Hyundai Palisade Reliability by Year
Best & Worst Years, Problems & Recalls β NHTSA Data
Comparing used Hyundai Palisade options? We analyzed 7 model years (2020β2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
Model-year trends show patterns. Run a VIN check for the exact Hyundai Palisade you plan to buy.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Hyundai Palisade has 2,226 owner complaints and 32 safety recalls across model years 2020β2026. The most reported issue area is SERVICE BRAKES. 2020 drew the most complaints; 2026 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Hyundai
- Model
- Palisade
- Model years analyzed
- 2020β2026 (7 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 2,226
- Safety recall campaigns
- 32
- Crash-related complaints
- 51
- Fire-related complaints
- 11
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2020 (504 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2026 (87 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Reliability signal
- Poor
Hyundai Palisade: Which Years to Avoid & Which to Buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used β lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record β lower risk starting points.
β NHTSA NCAP Crash Test Ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
PoorThe HYUNDAI PALISADE has 2,226 NHTSA complaints and 32 recalls on record. 51 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 2,226 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 32 federal recall campaigns
- 51 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
π NHTSA Safety Recalls
32 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
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Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2020β2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
π§ Most-Reported Problem Areas
Based on component keywords extracted from all 2,226 NHTSA complaints.
π NHTSA Complaint Reports
2,226 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
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 trip with consistent repeated occurrence at both low and moderate speeds. Vehicle returned to dealership for diagnosis. Dealership declared unable to duplicate. No diagnostic trouble codes found. Hyundai engineering was consulted by dealership. This is a second serious defect on this vehicle β a full transmission assembly replacement was performed under warranty in May 2026 within 4 days of delivery and approximately 259 miles of personal use. Hyundai Motor America lemon law re-evaluation currently in progress.
We lease a 2026 Palisade with only 4k miles. Several weeks ago I was going through a toll plaza, car would not accelerate after slowing down, as if it was in neutral. All of a sudden it kicked into gear and car lunged forward. 10 min later at a traffic light car failed to accelerate after a complete stop. Press the accelerator sluggish response, then kicked back into gear. Very Scary. I pulled over and notified the dealer. Then set an appoint. Dealer did a diagnostic, found no issues, could not replicate problem on test drive . Everything was fine a few weeks. My son took the car. Had the same exact issue with vehicle not accelerating. Then kicked into gear really hard and vibrating. This was scary for him because he was in a parking lot. Luckily there was no accident as a result. However, this time an error code (check engine light) came on and the Hyundai app showed a DTC CODE- P001600 (powertrain / engine). Car was immediately taken to dealer on May 28th 2026. It is now Jun 11th. Still no time frame for fix. The THINK it a software issue and Hyundai is still "working" on a solution.
I was driving my 2026 Hyundai Palisade on a busy road when the vehicle suddenly stopped without warning. A message appeared on the dashboard stating that the engine was off. I did not turn off the vehicle. This created a dangerous situation in traffic.
While driving on my 2026 Palisade Calligraphy over last 6 months I lost all throttle/ gas response to engine on 12 separate occasions.The 3rd incident nearly resulted in serious crash in 55mph traffic. Went to dealer next day on 11/15 ref# 41788829 service found no codes, reset system and recommended a flight recorder to help diagnose. Filed with NHTSA on 12/3 after next incident ref # 11702738. Requested flight recorder multiple times with dealer and Hyundai case manager and after multiple visits, diagnostic drives and component replacement on 1/20 and 2/23 the dead throttle continued. On 4/7 I was finally issued recorder and captured 3 incidents of the problem that could not exist within 2 days. Dealer acknowledged problem and says they can not fix without help from Hyundai engineers. Hyundai will not buy back and tell me to go back to dealer for resolution. Dealer claims to have submitted all relevant info to Hyundai but will not produce requested paperwork to me for most of visits (illegal? ). I have been assigned 3 separate case managers who try to assign new case #42539227 and separate it from initial ref # 41788829 while denying buyback with documentation they refuse to share. I am driving an unsafe and dangerous suv with 3 clearly documented Hyundai flight recorder incidents and acknowledged safety issue.
