By David Shepardson
WASHINGTON, July 9 (Reuters) – The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration urged owners of 463,000 Kia 000270.KS crossover SUVs to park outdoors because of fire risks until new recall repairs are completed.
Kia said it would recall 463,000 Telluride crossovers in the U.S. from the 2020 through 2024 model yearsbecause the front power seat motor may overheat, potentially causing a fire.
NHTSA said the vehicles were recalled in 2024 for the same issue and must be parked outside away from buildings and other vehicles until the new remedy is completed.
Kia is aware of seven seat fires and 11 seat motors melting, NHTSA said, and will notify affected owners starting on August 13 to schedule a fix at their local dealership.
The agency also urged owners to park outside after the initial recall in 2024.
NHTSA said if the front power seat slide cover or knob is hit or accidentally struck, the switch can be dislodged, misaligned or damaged, leading to continuous operation and overheating of the seat motor. Fires could occur when the vehicle is parked or being driven.
The agency also said an improper repair under the 2024 recall could lead to the motor overheating and catching fire.
Dealers will install an electronic fuse assembly to prevent continuous operation of the seat motor if the seat switch becomes dislodged, internally misaligned or otherwise damaged.
(Reporting by David Shepardson in Washington and Disha Mishra in Bengaluru; Editing by Sonia Cheema and Sherry Jacob-Phillips)
