Safety Recall Update, Published July 12, 2026
Kia Telluride Recall: 462,869 SUVs Warned to Park Outside Over Seat Fire Risk
Kia Telluride owners are facing another urgent safety warning. Certain 2020-2024 Kia Telluride SUVs are being recalled because a front power seat motor may overheat and increase the risk of fire, even while the vehicle is parked.
According to the official NHTSA Part 573 Safety Recall Report for campaign 26V430, the recall affects 462,869 Telluride SUVs built from January 9, 2019 through May 29, 2024. Kia's internal recall number is SC374.
The key instruction for owners is simple: park outside and away from homes, garages, buildings, and other vehicles until the recall repair has been completed. This is especially important because the issue can create a fire risk while driving or while parked.
Quick answer: The 2026 Kia Telluride recall, NHTSA campaign 26V430 and Kia code SC374, replaces the earlier 24V407 recall. The risk involves a front power seat motor that can keep running if the seat slide knob or switch is stuck, misaligned, damaged, or affected by an improper prior repair. Kia dealers will install an electronic fuse assembly free of charge.
Key Takeaways for Kia Telluride Owners
- The recall covers certain 2020-2024 Kia Telluride SUVs.
- The official affected population is 462,869 vehicles.
- The issue is tied to the front power seat slide knob, seat switch, and seat motor operation.
- A stuck or misaligned switch can allow the seat motor to run continuously and overheat.
- Kia and NHTSA advise owners to park outside and away from structures until repaired.
- The new campaign supersedes the earlier 24V407 recall, so vehicles repaired before may still need the new fix.
- Owner notification letters are expected from August 13 to August 19, 2026.
- VINs were scheduled to become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 17, 2026.
Kia Telluride Recall 26V430 at a Glance
| Recall Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| NHTSA campaign number | 26V430 |
| Kia recall number | SC374 |
| Affected vehicle | Certain 2020-2024 Kia Telluride SUVs |
| Potentially involved vehicles | 462,869 |
| Production date range | January 9, 2019 through May 29, 2024 |
| Component | Front power seat assembly and seat motor control switch |
| Main risk | Seat motor overheating, which can increase fire risk while parked or driving |
| New repair | Dealer installation of an electronic fuse assembly |
| Cost to owners | No charge for recall parts and labor |
| Previous recall replaced | NHTSA 24V407 |
What Is Causing the Kia Telluride Fire Risk?
The safety issue centers on the front power seat system. NHTSA documents state that an external impact with excessive force to the front power seat side cover or seat slide knob can cause the power seat switch to become dislodged, internally misaligned, or damaged.
If that happens, the seat motor can continue operating instead of stopping normally. Continuous motor operation can generate heat over time, which is why Kia and NHTSA are treating this as a fire-risk recall.
Owner safety note: If you notice a burning smell, melting odor, smoke from under the seat, or a seat that keeps moving after releasing the switch, park in a safe outdoor location, exit the vehicle, and contact a Kia dealer. If smoke or flames are present, contact emergency services.
Why This New Recall Matters Even If You Already Had the Old Fix
This is the most important part for owners. The 2026 recall is not just a routine update. It supersedes the 2024 recall known as 24V407.
The earlier fix called for reinforcement around the power seat switch back cover and replacement of the seat slide knob. The new recall adds a different remedy: an electronic fuse assembly designed to prevent continuous seat motor operation if the switch is dislodged, misaligned, or damaged.
NHTSA's recall acknowledgement says vehicles already repaired under the previous recall will still need the new remedy completed. In other words, do not assume your Telluride is cleared just because it visited the dealer for the earlier campaign.
What Owners Should Do Now
- Park outside: Keep the vehicle outdoors and away from structures, other vehicles, and anything flammable until the recall repair is complete.
- Check your VIN: Use the NHTSA recall lookup or the official Kia recall lookup.
- Recheck after July 17, 2026: Kia planned for affected VINs to become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 17, so an early search may not show the campaign immediately.
- Schedule dealer service: Kia dealers will install the recall repair free of charge once the remedy is available.
- Watch for warning signs: A sticking seat slide knob, seat movement after release, inability to adjust the power seat, burning smell, melting smell, or smoke from under the seat should be treated seriously.
- Keep records: Save recall letters, dealer invoices, and service confirmations for your ownership file.
If you are shopping for a used Telluride, recall completion should be part of your buying process. Our broader guide to recall and vehicle-history checks explains why VIN research matters before purchase, even when the vehicle looks clean.
What the New Electronic Fuse Assembly Is Supposed to Do
Kia's new remedy is designed to stop the seat motor from operating continuously if the seat switch becomes stuck, dislodged, internally misaligned, or damaged. In practical terms, the electronic fuse assembly is a protective measure intended to prevent sustained power delivery to the seat motor under a fault condition.
