kia recalls over 462,000 Tellurides in the U.S. due to seat motor defect; drivers advised to park outdoors

kia Motors has issued a recall for 462,869 of its popular Telluride SUVs in the United States. The recall is due to a seat motor defect that could potentially cause a fire in the vehicle. As a precautionary measure, drivers are being advised to park their vehicles outdoors until the issue is resolved.

The affected vehicles were manufactured between 2019 and 2021, and the recall includes both gasoline and hybrid models. The defect is related to the second-row seat belt assembly, which contains a seat belt buckle anchor pretensioner fastened to the seat frame. The pretensioner contains an internal component called a capacitor, which may short-circuit and cause a fire.

kia has reported a total of six incidents related to this defect, although no injuries or accidents have been reported. The company is working closely with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to address the issue promptly and ensure the safety of its customers.

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by kia and instructed to bring their vehicles to an authorized kia dealership for a free repair. The repair process will involve the installation of a new seat belt buckle assembly that does not contain the potentially faulty capacitor. kia will also provide temporary loaner vehicles to affected customers until the repairs are completed.

In the meantime, kia is advising owners to park their vehicles outdoors and away from structures due to the potential fire risk. Additionally, owners are urged not to use the third-row seat until the repair is completed, as the second-row seat belt assembly is shared between the second and third rows.

This recall is a significant undertaking for kia, as the Telluride has been a popular and highly regarded SUV since its introduction in 2019. The company is committed to ensuring the safety and satisfaction of its customers and will work diligently to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

Customers can contact kia's Customer Experience Center at 1-800-333-4KIA (4542) for more information about the recall and to schedule a repair appointment. kia's website also provides a tool for owners to check if their vehicle is included in the recall by entering their vehicle identification number (VIN).

This recall serves as a reminder of the importance of promptly addressing safety issues in vehicles. kia's swift action and cooperation with the NHTSA demonstrate their commitment to customer safety and satisfaction. By following the recommended precautions and getting the necessary repairs, owners can ensure the continued safe operation of their kia Telluride SUVs.