They recently replaced the seat control switch which also did not fix this issue.
The statement (quoted above) in my first post for this thread is incorrect; Kia replaced the seat control switch and that fixed the issue of needing to bump the switch to the recline position before it would move the seat back forward.
I was confused because the car was at the Kia dealer for two problems, the seat issue and front park distance sensor malfunction. My wife told me they did not fix either as that's what the service tech told her; however, I tested the seat and it functions properly, both memory positions work properly (memorize and return position) and the seat control switches all work correctly without needing to first bump them in the opposite direction.
I did a little research and found there are only 2 components that provide input to the "Memory power seat unit" (located under the seat) which controls all seat positioning.
The "Integrated memory seat switch" on the door and the "Power Seat Control Switch" on the side of the seat.
Kia needs to replace your "Memory power seat unit" and possibly your "Power Seat Control Switch" again because its possible a defective "Memory power seat unit" is causing a failure in the "Power Seat Control Switch". This would explain why replacing the "Power Seat Control Switch" previously did not remedy the problem.
The schematic for the memory switches on the door is below and as you can see it only provides different resistance values to the "Memory power seat unit" which controls the motors that change the seat position.
If your seat moves when you press a memory button it is highly likely the memory buttons are working properly, if the seat travels to the wrong position the "Memory power seat unit" is defective. If the seat side switches don't work properly then either or both the "Memory power seat unit" and "Power Seat Control Switch" are defective.
For my wife's Telly Kia replaced the "Memory power seat unit" first which restored memory function, later they replaced "Power Seat Control Switch" which fixed the need to bump in opposite direction issue.
On another note, Kia replaced the front bumper sensors which did not fix the issue (warning stating sensor is blocked or ???). They are still waiting for engineering to tell them what to do next.
I should probably research that next.
Integrated Memory Seat Switch Schematic Diagram
Driver Power Seat Control Switch (With IMS)
. the real issue is that it renders the memory switches inoperative. I'm about 6', with the torso of a 7 footer and the legs of a 5 footer. My wife is about 5'4". So, I really like it when my memory positioner works!
