Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai Palisade vs Hyundai Ioniq
How the Hyundai Palisade and Hyundai Ioniq compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Hyundai Palisade vs Hyundai Ioniq: The Palisade has 2327 complaints over 7 years (332/yr) with 1 death, while the Ioniq has 557 over 6 years (93/yr) with 0 deaths. Palisade issues center on brakes and seatbelts; Ioniq on electrical and powertrain. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai Palisade or Hyundai Ioniq more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade is a large family SUV that, in ownership terms, has been reported to the NHTSA at a rate of about 332 complaints per year over seven years. The complaint pattern centers on service brakes, seat belts, and engine issues, with owners describing specific failures like brake fade after a software update, seatbelts unlatching while driving, and sudden loss of engine power. These reports suggest that while the Palisade offers space and comfort, owners have encountered safety-critical problems that could affect daily driving and peace of mind.
Hyundai Ioniq
The Hyundai Ioniq, available as a hybrid or EV, has a lower complaint rate of about 93 per year over six years, but its issues are heavily concentrated in the electrical system, with 365 complaints. Owners report problems like the 12V battery being left unsecured after service, regenerative braking changing levels unexpectedly, and the car struggling to switch between EV and hybrid modes. These electrical gremlins can lead to sudden power loss or hesitation, which is concerning for a vehicle that relies on complex electronics for propulsion.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai Palisade | Hyundai Ioniq |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,327 | 557 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 10 Better | 13 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 56 | 25 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 332.4 | 92.8 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 69 | 14 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 0 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 Palisade
- 01SERVICE BRAKES433
- 02SEAT BELTS398
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER361
- 04ENGINE286
- 05VISIBILITY/WIPER265
Owners report that a software update disabled engine braking, causing brake fade on grades, and there are also complaints of brake failure in parking lots, where the vehicle did not stop as expected. This is critical for a heavy SUV, as it can increase stopping distances and lead to accidents.
The seatbelts randomly unlatch while driving, sometimes multiple times in a short commute. This is a serious safety defect because it leaves occupants unrestrained in a crash, and owners have had difficulty getting repairs done in a timely manner.
The engine can abruptly lose power while driving, sometimes at highway speeds, with no warning lights. This can cause the vehicle to decelerate unexpectedly, creating a hazard for the driver and surrounding traffic.
Though not detailed in the sample, the high number of visibility/wiper complaints suggests issues with windshield wipers or defrosting, which can impair visibility in bad weather.
“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…”
Hyundai Ioniq
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM365
- 02POWER TRAIN100
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM100
- 04ENGINE56
- 05SERVICE BRAKES53
The most common issue is with the 12V auxiliary battery, which can be left unsecured after service, leading to loose connections and potential electrical failures. Owners also report the regenerative braking system changing levels on its own, causing unexpected strong braking.
The car can fail to switch between EV and hybrid modes, causing the engine to rumble and the car to lose power. There are also reports of unintended acceleration in reverse, which is a serious safety concern.
Owners report sudden deceleration and hesitation when shifting from reverse to drive, which can leave the driver unable to accelerate quickly in traffic, posing a risk of being hit from behind.
The engine can make abnormal rattling sounds and fail to accelerate, with the check engine light coming on. This indicates potential mechanical issues that could lead to breakdowns.
“Following a 12V auxiliary battery replacement at Dick's Hillsboro Hyundai [XXX] , April 3, 2026), the battery hold-down bracket was left completely unsecured. The retaining bolts were absent, (later found loose in the cargo tray area). The battery terminal co…”
“I HAVE HAD 4 INCIDENTS SO FAR OVER THE LAST MONTH, ALL LASTING UNDER 5 SECONDS. IN EACH CASE, THE REGENERATIVE BRAKING SWITCHES TO A DIFFERENT LEVEL WITHOUT ANY INPUT FROM THE USER. THIS PRESENTS AS WHAT FEELS LIKE A LEVEL 3 (STRONG) BRAKING WHEN NONE WAS ON…”
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 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…
Hyundai Ioniq — 13 recalls
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Ioniq electric vehicles. An unstable electrical ground may cause the vehicle to enter a fail-safe mode with reduced acceleration and power. In certain conditions while in fail-safe mode, the vehicle may accelerate after the gas pedal is…
The risk: Unexpected acceleration following gas pedal release can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the EPCU (Electric Power Control Unit) software and repair the ground wiring, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 9, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyund…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Ioniq electric vehicles. An unstable electrical ground may cause the vehicle to enter a fail-safe mode with reduced acceleration and power. In certain conditions while in fail-safe mode, the vehicle may accelerate after the gas pedal is…
The risk: Unexpected acceleration following gas pedal release can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the EPCU (Electric Power Control Unit) software and repair the ground wiring, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 9, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyund…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Kona Electric and 2020 Ioniq Electric vehicles. The lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery may short-circuit.
The risk: An electrical short in the Li-ion battery increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the interim action is complete. Hyundai will notify owners, and as an interim action, owners have the option to follow provided instructions to perform a batt…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019 Ioniq Hybrid and 2020 Elantra vehicles. The right-side rear wheel lug nuts may have been insufficiently tightened, allowing the wheel to detach from the vehicle.
The risk: A wheel detaching from the vehicle increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, tighten the lug nuts, free of charge. The recall began November 15, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-251-0871. Hyundai's number for this reca…
Buyer analysis
Hyundai Palisade or Hyundai Ioniq: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Ioniq has fewer complaints per year (93 vs 332) and no reported deaths, while the Palisade has a higher rate and one death. However, the Ioniq's electrical issues are more frequent and can cause sudden power loss, which is also dangerous. In practice, the Ioniq may have fewer overall problems, but both have safety-critical defects that require attention.
Key differences
- The Palisade has a much higher complaint rate (332/yr) than the Ioniq (93/yr), but the Ioniq's complaints are more concentrated in the electrical system.
- The Palisade has reported deaths (1) and more crash-related complaints (56) compared to the Ioniq (25, 0 deaths).
- The Palisade's top issues are brakes and seatbelts, while the Ioniq's are electrical and powertrain.
- The Ioniq has more recalls (13 vs 10), but the Palisade's recalls include airbags and seatbelts, which are safety-critical.
- Check for any open recalls, especially for seat belts and airbags, and verify they have been fixed.
- Test the brakes on a downhill slope to see if engine braking works properly, and listen for any unusual engine noises or loss of power during a test drive.
- Inspect the 12V battery and its hold-down bracket to ensure it is secure, and check for any loose connections.
- Test the regenerative braking levels and the transition between EV and hybrid modes to ensure they work smoothly without unexpected changes.
Before you buy
- Check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles and ensure all recalls are completed.
- For the Palisade, test the seatbelts to ensure they latch and stay latched, and have a mechanic inspect the brakes and engine.
- For the Ioniq, have the electrical system checked, especially the 12V battery and charging system, and test the powertrain for smooth mode transitions.
- Take both vehicles for a test drive that includes highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic to feel for any hesitation or power loss.
- Ask for maintenance records and any previous repair history related to the common issues.
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 Palisade | Hyundai Ioniq |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 297 | 425 |
| 2021 | 417 | 33 |
| 2020 | 520 | 1 |
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 Palisade or Hyundai Ioniq in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai Palisade vs Hyundai Ioniq
- Hyundai Palisade total complaints
- 2,327
- Hyundai Ioniq total complaints
- 557
- Hyundai Palisade total recalls
- 10
- Hyundai Ioniq total recalls
- 13
- Hyundai Palisade avg complaints/year
- 332.4
- Hyundai Ioniq avg complaints/year
- 92.8
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai Ioniq
- Hyundai Palisade top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Hyundai Ioniq top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM