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 fewer complaints per year (228 vs 341) but more recalls (44 vs 32). Highlander owners report transmission failures and brake pedal issues, while Palisade owners face brake pedal sink and seat belt sensor problems. 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 midsize SUV that owners generally rely on for family duty, but the complaint record shows a persistent theme of powertrain trouble, especially with the 8-speed automatic transmission. Owners describe cold-start hesitation, stalling, and even complete transmission failure, which can leave you stranded. Brake issues also surface, with reports of a soft pedal that sometimes goes almost to the floor, creating scary moments in traffic. While not every Highlander will have these problems, the pattern suggests that careful inspection and maintenance history are key when buying used.
Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade is a newer, feature-rich SUV, but its complaint history is dominated by brake and seat belt issues. Owners report brake pedals that sink to the floor, sudden brake lock-ups, and false seat belt warnings, which are serious safety concerns. There are also reports of engine stalling and loss of power, though less frequent. The Palisade has had multiple recalls related to seat belts and seats, indicating that these systems have been problematic from the start. As a used buy, you'll want to verify that all recalls have been performed and that the brakes feel firm and consistent.
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 | 2,278 Better | 2,387 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 44 | 32 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 128 | 57 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 227.8 Better | 341.0 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 138 | 69 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 TRAIN729
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER364
- 03SERVICE BRAKES273
- 04ENGINE251
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM219
The most common issue is with the 8-speed automatic transmission (UA80-series). Owners report harsh shifting, stalling on the highway, and internal failure that requires replacement. Cold-start problems are also noted, where the car hesitates or jerks when temperatures drop below freezing.
Brake problems include a pedal that sometimes goes almost to the floor before engaging, and intermittent brake failure warnings on the dashboard. This can lead to near-accidents, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
A strong fuel vapor smell enters the cabin, particularly on hot days or after long drives, coming from the rear fuel area. This could indicate a fuel leak or evaporative system issue, which is both a safety and health concern.
Some owners report sudden loud bangs while driving, which can be alarming and may indicate structural or suspension issues, though the exact cause is often not identified.
“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 BRAKES435
- 02SEAT BELTS411
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER369
- 04ENGINE302
- 05VISIBILITY/WIPER269
Brake pedal can sink to the floor while driving, leading to extended stopping distances. There are also reports of brakes locking up unexpectedly, especially after starting, which can prevent the car from moving and create a hazard.
The third-row seat belt buckle sensor often malfunctions, showing the belt as buckled when it's not, or vice versa. This can lead to airbag deactivation and a false sense of security. Multiple recalls have addressed this, but some owners say the fix isn't always effective.
Severe shaking, sputtering, and loss of power have been reported, sometimes leading to stalling. This can happen at highway speeds and is a serious safety risk. The cause is often not clearly identified, but it points to drivetrain or fuel system issues.
Some owners report that the gas pedal goes to the floor without acceleration, making it difficult to merge or complete turns. This is a dangerous situation that could lead to collisions.
“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.
Toyota Highlander — 44 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: Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2022-2024 model year Highlander L and Highlander LE vehicles equipped with the Blackout Package that includes 20" black alloy wheels and tires. The installed tires have an insufficient load rating. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the r…
The risk: Tires with an insufficient load rating may be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: GST will inspect and replace the tires as necessary, and install a new tire information label as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2024. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. G…
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 averages about 228 complaints per year, while the Hyundai Palisade averages about 341 per year, so the Highlander has a lower complaint rate. However, the Highlander's powertrain issues can be costly to repair, whereas the Palisade's brake and seat belt problems are more directly safety-critical. In practice, you may face fewer overall issues with the Highlander, but the nature of the Palisade's problems demands immediate attention.
Key differences
- The Highlander has more transmission failures (stalling, internal failure) while the Palisade has more brake pedal sink and lock-up issues.
- The Palisade has a higher complaint rate per year (341 vs 228) and more seat belt-related complaints (411 vs 0 in top components).
- The Highlander has more recalls (44 vs 32) but fewer crash-related complaints (128 vs 57) and injuries (138 vs 69).
- The Palisade's engine issues include severe shaking and loss of power, while the Highlander's engine issues are mostly fuel odor.
- Test the transmission carefully, especially during a cold start. Listen for hesitation, jerking, or unusual noises, and check for any service records related to transmission repairs.
- Inspect the brake pedal feel. If it feels spongy or goes too far down before engaging, have a mechanic check the brake system for leaks or master cylinder issues.
- Check the brake pedal for any sinking or unusual softness. Also, test the brakes at low speed to ensure they don't lock up unexpectedly.
- Verify that all seat belt recalls have been performed, and test the third-row seat belt warning system to ensure it correctly indicates when the belt is buckled.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been addressed for both models.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the transmission (Highlander) and brakes (Palisade).
- Test drive both vehicles, including a cold start if possible, to feel for transmission or brake issues.
- Check for any signs of fuel odor in the Highlander, especially after a long drive.
- For the Palisade, test all seat belt buckles and sensors, especially in the second and third rows.
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 | 2 | 110 |
| 2025 | 9 | 240 |
| 2024 | 42 | 382 |
| 2023 | 176 | 396 |
| 2022 | 236 | 302 |
| 2021 | 501 | 429 |
| 2020 | 309 | 528 |
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
- 2,278
- Hyundai Palisade total complaints
- 2,387
- Toyota Highlander total recalls
- 44
- Hyundai Palisade total recalls
- 32
- Toyota Highlander avg complaints/year
- 227.8
- Hyundai Palisade avg complaints/year
- 341.0
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Highlander
- Toyota Highlander top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Hyundai Palisade top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES