recalls, it’s crucial to stay informed and take action. Regularly checking the NHTSA’s website for recall information using the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) can ensure that vehicle owners remain aware of any potential risks associated with their cars. The urgency of addressing these recalls cannot be overstated, as the safety of both the vehicle occupants and those in proximity hinges on prompt and effective remediation.
Reviewed by: News Desk
Edited with AI assistance + Human research
