Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai Santa FE vs Hyundai Palisade
How the Hyundai Santa FE 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 Santa FE vs Hyundai Palisade: The Santa FE has 2301 complaints over 10 years (230/yr) with engine stalling issues, while the Palisade has 2344 complaints over 7 years (335/yr) with brake and seat belt problems. Both have recalls, but the Palisade's higher rate suggests more frequent issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai Santa FE or Hyundai Palisade more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai Santa FE
The Hyundai Santa FE, over a decade of data, shows a heavy concentration of engine and powertrain complaints, with owners describing sudden stalling and total loss of propulsion. This pattern suggests a vehicle that can be unpredictable on the road, with electrical and brake issues adding to the ownership burden. While not all vehicles fail, the frequency and severity of these reports make it a risky used buy without thorough inspection.
Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade, in just seven years, has accumulated a high complaint rate, led by brake and seat belt issues. Owners report brake pedals sinking to the floor and power seat failures that can trap occupants, alongside engine power loss. These are serious safety-related problems that, combined with multiple recalls, indicate a vehicle that may require frequent dealer visits and could pose risks to occupants.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai Santa FE | Hyundai Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,301 Better | 2,344 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 41 | 32 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 87 | 56 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 230.1 Better | 334.9 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 82 | 69 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 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 Santa FE
- 01ENGINE970
- 02POWER TRAIN426
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER392
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM273
- 05SERVICE BRAKES156
Owners report the engine suddenly stalling and shutting down completely while driving, leading to a total loss of propulsion. This can happen without warning, creating a dangerous situation, especially on highways or in traffic.
There are reports of a faulty seal on the high-voltage harness connector in hybrid models, allowing water intrusion that can short the battery. This poses a major safety risk and may not be covered under warranty, leaving owners with costly repairs.
Some owners have experienced a complete loss of electrical power, leaving the vehicle unable to start. This can occur without prior warning, stranding the driver and requiring a tow.
Brake-related complaints are notable, with some owners reporting brake failure or reduced braking performance, which is critical for safety.
“I was merging onto the highway and the acceleration stopped working and the vehicle would not go more than 25 mph. Had to restart car in shoulder, isue seemed to self correct but then it happened 10 minutes later stranding me in between the highway and exit r…”
“After turning off the radio with the push button control the instrument cluster and navigation display panel went completely dead black. After pushing multiple buttons several times the panel came back to life. This has not yet been reported to the dealer. On…”
Hyundai Palisade
- 01SERVICE BRAKES433
- 02SEAT BELTS404
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER361
- 04ENGINE291
- 05VISIBILITY/WIPER266
A significant number of owners report the brake pedal sinking to the floor while driving, causing the vehicle to glide before stopping. This indicates a potential loss of hydraulic pressure, which can lead to extended stopping distances and crashes.
There are multiple recalls and complaints about the second- and third-row power seat assemblies and seat belt buckles. The power seats may fail to detect a person or object, risking trapping or crushing, and the seat belt buckles may not latch properly, reducing protection in a crash.
Owners report sudden severe power loss and violent shaking while driving, often accompanied by a flashing check engine light. This can force the vehicle into reduced power mode, making it unable to maintain highway speeds.
Complaints in this area are frequent, though specific details are not provided, but they likely involve wiper failures or visibility issues that can impair driving in bad weather.
“2026 Hyundai Palisade SEL 8P AWD. Brake pedal sinks to floor when depressed while vehicle is in motion, causing vehicle to glide before stopping. Defect first noticed June 1, 2026 and confirmed June 2, 2026 at approximately 530 miles during a 34-mile round tr…”
“Stopped at the gas pump and filled up. When I went to leave all dash lights were lit up and car wouldn’t move. Brakes were locked. I tried restarting and restarting. Brakes would lock up when I tried to move, either direction. I finally gases it enough that 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 Santa FE — 41 recalls
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Tucson and Santa Fe vehicles. The connecting rod bolts in the engine may have been improperly tightened, which can cause a loss of drive power and engine damage, possibly resulting in an oil leak.
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. An oil leak in the presence of hot engine components can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 2025. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 281.
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025 Tucson, 2025-2026 Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Hybrid, and 2026 Genesis GV70 vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not have been installed properly, which can cause the air bags not to deploy as intended.
The risk: Side curtain air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reinstall the side curtain air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning December 29, 2025. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's numbers for this recall are 289…
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 2023-2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6, 2023-2026 Genesis G90, 2024-2026 Hyundai Santa Fe, and Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid vehicles. The driver and passenger seat belt anchors may detach.
The risk: A detached seat belt anchor will not adequately restrain the seat occupant, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and reinforce or replace the seat belt anchors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning May 29, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460 and Genesis cus…
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…
Buyer analysis
Hyundai Santa FE or Hyundai Palisade: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Palisade has a higher complaint rate per year (334.9) compared to the Santa FE (230.1), indicating more frequent issues. However, the Santa FE's engine stalling is particularly dangerous. In practice, the Palisade may require more frequent repairs, but the Santa FE's failures are more likely to leave you stranded or in a hazardous situation.
Key differences
- The Santa FE has a higher proportion of engine complaints (970) compared to the Palisade (291), indicating a more systemic engine problem.
- The Palisade has a much higher number of brake complaints (433) than the Santa FE (156), suggesting a more serious brake defect.
- The Palisade has more seat belt complaints (404) and recalls, while the Santa FE has more electrical system complaints (273).
- The Palisade has a higher complaint rate per year (334.9) than the Santa FE (230.1), meaning more frequent issues overall.
- Check for any signs of engine stalling or hesitation during a test drive, and ask for service records related to engine or powertrain repairs.
- Inspect the high-voltage connector on hybrid models for water damage or corrosion, and verify if any recall or warranty work has been done.
- Test the brake pedal for any sponginess or sinking, and have a mechanic inspect the brake system for leaks or master cylinder issues.
- Operate the second- and third-row power seats and check that the seat belt buckles latch and release properly, and confirm that all recalls have been performed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic, focusing on the engine, brakes, and electrical system.
- Test drive at highway speeds to check for stalling or power loss.
- Check the operation of all power seats and seat belts, especially in the rear rows.
- Ask for maintenance records and any warranty repair documentation.
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 Santa FE | Hyundai Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 29 | 104 |
| 2025 | 123 | 234 |
| 2024 | 136 | 378 |
| 2023 | 204 | 388 |
| 2022 | 192 | 298 |
| 2021 | 164 | 422 |
| 2020 | 202 | 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 Santa FE or Hyundai Palisade in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai Santa FE vs Hyundai Palisade
- Hyundai Santa FE total complaints
- 2,301
- Hyundai Palisade total complaints
- 2,344
- Hyundai Santa FE total recalls
- 41
- Hyundai Palisade total recalls
- 32
- Hyundai Santa FE avg complaints/year
- 230.1
- Hyundai Palisade avg complaints/year
- 334.9
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai Santa FE
- Hyundai Santa FE top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Hyundai Palisade top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES