Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai Elantra vs Hyundai Palisade
How the Hyundai Elantra and Hyundai Palisade compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Hyundai Elantra vs Hyundai Palisade: The Elantra has 1,917 complaints over 10 years (191.7/yr) with engine issues dominating, while the Palisade has 2,327 complaints over 7 years (332.4/yr) with brake and seatbelt problems. The Palisade's higher rate and safety-critical defects make it riskier. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai Elantra or Hyundai Palisade more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra, a compact sedan, shows a high volume of complaints concentrated in the engine, with owners reporting stalling, loss of power, and even electrical smells from the control panel. Over 10 years, it has accumulated 1,917 complaints and 26 recalls, suggesting a pattern of powertrain and electrical gremlins that could affect daily reliability. The frequency of engine-related issues (704 complaints) is a major concern for a used-car buyer, as it points to potential costly repairs.
Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade, a midsize SUV, has a higher annual complaint rate (332.4 per year) but over a shorter period (7 years). Its top issues are service brakes (433 complaints) and seat belts (398 complaints), with owners reporting brake fade on grades and seatbelts unlatching while driving. These are safety-critical areas, and the 10 recalls include seat belt and airbag issues, indicating that while the vehicle may be comfortable, it has notable safety-related defects that need attention.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai Elantra | Hyundai Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,917 Better | 2,327 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 26 | 10 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 110 | 56 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 191.7 Better | 332.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 70 | 69 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 5 | 1 Better |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Hyundai Elantra
- 01ENGINE704
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER324
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM301
- 04POWER TRAIN169
- 05STRUCTURE165
Owners report stalling at low speeds, sudden loss of power, and abnormal engine noises. Some describe the vehicle failing to respond to the brake pedal, leading to crashes. This suggests potential fuel or ignition system issues that could leave you stranded.
The control panel/radio screen can black out, emit a burning plastic smell, and then malfunction by changing channels on its own. This points to a possible short or overheating component in the infotainment system, which could be a fire hazard.
Complaints include unstable handling, inability to coast smoothly, and the vehicle not steering straight. These symptoms may be linked to transmission or drivetrain problems, affecting overall driveability and safety.
“The control panel /radio panel has had a glitch or blacked out screen where it wouldn't come back on for a few hours and I could smell electrical or plastic burning after it did come back on after that the radio started changing channel on its own while scree…”
“The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while his wife was pulling into a customer's driveway at 5 MPH, the vehicle stalled and rolled back and crashed into a parked Ford F-150. The brake pedal was applied, but the vehicle failed to r…”
Hyundai Palisade
- 01SERVICE BRAKES433
- 02SEAT BELTS398
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER361
- 04ENGINE286
- 05VISIBILITY/WIPER265
A software update reportedly disables engine braking, causing brake fade on downhill grades. Owners also report incidents where the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated or failed to stop properly in parking lots, raising serious safety concerns.
Seatbelts randomly unlatch while driving, sometimes multiple times in a short commute. This is a critical safety defect that could lead to injury in a crash, and owners report difficulty getting timely repairs.
Sudden loss of power at highway speeds, accompanied by abnormal engine sounds, without warning lights. This could indicate a serious mechanical failure, potentially causing a dangerous situation on the road.
“Hyundai's recent emissions software update (9C9) has disabled engine braking, creating a risk of brake fade on grades. The vehicle is no longer able to hold speed while descending grades, regardless of downshifting, forcing the brakes to be implemented to avo…”
“On 7/22/26 at about 5:15pm, I was operating my vehicle, a 2022 Hyundai Palisade in the Parking lot of Publix Supermarket at Valrico Commons and was attempting to enter a parking space. I made a right from the parking thruway to enter a right parking space. I…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Hyundai Elantra — 26 recalls
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025 Elantra N, 2026 Tucson, Tucson Hybrid, Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), and Elantra vehicles. The B-pillar impact sensors may have been misassembled, which can delay air bag deployment.
