Head-to-head reliability
Toyota Highlander vs Hyundai Palisade
How the Toyota Highlander 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
Toyota Highlander vs Hyundai Palisade: The Highlander has 2,356 complaints over 10 years (236/year) and 45 recalls, while the Palisade has 2,443 complaints over 7 years (349/year) and 32 recalls. Both report 1 death. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Toyota Highlander or Hyundai Palisade more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is a three-row family SUV with 2,356 NHTSA complaints over 10 years, averaging about 236 per year. Owners most often report transmission problems, brake issues, and fuel odors, with 45 recalls and 129 crash-related reports. It has a lower annual complaint rate than the Palisade, but the complaints that do appear often involve expensive powertrain repairs.
Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade is a three-row family SUV with 2,443 NHTSA complaints over 7 years, averaging about 349 per year. Owners frequently report brake problems, seat belt issues, and engine concerns, with 32 recalls and 58 crash-related reports. Its higher annual complaint rate suggests more frequent owner-reported problems, especially with brakes and seat belts.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Toyota Highlander | Hyundai Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,356 Better | 2,443 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 45 | 32 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 129 | 58 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 235.6 Better | 349.0 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 138 | 71 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.
Toyota Highlander
- 01POWER TRAIN765
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER378
- 03SERVICE BRAKES279
- 04ENGINE255
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM220
Owners report the 8-speed automatic transmission (UA80-series) stalling, failing to engage, or suffering internal failure, sometimes during cold starts or while driving. This can leave a driver unable to accelerate or reverse, making it a serious and potentially costly repair.
Drivers describe the brake pedal going almost to the floor before engaging, and warning lights flashing. This inconsistent braking feel has nearly caused accidents, so any soft or long pedal travel is a major concern.
Complaints include a strong fuel vapor smell from the rear driver side near the fuel cap, especially after long drives or on hot days. This odor can enter the cabin and may point to a fuel system leak or vapor issue.
Some owners report loud bangs or noises while driving, sometimes mistaken for a collision, and others mention issues with new vehicles shortly after purchase. These vague but alarming symptoms can be hard to diagnose and may affect confidence in the vehicle.
“Detailed Description of the Incident: I am reporting a recurring powertrain safety issue regarding the 8-speed automatic transmission (UA80-series) in my vehicle. [Symptoms] During cold-start conditions (outside temperatures below 30°F), the vehicle consisten…”
“The vehicle started stalling out randomly on the highway even with it being automatic, after getting home and parking it , it would not back up or drive . Took it to Toyota dealership and they said it’s an internal failure of the transmission which is a UA80…”
Hyundai Palisade
- 01SERVICE BRAKES442
- 02SEAT BELTS417
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER381
- 04ENGINE315
- 05VISIBILITY/WIPER272
Owners report the car accelerating when the brake is pressed, and diagnostic trouble codes for the anti-lock braking system even when the app shows all systems good. This mismatch between warnings and actual braking behavior is a safety risk.
The third-row seat belt can falsely show as buckled when it is not, or show unbuckled when it is buckled, tied to a recall for rear buckle assemblies. This can defeat safety reminders and restraint performance.
Complaints include severe shaking, sputtering, loss of acceleration, stalling, and abnormal drivetrain behavior, sometimes at low mileage. These symptoms can leave a driver without power in traffic.
Some owners report the gas pedal going to the floor with no acceleration, and others see repeated diagnostic codes for lane departure and ABS systems. These electronic and throttle issues can be intermittent and hard to reproduce.
“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…”
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.
Toyota Highlander — 45 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry, RAV 4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and 4 Runner…
The risk: An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the instrument panel software over-the-air (OTA) for non-PHEV vehicles, free of charge. For PHEV vehicles, dealers will inspect the instrument panel assembly, and either replace it, or update the software, free of charg…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or d…
The risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's nu…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The third row center seat belt roof anchor may have been installed at an incorrect angle, preventing the seat belt from properly restraining the occupant.
The risk: A seat belt that does not properly restrain an occupant increases the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reinstall the seat belt anchor with a new bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 25TA16.
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position during seat back adjustment.
The risk: A seat back that fails to lock may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the return springs in the seat back recliner assemblies, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 9, 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Toyota’s customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's nu…
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
Toyota Highlander or Hyundai Palisade: which should you buy?
The Toyota Highlander has fewer complaints per year (about 236 vs. 349 for the Palisade), suggesting it may have fewer owner-reported problems over time. However, the Highlander's complaints often involve transmission and brake failures that can be costly, while the Palisade's higher rate includes more seat belt and brake complaints. In practice, the Highlander may demand less frequent attention, but both need careful inspection.
Key differences
- The Highlander averages about 236 complaints per year, while the Palisade averages about 349 per year, meaning Palisade owners report problems more often.
- Highlander owners frequently report transmission stalling and brake pedal issues, while Palisade owners report brake acceleration and seat belt false readings.
- The Palisade has 32 recalls, including multiple for rear seat belt buckle assemblies, while the Highlander has 45 recalls covering electrical, seat, and tire issues.
- Both have 1 death reported, but the Highlander has more crash-related reports (129 vs. 58) and more injuries (138 vs. 71).
- During a test drive, check for transmission hesitation, stalling, or failure to engage drive or reverse, especially when the engine is cold.
- Test the brakes for a soft or long pedal that goes nearly to the floor before stopping, and listen for any warning chimes.
- Verify that all rear seat belts buckle and unbuckle correctly and that the dashboard indicator matches the actual buckle status.
- Test the brakes for any unintended acceleration or pedal-to-the-floor feeling, and ask if the ABS recall or software updates have been done.
Before you buy
- Ask for the full NHTSA recall history and confirm all open recalls have been repaired by a dealer.
- Have a mechanic scan for stored diagnostic trouble codes, especially for transmission, ABS, and seat belt systems.
- Test drive the vehicle from a cold start and at highway speeds to check for stalling, hesitation, or unusual noises.
- Inspect the fuel cap area and cabin for fuel odors after a long drive, especially on the Highlander.
- Check the rear seat belts and third-row seating functions on the Palisade, including the buckle sensors and power seat adjustments.
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 | Toyota Highlander | Hyundai Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 123 |
| 2025 | 10 | 248 |
| 2024 | 42 | 387 |
| 2023 | 182 | 400 |
| 2022 | 259 | 309 |
| 2021 | 523 | 439 |
| 2020 | 317 | 537 |
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 Toyota Highlander or Hyundai Palisade in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Toyota Highlander vs Hyundai Palisade
- Toyota Highlander total complaints
- 2,356
- Hyundai Palisade total complaints
- 2,443
- Toyota Highlander total recalls
- 45
- Hyundai Palisade total recalls
- 32
- Toyota Highlander avg complaints/year
- 235.6
- Hyundai Palisade avg complaints/year
- 349.0
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Highlander
- Toyota Highlander top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Hyundai Palisade top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES