Kia recalls 460,000 Telluride SUVs over fire risk; urges owners to park outside - The Washington Post
What are the reasons cited by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for Kia advising owners to park their Telluride SUVs outside?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that Kia has advised owners to park their Telluride SUVs outside due to "a risk of fire while parked or driving1." This risk of fire is attributed to a potential issue with the front power seat motor on the affected vehicles1. The motor could overheat because of a stuck power seat slide knob, which may lead to a fire and increase the risk of injury1. Kia is not aware of any related injuries, crashes, or deaths at this time.
Are the repair services for the recalled Kia Telluride SUVs being offered free of charge to the vehicle owners?
Yes, the repair services for the recalled Kia Telluride SUVs are being offered free of charge to the vehicle owners2. Dealers will install a bracket for the power-seat switchback covers on recalled vehicles and replace the seat slide knobs free of charge. Owners who already incurred repair expenses will also be reimbursed.
How has Kia responded to the issue of the burning smell and localized melting reported in some Telluride SUVs?
Kia has responded to the issue of the burning smell and localized melting reported in some Telluride SUVs by recalling about 460,000 vehicles from model years 2020 through 2024. The company has told car owners to park their SUVs outside due to "a risk of fire while parked or driving," as stated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Kia has said that the issue can be fixed by replacing the slide knob and installing a bracket, and dealers are offering this fix free of charge while also reimbursing car owners for any repair expenses. Kia is notifying car owners by mail starting July 30 and has provided the recall number SC316 to help determine if a vehicle is included in the recall. Additionally, vehicle owners can contact Kia customer service or use an online lookup tool to check if their vehicle is subject to the recall.