The risk: Air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the impact sensor(s), as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 11, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai's customer service at 855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 2…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025 Elantra N, 2026 Tucson, Tucson Hybrid, Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), and Elantra vehicles. The B-pillar impact sensors may have been misassembled, which can delay air bag deployment.
The risk: Air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the impact sensor(s), as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 11, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai's customer service at 855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 2…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Elantra Hybrid vehicles. The hybrid power control unit (HPCU) assembly may overheat.
The risk: Overheating in the HPCU increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will update the HPCU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 301. Vehicle Identification Numb…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024 Elantra, Venue, and Kona vehicles. An electrical short circuit may occur in the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve assembly, which can result in a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the exhaust gas recirculation valve assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 28, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 260.
Hyundai Palisade — 10 recalls
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020 Palisade vehicles. The mounting bolts used to secure the side curtain air bags may damage the side curtain air bags during deployment.
The risk: Damaged side curtain air bags may not inflate properly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover on the mounting bolts, free of charge. The recall began December 20, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this rec…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Palisade vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may become inoperative, causing the wipers to fail.
The risk: Windshield wiper failure can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the driver-side windshield wiper arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 13, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 233.
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling 2020-2022 Palisade vehicles potentially equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Hyundai dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (…
The risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a new fuse and wire extension kit, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 18, 2023. Own…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Palisade vehicles. The seat belt buckles in the driver, passenger, and second-row window seats may fail to latch.
The risk: Seat belt buckles that fail to latch may not properly restrain occupants in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Passengers are advised to insert the belt firmly into the buckle with a quick and direct motion, pulling on the belt to confirm the seat belt is fully secured, until the recall remedy is performed. Dealers will replace the seat belt buckle…
Buyer analysis
Hyundai Elantra or Hyundai Palisade: which should you buy?
The Elantra has fewer complaints per year (191.7) compared to the Palisade (332.4), but its issues are more engine-centric, which can be expensive. The Palisade's higher rate is driven by safety-critical brake and seatbelt problems, which are more alarming. In practice, the Elantra may have more frequent but less immediately dangerous issues, while the Palisade's problems are more likely to put you at risk.
Key differences
- The Elantra's top issue is engine-related (704 complaints), while the Palisade's top issue is service brakes (433 complaints).
- The Palisade has a much higher annual complaint rate (332.4 vs 191.7), indicating more frequent problems per year.
- The Palisade has seatbelt issues that cause them to unlatch while driving, a severe safety concern not seen in the Elantra.
- The Elantra has electrical system problems like screen blackouts and burning smells, while the Palisade has brake fade after software updates.
- Inspect the engine for any signs of stalling or loss of power, especially during test drives at low speeds.
- Check the infotainment screen for intermittent blackouts or unusual smells, which could indicate an electrical fault.
- Test the brakes on a downhill slope to ensure engine braking works and there's no fade.
- Check all seatbelts for proper latching and ensure they don't release when tugged.
Before you buy
- Check for open recalls on both vehicles using the VIN and ensure they've been remedied.
- For the Elantra, ask for service records related to engine or electrical repairs.
- For the Palisade, specifically ask about the brake software update and any subsequent issues.
- Test drive both vehicles, including highway speeds and braking, to feel for any abnormalities.
- Have a trusted mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the engine and brakes.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Hyundai Elantra | Hyundai Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 102 |
| 2025 | 21 | 233 |
| 2024 | 52 | 373 |
| 2023 | 91 | 385 |
| 2022 | 97 | 297 |
| 2021 | 128 | 417 |
| 2020 | 241 | 520 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Hyundai Elantra or Hyundai Palisade in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai Elantra vs Hyundai Palisade
- Hyundai Elantra total complaints
- 1,917
- Hyundai Palisade total complaints
- 2,327
- Hyundai Elantra total recalls
- 26
- Hyundai Palisade total recalls
- 10
- Hyundai Elantra avg complaints/year
- 191.7
- Hyundai Palisade avg complaints/year
- 332.4
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai Elantra
- Hyundai Elantra top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Hyundai Palisade top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES