Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai Sonata vs Hyundai Palisade
How the Hyundai Sonata 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 Sonata vs Hyundai Palisade: The Sonata has 181 complaints per year, while the Palisade has 332. Sonata owners report engine shutdowns and steering loss; Palisade owners report brake fade and seatbelt unlatching. Both have recalls for safety issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai Sonata or Hyundai Palisade more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai Sonata
The Hyundai Sonata, a midsize sedan, shows a high volume of complaints concentrated in the engine, with owners reporting sudden shutdowns at speed, loss of power, and unresponsive pedals. Electrical gremlins, steering malfunctions, and fuel system issues also appear, alongside a few reports of sunroof shattering. This pattern suggests a car that can be unpredictable in daily driving, with potentially serious safety implications.
Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade, a large SUV, has a higher complaint rate per year, dominated by service brake issues, including reports of brake fade on grades after a software update, and seat belts that randomly unlatch. Engine power loss and visibility/wiper problems are also notable. These issues point to a family vehicle with concerning safety-critical failures that could affect occupant protection and control.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai Sonata | Hyundai Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,813 Better | 2,327 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 19 | 10 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 79 | 56 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 181.3 Better | 332.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 60 Better | 69 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 | 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 Sonata
- 01ENGINE790
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER269
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM233
- 04STEERING201
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM198
Owners report the engine completely shutting off while driving, sometimes at highway speeds, along with loss of power and unresponsive gas pedal. This can lead to sudden loss of propulsion and increased crash risk.
The electrical system can shut down entirely, causing headlights to go out and the car to go dark, which is especially dangerous at night. HVAC controls also malfunction, with the A/C engaging when off.
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system has intermittent malfunctions causing unpredictable loss of steering control, which is a severe safety defect that can make the vehicle hard to control.
Fuel system issues, including recalls for fuel delivery hoses and lines, can lead to fuel leaks and potential fire hazards, though specific owner complaints are less detailed.
“I purchased this vehicle brand new off of the lot February 2024. Since then, I have had two incidents where in the middle of driving my vehicle has completely shut off. The first experience, I was driving 50+ mph. First my headlights went out, my engine shut…”
“the car has two issues. brake issue (gas pedal is soft and sinks) and engine power ( gas pedal is soft and not responsive) Brakes are soft and spongy some times and sometimes hard. even you push the brake pedal twice or three time it takes long distance to st…”
Hyundai Palisade
- 01SERVICE BRAKES433
- 02SEAT BELTS398
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER361
- 04ENGINE286
- 05VISIBILITY/WIPER265
A software update disabled engine braking, causing brake fade on grades and forcing drivers to rely heavily on brakes, which can overheat and fail. Also, brake performance issues in parking lot maneuvers have been reported.
Seatbelts randomly unlatch while driving, which is a critical safety defect as it leaves occupants unrestrained in a crash. Owners report it happening multiple times in a short commute.
The engine can abruptly lose power while driving, causing sudden deceleration, which is dangerous in traffic. This may occur without warning lights, making it unpredictable.
Windshield wiper motor issues are subject to recall, and owners may experience wiper failure, reducing visibility in rain or snow, increasing crash risk.
“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 Sonata — 19 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 2024 Hyundai Sonata vehicles. The software for the brake lights may cause the brake lights to flash and not illuminate properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number…
The risk: Flashing brake lights may cause confusion for other drivers on the road, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the rear brake light software, free of charge. Additionally, Hyundai will release the software update over-the-air (OTA). Owner notification letters were mailed September 12, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer se…
The defect: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe, Sonata, Veloster N, 2022 Santa Cruz, Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete l…
The risk: Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2023. Owners…
The defect: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe, Sonata, Veloster N, 2022 Santa Cruz, Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete l…
The risk: Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2023. Owners…
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 Sonata or Hyundai Palisade: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Sonata has fewer complaints per year (181.3) compared to the Palisade (332.4), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, both have serious safety-related complaints, so the difference in frequency may be less important than the nature of the failures.
Key differences
- Sonata has more engine complaints (790) than Palisade (286), but Palisade has more brake (433) and seatbelt (398) complaints.
- Palisade's complaint rate per year is nearly double the Sonata's, suggesting a higher likelihood of encountering issues.
- Sonata's steering issues are ESC-related, while Palisade's brake issues stem from a software update affecting engine braking.
- Both have electrical and unknown/other complaints, but Palisade also has visibility/wiper problems.
- Check for any history of engine stalling or shutdown, and have the engine and electrical systems thoroughly inspected.
- Test the steering at various speeds to ensure ESC does not malfunction, and check for any recalls related to the instrument cluster or brake lights.
- Inspect the seatbelts for any signs of wear or malfunction, and test them repeatedly to ensure they latch securely.
- Have the brakes checked, especially if the vehicle has had the emissions software update, and ask about any brake-related recalls.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on engine, brakes, and electrical systems.
- Test drive at highway speeds to check for engine power loss or steering issues.
- For the Palisade, specifically test the seatbelts and brakes on a downhill grade.
- Ask for service records, especially for any software updates or repairs related to the complaints.
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 Sonata | Hyundai Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 102 |
| 2025 | 15 | 233 |
| 2024 | 43 | 373 |
| 2023 | 84 | 385 |
| 2022 | 91 | 297 |
| 2021 | 125 | 417 |
| 2020 | 170 | 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 Sonata or Hyundai Palisade in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai Sonata vs Hyundai Palisade
- Hyundai Sonata total complaints
- 1,813
- Hyundai Palisade total complaints
- 2,327
- Hyundai Sonata total recalls
- 19
- Hyundai Palisade total recalls
- 10
- Hyundai Sonata avg complaints/year
- 181.3
- Hyundai Palisade avg complaints/year
- 332.4
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai Sonata
- Hyundai Sonata top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Hyundai Palisade top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES