Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai Palisade vs Hyundai KONA
How the Hyundai Palisade and Hyundai KONA 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 KONA: The Palisade has 2,443 complaints over 7 years (349/year) and 32 recalls, while the Kona has 799 complaints over 9 years (89/year) and 15 recalls. Both have 1 death, but Palisade injuries total 71 vs. Kona's 48. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai Palisade or Hyundai KONA more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade is a three-row family SUV with a high complaint volume: 2,443 complaints over 7 years, averaging 349 per year. The most common trouble spots are brakes, seat belts, and engine issues, with 32 recalls and 71 injuries reported. Owners describe brake problems like unintended acceleration and ABS warning lights, plus seat belt buckles that falsely indicate they are fastened. This suggests that while the Palisade is popular, it demands careful attention to safety systems.
Hyundai KONA
The Hyundai Kona is a smaller crossover with 799 complaints over 9 years, averaging about 89 per year. Engine problems dominate, with 413 complaints, followed by electrical and power train issues. Owners report sudden engine seizures, random shutdowns, and loss of power, along with false brake warnings. With 15 recalls and 48 injuries, the Kona's main concern is powertrain reliability, especially for higher-mileage examples.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai Palisade | Hyundai KONA |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,443 | 799 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 32 | 15 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 58 | 45 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 349.0 | 88.8 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 71 | 48 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 1 |
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 BRAKES442
- 02SEAT BELTS417
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER381
- 04ENGINE315
- 05VISIBILITY/WIPER272
Owners report unintended acceleration when pressing the brake, and ABS warning lights (DTC C183987) even when the app says all systems are good. This matters because brake failures can lead to crashes, and the Palisade has 442 brake complaints.
The third-row seat belt may show as buckled when it is not, or show unbuckled when it is. This is tied to multiple recalls on the rear buckle assembly and can prevent proper restraint in a crash.
Some owners report severe shaking, loss of acceleration, and stalling at low mileage, such as under 10,000 miles. This indicates potential engine or drivetrain defects that could leave you stranded.
With 272 complaints, this area likely involves windshield wiper failures or visibility obstructions. While less detailed in the sample, it's a frequent issue that can impair driving in bad weather.
“My "Vehicle Health" reports all systems good on the BlueLink App-- however, when I open "diagnostics history", it shows 8 repeated reports under DTC: C183987 (SAFETY - Anti-lock Braking System). There is also a reports for a DTC C186B87 (ELECTRICAL- Lane Depa…”
“INCIDENT: Pressed brakes but car accelerated. STORY: I reversed out of a parking spot, turning so I could go to the right in parking lot. Put the car in drive and proceeded driving veering right in the parking lot. I pressed brake within 5 seconds of that but…”
Hyundai KONA
- 01ENGINE413
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER138
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM137
- 04POWER TRAIN99
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE59
Owners describe the engine seizing while driving, random shutdowns with loss of steering, and poor acceleration afterward. This is the top complaint area with 413 reports, posing a serious risk of sudden breakdown.
Reports include liftgate bolts buckling and various electrical glitches. With 137 complaints, electrical faults can cause multiple systems to fail, from lights to safety features.
Owners report loss of drive power, sluggish acceleration, and grinding noises. This affects the car's ability to move reliably, and 99 complaints point to transmission or drivetrain weaknesses.
With 59 complaints, this system may falsely activate or fail to warn. Since it's a safety aid, malfunctions could increase crash risk if the driver relies on it.
“The contact owns a 2024 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message to “Turn off Engine and Restart Engine” was displayed and the engine seized. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while driving on a b…”
“The car shuts off at random times during me driving . Its like the car locks up steering and shuts completely down . Have to pull over and give the car time . And it shuts back on in and drives with poor accelerate after each issuse. The car is now shaking an…”
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 — 32 recalls
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Tucson Hybrid, Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 IONIQ 5, Santa Cruz, Kona, Palisade, Palisade Hybrid, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Hybrid, Sonata, Sonata Hybrid, and Tucson vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel displa…
The risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 24, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai's customer service at 855-371-9460. Hyundai's number…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2026 Palisade and 2026 Palisade Hybrid vehicles equipped with a Limited or Calligraphy trim package. The second and third row power seats may fail to detect a person. The seat may continue to move after contacting a person during powered seat fun…
The risk: A person, especially a child, may become trapped by a rear powered seat, increasing the risk of injury or death.
The fix: Owners are advised to exercise caution when operating the second and third row power seat functions until the repair is performed. Children are advised to not be in the rear seats or near the rear seating area during power-folding operatio…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2026 Hyundai Palisade and 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid vehicles equipped with "Limited" and "Calligraphy" trim packages. The internal wiring within the third-row driver-side seat belt buckle may become damaged and result in a permanent display of…
The risk: A faulty seat belt status indicator may fail to alert occupants to an unfastened seat belt, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will install a wiring harness extension and replace the seat belt assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning May 8, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.…
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 KONA — 15 recalls
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Kona Electric and 2024-2026 Kona vehicles. The seat belt buckle in the rear center seat may fail to properly restrain an occupant during a crash.
The risk: A seat belt buckle that fails to properly restrain an occupant in a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Passengers are advised not to use the rear center seat until the recall remedy is performed. Dealers will replace the seat belt buckle assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 2, 2026. Owners may contact H…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024 Kona vehicles. The seat belt assemblies in the right and left rear seats may not function properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 208, "Occupation Crash Protecti…
The risk: A seat belt that does not function properly may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt retractor as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 21, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recal…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024 Kona vehicles. The 12-Volt battery cables may chafe against the engine control module bracket and short circuit during a crash.
The risk: A short circuit increases the risk of an engine compartment fire.
The fix: Dealers will install sheathing over the wiring, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 22, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 252.
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.
Buyer analysis
Hyundai Palisade or Hyundai KONA: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Kona has far fewer complaints per year (about 89) compared to the Palisade (about 349), but the Kona's issues are more concentrated in the engine and power train. In practice, the Palisade may have more frequent safety-system complaints, while the Kona could suffer sudden engine failures. Both have 1 reported death, so neither is immune to severe outcomes.
Key differences
- The Palisade has 2,443 complaints over 7 years, while the Kona has 799 over 9 years, meaning the Palisade averages about four times more complaints per year.
- Brake and seat belt issues dominate Palisade complaints, with reports of unintended acceleration and false seat belt indicators, whereas Kona complaints center on engine seizures and power loss.
- The Palisade has 32 recalls, many for seat belt buckles, while the Kona has 15 recalls, including engine and electrical system items.
- Both vehicles have 1 reported death, but the Palisade has more injuries (71 vs. 48), though the Kona's engine failures can be sudden and dangerous.
- Check for any open recalls on the rear seat belt buckles and ensure they latch and release properly, as false indicators are common.
- Test the brakes for any unintended acceleration or ABS warning lights, and ask for diagnostic history for codes like C183987.
- Listen for engine noises, shaking, or hesitation during a test drive, and ask if the engine has ever seized or shut down unexpectedly.
- Check for electrical issues like liftgate operation and any warning lights related to the forward collision system.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for seat belts and engine components.
- Take a test drive that includes braking, accelerating, and turning to feel for any hesitation, shaking, or unintended acceleration.
- Have a mechanic inspect the brakes, seat belts, and engine for the specific issues reported in NHTSA complaints.
- Ask the seller for any diagnostic trouble codes stored in the computer, particularly for ABS or engine systems.
- Verify that the vehicle identification number (VIN) is not subject to any unrepaired safety recalls by checking the NHTSA website.
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 KONA |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 123 | 9 |
| 2025 | 248 | 28 |
| 2024 | 387 | 52 |
| 2023 | 400 | 65 |
| 2022 | 309 | 100 |
| 2021 | 439 | 117 |
| 2020 | 537 | 160 |
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 KONA in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai Palisade vs Hyundai KONA
- Hyundai Palisade total complaints
- 2,443
- Hyundai KONA total complaints
- 799
- Hyundai Palisade total recalls
- 32
- Hyundai KONA total recalls
- 15
- Hyundai Palisade avg complaints/year
- 349.0
- Hyundai KONA avg complaints/year
- 88.8
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai KONA
- Hyundai Palisade top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Hyundai KONA top complaint area
- ENGINE