In an era when "social distancing" has become part of our everyday vocabulary, Kia has managed to slap this pandemic jargon onto something new: fire safety. The automaker has issued a recall for 462,869 Telluride SUVs from model years 2020 to 2024 (USA Today, link; NBC; CNN; NY Post). So, if you thought parallel parking was the trickiest part of owning a car, think again—now you’ve got to worry about where not to park too.

The Burnt Affairs

The crux of this recall is an issue with the front power seat motor, which has a penchant for overheating because of a stuck power seat slide knob. In simple terms, your family-friendly Telluride might just spontaneously catch fire, setting off a literal smoke signal of distress (USA Today; NBC; CNN; NY Post).

In response, Kia is advising owners to practice a new form of 'vehicular social distancing' by parking their SUVs outside and away from structures until the sizzling dilemma is resolved (USA Today, link; NBC; CNN; NY Post). If you see any Tellurides playing hard to get at the outskirts of a parking lot, don’t take it personally—it’s just them trying to avoid becoming a hot topic for all the wrong reasons.

Smoke Signals

The problem was first detected by a keen-eyed (and quick-witted) customer back in 2022, who reported smoke curling up from under their Telluride’s driver seat (CNN, link). In classic 2020s fashion, this was not an isolated incident. Another report followed in 2023 with a customer catching the fun aroma of a burning smell from the passenger’s side power seat. Eventually, these smoking gun incidents culminated in at least one terrifying case where a driver’s seat actually ignited while the vehicle was in motion (CNN, link; NY Post, link).

For those yearning to avoid showing up to a BBQ with extra flames, Kia decided to install brackets for the power seat switch back covers and replace the seat slide knobs. Thankfully, this fix won’t burn a hole in your wallet, as it comes at no cost to owners (USA Today, link; NBC; CNN; NY Post).

When and How?

Owner notification letters will start making their way to mailboxes on July 30, 2024 (USA Today, link). For those who can’t wait that long to find out if their Telluride is plotting an arson attack, Kia customer service can be reached at 1-800-333-4542. Whether it's reassurance or a good old-fashioned vent session you’re after, they’re ready to take your call (USA Today, link; CNN, link).

Smoke and Mirrors

Remember, this isn’t necessarily a sign of a brewing storm in your relationship with Kia. It’s more like a bump in the road—albeit, one that might spontaneously catch fire. The issue—persistent as the smell of burnt toast—highlights the intricate dance between modern automotive tech and traditional car mechanics.

Hopefully, with a bit of patience and some vehicular social distancing, Telluride owners can avoid turning their prized SUVs into unplanned pyrotechnic displays. So, until that all-important letter arrives, keep an eye out for sedans giving your SUV the side-eye for monopolizing the backyard.

In short, park safe, stay cool, and remember—if it smells like smoke, it’s probably not supposed to.

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