Recently purchased this Hyundai Pallisade Calligraphy from Pohanka Hyundai in Maryland. At the time I asked whether the vehicle had the seat recall issue fixed . Was assured by the sales agent it had. Now when I activate the seat memory button, the driver's seat collapses and does not recognize a person is sitting there. I've called Pohanka Hyundai multiple times with an assurance of a call back on the issue and they just ignore my call and never return a call
Component: the second-row power seat and its control system, including the pinch-protection function, on a 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid. The seat and vehicle are available for inspection on request. After the recall remedy (software update) for NHTSA Recall 296 (power seats) was applied, the second-row power seat self-actuates a rearward over-extension. When its pinch protection detects a car seat installed in the second row, the seat moves rearward on its own, further into the third row, and cannot be stopped once it starts. This sharply reduces third-row legroom and can squeeze or harm a third-row occupant. Safety risk: On April 21, 2026, while an adult operated the second-row seat to make enough room to reach into the seat, the seat β instead of stopping once the buttons were released β kept moving rearward on its own, past its original position and into the third-row foot and leg space, compressing and hurting the child's legs and feet. The movement was automatic, gave no warning, and could not be halted, creating a crushing and pinching hazard to any person or object behind the seat. Reproduced and inspected: A franchised Hyundai dealer inspected the vehicle and reproduced this behavior per Hyundai's Safety Team's request. Per the official repair order, the seat "over-extends approximately 15 degrees further into the third row," "cannot be stopped from moving to the extended position," and creates a smaller third-row area that "could potentially harm or squeeze an occupant in the third row." Warning indicators prior to failure: none.
2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Hybrid, VIN: [XXX]. Two original equipment Pirelli Scorpion MS 265/45 R21 108V tires developed sidewall bulges within 4,582 miles of normal road use, all within 5 days of each other. No off-road driving. No significant impacts. Vehicle was brand new. Failures: front left, rear left, and both right side tires within the same week (blew up as a parked to the curb on the low speed-and where dismissed at the Americas tire as an impact damage) Two tires submitted for Pirelli warranty inspection: Tire 1: Beltran Tires, Modesto CA. Pirelli claim #XXX. Denied via customer service email only β no technical report, no inspector name, no methodology provided. Conclusion: "ply breakage due to impact." Tire 2: America's Tire, Seaside CA. Delivered to Pirelli facility McDonough GA, Feb 26 2025, UPS #[XXX]. No determination issued to date. Dealer refused tire submission for weeks. Corporate escalation and Pirelli technical intervention required before pickup occurred. Out of pocket costs: $420 (Beltran, mileage confirmed 4,582) and $2,387.57 (4x Michelin replacement, America's Tire order #XXX). Total loss: $2,807.57. Also my vehicle had to be towed and I had to pay out of pocket for that as well. Four sidewall failures under 5,000 miles on a new vehicle is a potential manufacturing defect and highway safety risk. Pirelli's denial lacks technical documentation. Requesting NHTSA investigate Pirelli Scorpion MS OE tires on 2026 Hyundai Palisade as possible defect pattern. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Five days after I bought my vehicle, I was driving down the freeway that was very empty. A small rock hit my windshield, I think⦠I never saw anything. It caused an explosion on the right side of my windshield and glass shattered inside the vehicle. I made a claim with my insurance and pay the $500 deductible and got the windshield replaced. Two days after I replaced the windshield, a small something hit my windshield and made a tiny rock chip. A few days later, I went to get the rock chip repaired, and as soon as the technician put the device and started to fill the rock chip, the wind shield cracked halfway across. I have been driving for almost 40 years and I have replaced one windshield and repaired maybe three rock chips. To have had a car for five weeks (two of which I couldn't drive because the windshield "exploded" crack was too deep), and already have paid TWO $500 deductibles and made two windshield claims is absolutely unbelievable. There has to be a flaw in the glass. The auto glass professionals said that they have replaced three windshields on Palisades in the past week.
