Kia issues urgent recall for 463,000 cars that could catch fire and warns owners not to park them outside.

Automaker Kia has issued an urgent recall of nearly 50,000 SUVs after warnings emerged that electric seats in the vehicles could catch fire.

The company recalled 462,869 Telluride SUVs between the 2020-2024 model years due to the risks.

Kia has also issued a safety warning to its customers, advising them to park their cars outside in case their seats spontaneously catch fire.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the power front seat motor is vulnerable to overheating due to a stuck power seat sliding handle — which could ignite a flame.

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Kia also told car owners that the quickest way to determine if their car is at risk is if passengers cannot adjust their seats, if they have a burning smell under the seat, or if they see visible smoke.

The federal agency also explained that once the cars are returned, dealers will install a bracket for the power seat switch rear covers and replace the seat slide handles at no additional cost.

Owners whose vehicles are at risk will be notified by mail starting July 30.

The recall comes after several complaints about a burning smell coming from the seats, a sliding handle found stuck in the up position, a seat switch back cover, and handle damage were filed with dealers.

It is worth noting that one of the owners of a 2023 Telluride complained to his agent about the driver’s seat catching fire while driving in March 2024.

The dealer registered the incident with the company and sent them pictures, later revealing that the fire came from the driver’s seat tilt motor.

But this is not Kia’s first recall of the Telluride SUV.

The manufacturer recalled about 400,000 SUVs in America to fix a problem that could allow the vehicles to move while parked in March of this year.

the He rememberswhich was submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on March 20, includes various models of the Telluride.

About 427,407 Telluride vehicles from the 2020-2024 model year are affected.

All 2020-2023 model years manufactured from January 9, 2019 through October 19, 2023 are recalled.

Some 2024 Tellurides produced from January 9, 2019 through October 19, 2023 also have the problem.

Kia’s recall indicates driveshaft problems – due to suspected improper assembly – are the cause.

This can result in “unintended vehicle movement while parked if the parking brake is not applied.”

This results in “unintended vehicle movement increasing the risk of an accident.”

But the problem can be solved by updating the software, which will make the driveshaft work properly.

Affected Telluride owners should take their vehicles to a Kia dealer for an update.