Kia just told nearly half a million Telluride owners to park outside again. This time it’s because the first fix didn’t work. The Kia Telluride fire recall now covers 462,869 SUVs from the 2020-2024 model years. It’s the second time Kia has recalled the exact same vehicles for the exact same problem.
If you’re shopping for a used Telluride or already own one, that “twice” should give you pause. Here’s what actually happened. Here’s what it means for resale and safety. And here’s whether the Telluride still deserves a spot on your shortlist.
What’s actually wrong with the Telluride?
The front power seat motor can overheat and catch fire. This happens if the seat slide knob or switch cover gets bumped, dislodged, or misaligned. Kia says continuous operation of the motor after that damage can lead to overheating. In some cases, that means smoke or flames underneath the seat.
The scary part is that this isn’t a new discovery. Kia first recalled these same 2020-2024 Tellurides for this issue back in June 2024. Dealers installed a reinforcement bracket on the seat switch and replaced the slide knobs. That fix apparently didn’t hold up everywhere.
Why did Kia have to recall the Telluride again?
Kia’s own investigation found what it called “sporadic dealer workmanship issues” with the 2024 repair. In plain terms, some vehicles never got fixed correctly the first time. Between October 2024 and April 2026, Kia’s safety office tracked seven confirmed seat fires. It also logged eleven cases of the motor melting, with no reported injuries or crashes.
This time, dealers are installing an electronic fuse assembly. It’s designed to cut power to the seat motor automatically if the switch gets damaged. That’s different from the earlier fix, which just relied on a sturdier bracket. Kia estimates roughly 1% of the recall population actually carries the defect. But with over 460,000 vehicles in play, that’s still thousands of SUVs at real risk.
| Detail | First Recall (2024) | Second Recall (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicles affected | ~463,000 (MY 2020-2024) | 462,869 (MY 2020-2024) |
| Root cause | Stuck seat slide knob overheating motor | Same defect, plus improperly completed 2024 repairs |
| Fix | Reinforcement bracket, new knobs | Electronic fuse assembly |
| Known incidents | 1 fire, 6 melted motors | 7 fires, 11 melted motors (cumulative) |
| Injuries reported | None | None |
Worth noting: this is separate from a 2024 recall on trailer hitch wiring. That one hit 2020-2022 Tellurides and Hyundai Palisades over a faulty harness. It caused at least 25 fire or melting incidents of its own. Add that in, and Kia’s had a genuinely rough couple of years with fire-related recalls on this SUV.
Is a Kia Telluride fire recall a dealbreaker in 2026?
No — but only if the repair actually gets done. The Telluride remains one of the best-reviewed three-row SUVs on the market. A completed recall repair essentially resets the risk to normal. The real danger is buying a used one where the earlier fix was botched and never flagged.
Before you sign anything on a used Telluride, run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup tool. Confirm both seat-motor repairs show as complete, not just the first one. If a seller can’t produce service records for the fix, walk away. Or insist it gets done before you take delivery.
How does the Telluride’s recall history compare to other SUVs?
Two seat-motor recalls in two years sounds alarming. But it’s not out of line with what’s happening across the industry right now. Automakers have been issuing fire-risk recalls at a record pace. Kia isn’t alone here — its own EV9 has faced seven separate recalls. Jeep’s Wrangler recently saw a fire recall covering a million vehicles.
What sets the Telluride recall apart is the repeat nature of it. Same defect, same vehicles, a second time. That points to a quality-control gap in how dealers execute recall repairs. It’s not necessarily a design flaw Kia can’t solve. For a broader sense of how bad this recall wave has gotten, check our breakdown of why 2026 has been a record year for recalls.
Should you still buy a Telluride in 2026?
Yes, I’d still buy one — with the recall repair confirmed. The Telluride earned strong reliability marks from J.D. Power. It scored 85 out of 100 for “Great” quality and dependability in the 2025 model year. That ranked it number two among upper midsize SUVs. It’s also genuinely excellent to live with: roomy, comfortable, and priced competitively for a three-row family hauler.
Kia has also completely redesigned the Telluride for the 2027 model year. That means 2026 leftovers or gently used 2024-2025 models could see solid discounts. Dealers will want to clear inventory. Just make sure any used Telluride you’re considering has both recall repairs stamped in its service history before you hand over a deposit.
FAQ
Is it safe to drive a Kia Telluride right now?
If your Telluride hasn’t had the recall repair done, Kia and NHTSA both recommend parking it outside and away from structures. That holds until a dealer completes the fix. Driving it isn’t banned, but the fire risk exists whether the vehicle is moving or parked.
How do I know if my Telluride is included in the recall?
Enter your VIN into NHTSA’s recall lookup site or Kia’s owner portal. Both track the 2020-2024 model years covered by this recall. Mailed notices to owners started going out in mid-August 2026.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Kia covers the full cost of the fix. Owners who already paid out of pocket for a seat motor repair related to this issue are eligible for reimbursement.
Does this recall affect the new 2027 Telluride?
No. The recall applies only to the outgoing generation built between January 2019 and May 2024. The redesigned 2027 Telluride uses different seat hardware. It isn’t part of this action.