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 222.3 complaints per year over 10 years, while the Palisade has 332.4 per year over 7 years. Highlander owners report transmission failures, while Palisade owners face brake and seatbelt issues. 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, over a decade of ownership, shows a high volume of complaints, averaging over 220 per year, with a significant focus on the powertrain. Owners report transmission issues, including stalling and internal failures, particularly with the 8-speed UA80-series, which can be a major concern for reliability. Brake problems, such as delayed engagement and loss of pressure, also appear frequently, adding to the ownership burden. While the Highlander is a popular family SUV, these patterns suggest that buyers should be prepared for potential mechanical issues, especially in the transmission and braking systems.
Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade, though newer on the market with seven years of data, has a higher average complaint rate of over 330 per year. The most common issues revolve around service brakes, with reports of brake fade and loss of engine braking after software updates, and seat belts that can unlatch unexpectedly, a serious safety concern. Engine problems, including sudden loss of power, also feature prominently. These complaints indicate that while the Palisade offers modern features, it has notable reliability and safety issues that buyers should investigate thoroughly.
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 | 2,223 Better | 2,327 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 44 | 10 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 122 | 56 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 222.3 Better | 332.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 129 | 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 TRAIN702
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER352
- 03SERVICE BRAKES266
- 04ENGINE247
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM213
Owners report the 8-speed automatic transmission (UA80-series) can stall, fail internally, or have cold-start issues, leading to loss of drive or unexpected stalling on the highway.
Brakes may not engage until the pedal is nearly to the floor, and there are reports of regenerative brake transition issues on hybrids, causing a loss of braking pressure, especially downhill.
Some owners notice abnormal odors entering the cabin, and the engine idle can increase when the AC is on, engaging the torque converter and causing unintended forward movement.
“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 BRAKES433
- 02SEAT BELTS398
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER361
- 04ENGINE286
- 05VISIBILITY/WIPER265
A software update (9C9) has disabled engine braking, leading to brake fade on grades, and there are reports of sudden unintended acceleration in parking lots, possibly due to brake issues.
Seatbelts can randomly unlatch while driving, a serious safety defect that has been reported multiple times, and some owners have had difficulty getting timely repairs.
The engine can abruptly lose power while driving, causing sudden deceleration, sometimes accompanied by abnormal sounds, which can be dangerous in traffic.
“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.
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 — 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
Toyota Highlander or Hyundai Palisade: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Palisade has a higher average complaint rate per year (332.4) compared to the Toyota Highlander (222.3), indicating more frequent issues. However, the Highlander's powertrain problems are more severe, with transmission failures being a major concern. In practice, the Palisade may have more niggling issues, but the Highlander's transmission could lead to costly repairs.
Key differences
- The Highlander has a higher number of powertrain complaints (702) compared to the Palisade (286), with transmission failures being a common theme.
- The Palisade has significantly more seat belt complaints (398) than the Highlander (0), with reports of belts unlatching unexpectedly.
- Brake issues are prevalent in both, but the Palisade's brake problems are often linked to software updates, while the Highlander's are more about hardware failures.
- The Palisade has more visibility/wiper complaints (265) than the Highlander (0), indicating potential issues with wiper motors.
- Inspect the transmission for any signs of slipping, stalling, or unusual noises, especially during cold starts.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including downhill braking, to ensure they engage properly and don't lose pressure.
- Check the seat belts for any signs of wear or malfunction, and test them to ensure they latch securely and don't release unexpectedly.
- Ask about the brake software update status and test the brakes on a grade to see if engine braking works as expected.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on both models.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the transmission (Highlander) and brakes (both).
- Test drive both vehicles, including highway speeds and downhill braking, to feel for any issues.
- Ask the seller for service records, especially for any transmission or brake repairs.
- Check the NHTSA website for the latest complaints and recalls for the specific model year you're considering.
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 | 1 | 102 |
| 2025 | 9 | 233 |
| 2024 | 39 | 373 |
| 2023 | 170 | 385 |
| 2022 | 229 | 297 |
| 2021 | 485 | 417 |
| 2020 | 302 | 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 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
- 2,223
- Hyundai Palisade total complaints
- 2,327
- Toyota Highlander total recalls
- 44
- Hyundai Palisade total recalls
- 10
- Toyota Highlander avg complaints/year
- 222.3
- Hyundai Palisade avg complaints/year
- 332.4
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Highlander
- Toyota Highlander top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Hyundai Palisade top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES