Kia has launched a massive recall campaign, affecting 462,869 Telluride SUVs, due to a critical safety issue. A defective power seat control switch can become dislodged if the front seat cover or slide knob is hit with enough force, triggering a chain reaction that may lead to a fire.
This potentially dangerous scenario has prompted Kia to take swift action to prevent any potential harm to drivers and passengers.
The recall aims to rectify the issue by replacing the faulty switch with a reinforced alternative, ensuring the safety and peace of mind of Telluride owners.
While seven incidents related to this issue have been reported, including one under-seat fire and six instances of localized melting, fortunately, no injuries or fatalities have occurred.
In response to this issue, Kia is urging owners of affected vehicles to bring their Telluride to the nearest dealership for a free repair. The dealership will install a reinforced bracket and replace the power seat slide knob with a new version, reducing the risk of fire.
It’s important to note that only models built before the end of May are affected, as newer models have a reinforced power seat switch mechanism that mitigates this issue.
Dealers will receive notification on July 25, and owner notification letters will be sent out the following week. In the meantime, owners can check if their vehicle is part of the recall by visiting the NHTSA recall website and entering their VIN number.
As a precautionary measure, Kia advises owners to park their vehicles outside and away from other cars and structures until the issue is resolved. By taking prompt action, Kia aims to ensure the safety of its customers and prevent any potential fires.