While traveling along a high-speed highway, our 2026 Palisade unexpectedly suffered a severe loss of acceleration. Despite fully depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle struggled to exceed approximately 20 miles per hour. This alarming malfunction placed us in a precarious and potentially dangerous situation, as the drastic reduction in speed exposed us to the risk of being rear-ended by faster-moving traffic. On a separate occasion, the vehicle again exhibited troubling behavior, failing to respond appropriately while merging onto the highway. This hesitation significantly compromised our ability to safely enter the flow of traffic and could have easily resulted in a collision. Disturbingly, in both incidents, the vehicle provided no warning indicators or alerts on the dashboard, leaving us without any guidance or explanation for these critical failures.
The driver's seat automatic memory/easy-access feature experienced a severe safety system failure. While the seat was automatically moving backward, it hit a child car seat installed in the second row. Instead of detecting the obstruction and stopping, the anti-pinch/contact-detection sensor completely failed. The motor continued to forcefully push backward, crushing against the car seat and ripping open the driver's seatback panel. This failure creates a severe child entrapment and crushing hazard. This contact-detection logic issue highly resembles the power seat recall defects reported for 2026 Palisade models.
Following completion of Recall Campaign 296, the third-row rear seat continued to exhibit the same hazardous behavior the recall was intended to correct. During testing, the power-folding third-row seat fully closed onto a U.S. military-issued Kevlar helmet and remained latched in the fully seated/down position without reversing or detecting an obstruction. This demonstrates that the recall remedy/software update failed to restore adequate occupant detection and did not correct the underlying anti-pinch safety functionality. The seat continued applying force against the obstruction instead of stopping or reversing as expected from a functioning anti-pinch system, creating an ongoing risk of serious injury or death to occupants, including children.
The issue involves the second and third-row power folding seat control system in my 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Hybrid following Recall 296. Before the recall update, the vehicle included driver-controlled power folding seat functions through infotainment screen controls and one-touch seat folding operation. After Recall 296 was performed, Hyundai disabled or significantly altered these functions due to safety/compliance concerns involving the seat folding system. The affected component is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle has already been inspected and updated by Hyundai under the recall process. My concern is that the recall confirms there was a safety-related issue involving the power folding seat mechanism and occupant protection. While Hyundai modified the system to address safety concerns, I believe NHTSA should continue monitoring whether the revised operation fully resolves the underlying safety risks and whether similar concerns may affect additional vehicles or model years. There was no crash, injury, or fire in my case. No warning lamps or error messages appeared before the recall update. The operational changes became noticeable after the recall remedy/software update was completed. The issue has been confirmed by Hyundai through Recall 296 and Hyundai Motor Americaβs response regarding the intentional operational changes made to the vehicle.
On April 28 the automatic seat has broken and has been stuck all the way in the back position. This is making the vehicle unsafe to drive because me or my wife can't reach the petals. We have contacted our local Hyundai dealership and Hyundai Corporate multiple times, but are not getting any calls or emails returned. Al I have is a case number is hyundai corporate who stated a case manager would reach out in one business day. So far it has been three business days and they still have not contacted us.
Dealer sold vehicle with open safety recall. They said it has been fixed but Hyundai confirmed recall is still there. This vehicle even had stop sale from Hyundai. I was informed it has no issues.
My vehicle is subject to Manufacturer Recall 297/NHTSA Recall 26V169. My dashboard is indicating that the third row driver seat is buckled when it is not. Also, when the seat belt is actually buckled, it will sometimes indicate that it is not. This is a safety issue as I cannot tell whether the seat belt is actually buckled or not. Additionally, the seat will not fold because it thinks a person is sitting in the seat. I have taken my vehicle for to Great Lakes Hyundai of Dublin twice (May 6 and April 16th) to complete the recall. Both times they did not complete the recall as they did not have the parts, said they could not order them, and did not know exactly when they would receive them.
Following Hyundai Recall 296 on my 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy, the second-row βcar seat friendlyβ tilt-and-slide seat functionality changed significantly after the required software update. Prior to the recall update, the seats operated with a one-touch tilt-and-slide function that allowed easy third-row access while using car seats and booster seats. After the recall update: - the seat now requires continuously holding the button during operation, - the seat no longer returns to its previous seating position correctly, - the seatback returns at an unusually upright angle, - and multiple additional manual adjustments are required afterward to reposition the seat properly. As a parent using booster seats daily, I am concerned this updated behavior creates usability issues for children independently accessing the third row and may result in children sitting in improperly adjusted seating positions unless an adult fully readjusts the seat each time. I understand and support the original safety recall, but I wanted to formally document concerns regarding the significantly altered functionality and real-world family usability following the recall remedy.
