Kia Motors has recently announced a massive recall affecting nearly 463,000 Telluride vehicles.
According to Breitbart, this recall pertains to SUVs from model years 2020 through 2024, flagged for potential fire risks linked to the power seat motor.
The decision follows concerns that the motor of the front power seat might overheat if its adjusting knob becomes stuck. This technical glitch could potentially initiate a fire within the vehicle's cabin. According to a report from NBC News, "The front power seat motor on the affected SUVs could overheat due to a stuck power seat slide knob."
This recall is part of a series of similar actions taken by both Kia and the broader automotive industry concerning vehicle fire risks. Notably, in March of the current year, Kia also recalled a subset of Telluride models over steering-related defects. In further historical context, the company faced fines in 2020 for delayed recalls addressing engine failures and has been involved in additional recall actions covering hundreds of thousands of vehicles for various safety reasons.
Kia has laid out a remedy plan to address the overheating issue. The company plans to install a bracket on the power seat switch back covers and will replace the problematic slide knobs at no charge to vehicle owners.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTVC) emphasizes the seriousness of the matter on its website, stating: “To fix the issue, dealers will install a bracket for the power seat switch back covers and replace the seat slide knobs, free of charge.”
Vehicle owners should expect notification letters alerting them to the recall beginning on July 30. These notifications will detail the process for securing repairs through designated dealer networks.
Owners are also encouraged to exercise caution by parking their SUVs outdoors, minimizing risk to themselves and their property until the defect can be rectified. For additional information or to address immediate concerns, owners can contact Kia's customer service at 800-333-4542, referencing recall number SC316.
This issue is not isolated within the auto industry. In just the last year alone, ergonomic signaling issues among multiple manufacturers have led to several recalls. For instance, in 2023, both Hyundai and Kia were compelled to recall approximately three million vehicles over another type of fire risk connected to fluid leaks affecting the anti-lock brake control module.
In 2018, the NHTSA was inundated with over 3,100 complaints from vehicle owners regarding fires, demonstrating a continuing challenge in automotive safety and manufacturing standards.
It is worth mentioning that the issue leading to the current recall revolves around a mechanical component—the power seat slide knob—inherent within the vehicle. Kia's proactiveness in addressing the problem reflects ongoing challenges and their commitment to customer safety.
This is not Kia's first foray into recalls related to significant fire risks. The company's history of similar issues demands attention to manufacturing practices and vehicle maintenance standards.
Moving forward, Kia’s handling of notification and repairs in the current recall will be critical in upholding consumer trust and ensuring safety. All vehicle owners are advised to heed the precautions and attend to any notifications relating to this recall.
Kia's quick response to this dangerous potentiality marks a significant moment in the accountability and safety standards expected within the auto industry. It is imperative for vehicle owners affected by this recall to follow Kia's guidelines to prevent any incidents, keeping in mind the broader context of automotive safety and manufacturing integrity.
