Kia issues urgent recall for 463,000 vehicles that could burst into flames

08 June 2024 , 22:46

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It comes as several complaints about the vehicles were received (Image: Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Car manufacturer Kia has issued an urgent recall for more than 400,000 vehicles after it was found that they could catch on fire.

The popular company has said this affects 462,869 Telluride SUVs between the model year 2020-2024 vehicles due to risks. As well as that, Kia has sent a safety warning for its customers - telling them to park their vehicle outside in case their seat spontaneously catches fire

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the front power seat motor is at higher risk of overheating due to a stuck seat slide knob. This could cause a fire. Kia advised that the easiest way to check if their vehicle is at risk is if passengers cannot adjust their seat, they smell burning under a seat or if they see visible smoke.

The federal agency also confirmed that once the cars have been returned, dealers will be installing a bracket for the power seat switch back covers and replace the seat slide knobs for no additional cost. From July 30, owners at risk will be sent mail detailing the recall.

It comes as several complaints about the vehicles were received. In particular, a 2023MY Telluride owner complained to their dealer that their driver seat caught on fire while driving in March 2024.

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The dealer registered the incident with the company and sent them pictures - later revealing that the fire emerged from the driver's side seat tilt motor. But this is not Kia's first recall for the Telluride SUVs. Back in March, the company recalled around 400,000 SUVs in the US to solve a problem that was could let vehicles simply roll away.

Many vehicles have been affected (AFP via Getty Images)

The recall was submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on March 20, with 427,407 Telluride vehicles with model years 2020-2024 affected by the dangerous issue.

All those from the 2020-2023 model year manufactured from January 9, 2019, through October 19, 2023 have been recalled. And certain 2024 model year Tellurides produced from January 9, 2019, through October 19, 2023 have the problem too.

Kia's recall says problems with the driveshaft - due to suspected improper assembly - is to blame. This could lead to "unintended vehicle movement while in park if the parking brake is not engaged" which would result in unintended vehicle movement [which] increases the risk of a crash.

However, the problem can be fixed with a simple software update which will make the driveshaft engage properly. Affected Telluride owners should take their cars to a Kia dealer for the update.

Zesha Saleem