I am reporting a safety concern following an over-the-air (OTA) recall update (Hyundai Recall #296) on my 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy AWD (software version 263Q.LX3.USA.ccNC.001.001.260326). I understand this recall was issued in response to a fatal incident involving the second-row seat system, which is why this issue is especially concerning. Since the update, the second-row walk-in seat function used for third-row access is not operating correctly. When I press the button near the headrest, the seat does not move fully forward, and I have to use the manual slide forward/back button to move it the rest of the way. When returning the seat, it does not go all the way back, and the seatback remains tilted forward at about a 70β80 degree angle instead of returning to its normal upright position, requiring manual adjustment using the recline button. In addition, during one occurrence when the second-row seat was activated, the front passenger seat moved slightly on its own without any input. This unexpected movement of another seat is especially concerning. This behavior began only after the recall update and appears to be a malfunction, possibly related to seat calibration or software coordination between seat systems. This creates a potential safety issue involving unintended seat movement and improper seat positioning.
I went to start the car and it was totally dead. It is used 7 days a week and driven back and forth to work 5 days a week. There was no warning and nothing was left on, just dead. I took the car to the dealer yesterday and they did an electrial system analysis and only found the battery had a slight discharge. Which is frustrating because I don't know when or where this could happen again. The dealer charged the battery and it seems ok at this point.
I picked up my vehicle from the dealership after it being there for almost 2 weeks for multiple DTC codes, a dash cam component replacement, and recall updates. On the way home, my check engine light flashed on and off multiple times while driving at highway speeds (although no codes were recorded in my Hyundai app diagnostics). When I exited the highway, I came to a stop sign on the off ramp and waited till cross traffic cleared. I went to accelerate into traffic, but my car would barely move. This happened 4 more times in the short drive to my home. This could pose a serious safety risk if I'm unable to accelerate to merge into traffic and get stuck in cross traffic.
I am reporting that Hyundaiβs Recall 296 remedy appears inadequate and that Hyundai closed the recall on my vehicle even though the underlying rear-seat safety hazard remained unresolved. My complaint involves the second- and third-row powered seat system, including the fold/stow and walk-in functions. My core safety complaint is that the second-row seat continued to move under powered operation despite resistance from a properly installed child seat using LATCH. I also reported that the third-row seat could still collapse under powered operation despite the presence of an object. This is a crush/entrapment hazard, especially for children. I presented the vehicle for this same rear-seat safety concern multiple times. Even after Hyundai and the dealer treated the recalls as completed, the condition remained unresolved and I returned the vehicle again for the same issue. Hyundai and the dealer changed and used inconsistent completion dates while continuing software/update activity and then still failed to acknowledge my real-world safety concerns after the supposed repair. I also reported additional post-update problems including fluctuating cabin air temperature, blower speed fluctuation without input, and reduced ventilated-seat cooling. Hyundai ultimately took the position that those systems were operating normally and instructed the dealer to release the vehicle. My complaint is not merely that Hyundai issued a recall. My complaint is that Hyundai treated Recall 296 as completed, changed the vehicleβs seat functionality by disabling or limiting previously available automatic features, used inconsistent completion timing, and still failed to correct or acknowledge the underlying safety defect I continued reporting. I am asking NHTSA to review whether Recall 296 is actually correcting the defect in service, or whether affected vehicles remain unsafe after Hyundai marks the recall complete.
Showing 20 of 2,226 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Before You Buy, Check the Exact Hyundai Palisade
These pages show model-year patterns across 7years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
π Understanding This Data
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is β but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Hyundai Palisade has 2,226 complaints on record across 7 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Hyundai Palisade has 32 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 51 of the Hyundai Palisade's 2,226 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions β a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable β simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Hyundai Palisade vehicles on the road β not any specific car. Two Hyundai Palisade vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage β NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Hyundai Palisade has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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π Check a Hyundai Palisade by State
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Hyundai Palisade.