The public NHTSA documents confirm the remedy but do not provide the full dealer service procedure or a verified repair time. Because of that, owners should ask their dealer how long the appointment will take and whether both front seats require inspection or repair on their specific vehicle.
What is confirmed: The repair is free, the remedy is an electronic fuse assembly, and the recall replaces 24V407.
What is not fully confirmed in public documents: The exact installation location, full labor procedure, and final appointment duration for each dealer visit.
Warning Signs Owners Should Not Ignore
NHTSA recall documents list several possible warning signs connected to the seat switch and motor issue. Owners should pay close attention to the following symptoms:
- A seat slide knob that sticks or does not return normally.
- A power seat that keeps moving after the knob or switch is released.
- Difficulty adjusting the front power seat.
- A burning or melting smell inside the cabin.
- Smoke coming from underneath the front seat.
Even if you do not notice symptoms, follow the recall guidance if your VIN is included. Recalls are preventive by design, and a fire risk while parked can create danger before the owner has time to react.
Why This Recall Is Bigger Than One Switch
The Telluride is one of Kia's most visible family SUVs, and recalls involving fire risk can quickly affect buyer confidence. Kia has built strong momentum in the SUV market, as seen in our coverage of Kia America sales performance. That makes fast, transparent recall completion especially important.
For families comparing three-row options, the recall does not automatically make the Telluride a poor vehicle. It does mean owners and shoppers need to verify the VIN, confirm recall completion, and understand the repair status before relying on the SUV for daily family duty.
If you are cross-shopping other Kia family vehicles, see our Kia Sorento three-row SUV guide and our Kia Carnival family vehicle guide. For broader coverage, visit our three-row SUV news and buying advice.
Video Context: Earlier Kia Telluride Power Seat Recall Explained
The video below discusses the earlier Telluride power seat fire recall. It is useful background because the 2026 recall supersedes that earlier campaign. However, owners should rely on the current SC374 and NHTSA 26V430 instructions for the latest repair.
What Is Reassuring and What Still Deserves Caution?
Reassuring Points
- The repair is free for owners.
- The recall has an official NHTSA campaign number.
- Kia has identified a new hardware remedy.
- Owners can verify recall status by VIN.
Caution Points
- The fire risk can exist while the vehicle is parked.
- Previous recall completion does not remove the need for the new remedy.
- VIN results may not appear until the scheduled database update.
- Parking indoors should be avoided until repair completion if your vehicle is affected.
Original Image Gallery
The original article included a 12-image gallery. The gallery below preserves the original order and adds SEO-friendly image alt text, title attributes, captions, and lazy loading.
FAQ: Kia Telluride Recall 26V430
What is the Kia Telluride recall about?
The recall concerns certain 2020-2024 Kia Telluride SUVs with a front power seat motor that may overheat if the seat slide knob or switch becomes stuck, misaligned, damaged, or affected by an improper previous recall repair.
Which Kia Telluride years are affected?
The recall covers certain 2020-2024 Kia Telluride SUVs built from January 9, 2019 through May 29, 2024. Owners should verify their exact vehicle by VIN because affected vehicles were not produced in VIN order.
Should I park my Kia Telluride outside?
Yes, if your Telluride is included or may be included in the recall, Kia and NHTSA advise parking outside and away from structures until the repair is complete.
What is the free repair for recall SC374?
Kia dealers will install an electronic fuse assembly designed to prevent continuous operation of the seat motor if the seat switch becomes stuck, misaligned, dislodged, or damaged.
I already had recall 24V407 completed. Do I still need this new repair?
Yes, if your VIN is included. NHTSA's acknowledgement letter states that vehicles already repaired under the previous recall will need the new remedy completed because recall 26V430 replaces 24V407.
When will Kia notify owners?
Kia planned owner notification letters from August 13 to August 19, 2026. Dealer notification was planned earlier, and affected VINs were scheduled to become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 17, 2026.
What warning signs should Telluride owners watch for?
Warning signs include a sticking seat slide knob, a power seat that continues moving after release, inability to adjust the seat, a burning or melting smell, or smoke from under the seat.
How do I check if my Kia Telluride VIN is affected?
Use the NHTSA recall lookup or Kia's official recall page with your 17-digit VIN. If the recall does not appear before July 17, 2026, recheck after that date or contact Kia Customer Care at 1-800-333-4542.
Official References
- NHTSA Part 573 Safety Recall Report 26V430
- NHTSA recall acknowledgement for Kia SC374
- Previous NHTSA recall report 24V407
- NHTSA VIN recall lookup
- Kia official recall lookup
- Original MotorTrend image gallery
Conclusion: Do Not Wait for a Warning Smell
The Kia Telluride recall is serious because the fire risk can occur while the SUV is parked. If you own a 2020-2024 Telluride, check your VIN, park outside if your vehicle may be affected, and schedule the free dealer repair as soon as it is available.
Share this guide with another Telluride owner, especially anyone who already completed the older 24V407 repair. The new SC374 remedy is still required for affected VINs.
