2024 Kia Telluride Fire Recall: Owner Info & Checklist

Kia America has issued a recall for almost 463,000 Telluride SUVs and is advising owners to park their vehicles outdoors and away from buildings until a fire risk can be resolved.

The Kia Park Outside Recall affects Telluride models from 2020 to 2024, with the issue being traced to the front power seat motor,

According to documentation provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), certain Kia Telluride vehicles can be prone to overheating, increasing the risk of vehicle fire.

Drivers experiencing this problem may be unable to adjust the power seat, detect a burning or melting odor, or notice smoke coming from beneath the seat.

Kia decided to recall the affected vehicles on May 29, according to NHTSA documents released on Friday. This decision followed reports of one under-seat fire and six instances of localized melting in the seat tilt motor between August 2022 and March 2024. Thankfully, no injuries, crashes, or fatalities related to this issue have been reported to date.

Protecting Yourself from a Kia Telluride Fire

A Kia Telluride Catching Fire not only endangers vehicle occupants but also poses a serious risk to nearby structures, pedestrians, and other vehicles.

A vehicle fire can spread rapidly, causing extensive damage and potentially putting lives at risk. The heat generated from a car fire can lead to the ignition of surrounding materials, including other vehicles parked close by, residential buildings, garages, and any other nearby obstacles.

Confirm Your Telluride is Included

The 2024 Kia Telluride Fire Recall impacts select 2020-2024 model year Telluride vehicles produced between January 9, 2019, and May 29, 2024.

Notification letters will be sent to affected owners starting July 30. For more information, owners can contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542 and refer to recall number SC316.

Additionally, Kia vehicle owners can check the recall status of their vehicle by visiting NHTSA.gov/recalls or by calling the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236.

By entering their license plate number or 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), they can see if their vehicle is affected. The NHTSA also recommends downloading the SaferCar app to receive updates on current recalls.

Take Urgent Action: Park Outside and Away from Structures

The automaker is advising owners to park their vehicles outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair has been completed:

1. Park Outdoors: Ensure your Telluride is parked in an open space away from any buildings, garages, or other vehicles. This helps contain any potential fire, reducing the risk of it spreading and causing more extensive damage.
2. Avoid Enclosed Spaces: Do not park your vehicle in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces such as garages, carports, or near overhangs where a fire could quickly escalate and involve your home or other structures.
3. Stay Vigilant: Be alert to any signs of the issue, such as difficulty in adjusting the power seat, unusual smells of burning or melting, or visible smoke from under the seat. If you notice any of these signs, stop using the vehicle immediately and contact Kia for further instructions.

While these steps are critical for immediate safety, be sure to follow through with the recall repair as soon as possible.

Get Your Telluride Repaired Safely

As a possible fix for Kia Telluride Fire issues, authorized dealers will install a bracket for the power seat switch back covers and replace the seat slide knobs at no cost to the owner. You can schedule your repair appointment by contacting your local Kia dealership or calling Kia customer service at 800-333-4542.

Stay Informed About Future Recalls

Owner notification letters will begin mailing on July 30, with dealers being informed a few days earlier. Completing your vehicle’s recall repair work promptly will protect your vehicle from potential fire risks and help ensure your safety. You can visit NHTSA.gov/recalls or use the SaferCar app for more information and to stay updated on the recall process.

When the Recall Isn’t Enough: Consider Legal Help

In some cases, the recall process might not fully address consumer concerns.

Lemon laws vary by state but generally provide recourse for consumers who purchase or leas vehicles that repeatedly fail to meet quality and performance standards, after repeat warranty repair attempts. These laws typically cover defects that significantly impair the vehicle’s use, value, or safety.

If you believe your vehicle may qualify under the lemon law, consider consulting with a legal professional to discuss your situation and understand your options, as you could stand to receive a replacement vehicle or a refund as a result of owning your lemon. Here’s an overview of average lemon law settlements for Kia Telluride vehicles in recent years:

Affected Model	Average Lemon Law Settlement
2020 Kia Telluride	$63,551
2021 Kia Telluride	$64,251
2022 Kia Telluride	$66,045
2023 Kia Telluride	$81,424
2024 Kia Telluride	$82,123

 

*Please be advised that the numbers shown in the chart are approximations derived from past case data; they should not be used as a guarantee or prediction. Every case is different and calls for particular legal advice.

Get a Free Consultation with the Lemon Law Experts!

The Kia Telluride has been subject to multiple recalls, highlighting ongoing safety concerns for owners. In March 2024, Kia America initiated a recall of over 427,000 2020-2024 Telluride SUVs due to a defect that could lead to unintended vehicle movement while parked. Amidst delayed repairs for these recalls, many affected vehicles remained in use, raising significant worries among drivers and consumer safety advocates.

If you suspect your Kia vehicle is affected by these recalls and are considering invoking lemon law protections, you have avenues for compensation, including a potential replacement vehicle, cash settlement, or refund. As the prevailing party, the auto manufacturer will pay for your attorneys fees and costs making pursuing a lemon law claim the right and easy financial decision. Taking swift action is critical, especially given the serious safety risks associated with the 2024 Kia Telluride Fire Recall.

As a trusted lemon law firm based in California, the Lemon Law Experts have a proven track record of securing substantial compensation for clients statewide since 2009. Our team is dedicated to guiding you through every step of the legal process, whether you’re pursuing a claim against Kia or any other vehicle manufacturer. Best of all, we operate on a contingency basis, ensuring that we only get paid if your case is successful.

Do not delay in seeking the compensation and resolution you deserve for your affected Kia vehicle, as a vehicle fire is a major safety risk to you and your family.

Contact the Lemon Law Experts today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to review your options for recovery. Whether it’s a replacement vehicle, cash compensation, or a lemon law refund, our team can help you get back on the road with peace of mind. Call us at 877.885.5366 or visit our website to learn more.