Hyundai Palisade Reliability by YearBest & 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.
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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Hyundai Palisade has 2,284 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
- 2,284
- Safety recall campaigns
- 32
- Crash-related complaints
- 54
- Fire-related complaints
- 12
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2020 (517 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2026 (98 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
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.
Crash test ratings
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.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe HYUNDAI PALISADE has 2,284 NHTSA complaints and 32 recalls on record. 54 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 2,284 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 32 federal recall campaigns
- 54 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
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Jul 2026
Safety recalls
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.
SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:PUMP
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
TRAILER HITCHES
VISIBILITY/WIPER
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:PUMP
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
VISIBILITY/WIPER
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:PUMP
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.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 2,284 NHTSA complaints β these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
2,284 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.
Stopped at the gas pump and filled up. When I went to leave all dash lights were lit up and car wouldnβt 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 it screeched the tires to move it from in front of the gas pump.
I just purchased a 2026 Hyundai Palisade Limited Edition Sunday, June 28,2026 from Tomball Hyundai. Today, July 3, 2026 I was PARKED in a parking lot not near anyone, sitting in my running vehicle & heard a crackling noise. I looked back to see my rear window shattering but still in tact, but just crackling all the way across the entire window. Then while still parked, I started seeing parts of the rear window fall out and on the ground and into the car. I called my sales manager at the dealership and he told me to take a photo and drive straight to the dealership. Glass was falling out and into vehicle as I drove. I arrived and was told the service manager would have to call someone to see if they are going to pay for it or not. I havenβt even had the car for a week. I was parked, and it just shattered. Not moving, nothing hit it or was even nearby. I feel this is a defect and have seen numerous reports online of the same thing happening to others. I researched online to see this was a very common issue/defect in 21-25 models, along with 2026 models.
The wireless charging spot is overheating and causing phones to be overheated as well. I had to turn off the wireless charging pad due to it being extremely hot to touch and causing my phone to also be extremely hot to touch. Concerned for device damage as well as a fire risk for the vehicle.
In March had issues with driver and passenger seats not moving up and down without getting stuck have to mess with it for awhile to move up or down and sometimes won't go to a directions it can move to seat even though setting it in a certain position every time turn off car and start goes to a position to high up in a way can't get In till you put it down then get in car when moving the 2nd row seat the passenger seat moved front back instead then folding seats 2,3rd row not working correctly found out mid mar recall 2,3rd row folding issues child died, 3rd row seat belts called Corp said do not allow passenger in 2nd, 3rd row till fixed called service said no fix so had wait week later car was hesitating when push gas engine power train warning light came on tow car to dealership they lied proof in writing they lied said fix the seats even though at that time no fix for recalls only reset engine light even though car was giving Issues almost broke down they had car 8 day made me pick up car said was fixed proof it wasn't they threaten harassed me to get it I said recalls show on NHTSA still till off not fixed won't come so they said day I had bring loaner car back or they come repo it they removed it from NHTSA site that day said see it's off I said there no way if no fix yet recalls I called many service dept ask went on hyundai Corp main site said fix for seat belt mid may this was April 7 and I ask them to put in writing several times car safe for my 3 yr old grandson they never once say car safe they illegally fraud took recall off the site all to get me come get car got car seats not fixed they said in writing seat belt fixed with tape tape? They put on NHTSA recalls after got car I confronted them then they removed again to not get in trouble to take off then on. But no seats fixed and could not put passenger car barely drove car was still hesitating gas ac loos power not even month later engine light power train issue again but not just light defect cause
The contact owns a 2026 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that on five occasions, while stopped at a light with the Auto START/STOP system activated, the vehicle inadvertently turned off and shifted into park(P) independently. The contact stated that there was an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, and the brake pedal was firm; several attempts were needed to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that on one occasion, while stopped, the Auto START/STOP system failed to activate and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended; however, the engine was revving unexpectedly. There was a loud clunking sound, and the vehicle jerked and then accelerated as needed. The vehicle was taken to two dealers during the failures; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle remained with the second dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,500.
Front windshield cracked driving in the rain. A very small pin size nick was at the top of windshield 1" away from the edge. Crack was instant in length of 13" plus. Vehicle was less then 1 week old.
Read 14 more owner reports
We are currently on a road trip. Fortunately we were in a 55mph zone and not going faster. While driving on the highway, the hood released from the latch and popped open. Fortunately the secondary latch caught it and we were able to pull over safely. I canβt imagine if we were going faster if the secondary latch wouldβve withheld it. Very scary incident
It appears there is an ongoing issue with the Driver's Assistance. More specifically with automatic braking regarding forward collision. On 4 separate occasions, the vehicle has gone haywire with several alarms and icons going off at once and then sudden braking in the middle of the road before I have even realized what is going on. The issue is the car decided it was time to slam on the brakes right in the middle of the road while I was driving so it was very jarring. I have brought the vehicle to the dealership once and they kept it for 2 days to inspect the problem and could "not reproduce the problem". So they returned the vehicle to me. However, the issue occurred 3 more times after they returned it to me within 3 wks. So, I am dropping it off again for them to keep until they locate the problem now that I believe I have narrowed it down to the Driver's Assistance and forward collision issue. When I disable the driver's assistance/forward collision toggle, there "appears" to solve the issue. I have not had the same problem when that specific toggle is off as of yet. There have been no inspections from a manufacturer rep, police or insurance rep. There were a ton of warning lamps at one time just prior to the automatic braking, some regarding power train, battery, and several others. I have photos.
Safety-Critical Shifter System Malfunction - I am experiencing a recurring and serious shift system defect with my 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy. The issue first occurred within the first 500 miles of ownership, shortly after purchasing the vehicle new. At that time, the vehicle required diagnosis and repair by the dealership and remained out of service for nearly one month. Despite that repair, the same or a very similar issue has now returned. The vehicle displays a "Shifter System Malfunction β Service Immediately" warning and does not allow me to change gears while the vehicle is running. The gear selector becomes unresponsive, and the only way to restore functionality is to shut the vehicle off and restart it. After restarting, the vehicle often engages with a loud thud/clunk and significant vibration that can be felt throughout the vehicle. This creates serious concerns about the safety, reliability, and overall integrity of the drivetrain and shift-by-wire system.
I am submitting this regarding the remedy implemented under NHTSA Recall 26V-160 (Hyundai Palisade, second/third-row power seat obstruction detection defect). I support the intent of this recall β the underlying defect was serious and the software update appropriately targets improved occupant/object detection. However, I'm concerned about the adequacy and scope of the remedy as applied to the Limited trim specifically. As implemented, the remedy removes the ability to control power-folding seats via the vehicle's infotainment touchscreen entirely, converts seat-fold buttons to press-and-hold operation, and requires the liftgate to be open during folding. On the Limited trim, the third row is the only row equipped with power-folding seats (the second row has no electric folding). As a result, this remedy has eliminated the entire infotainment-based remote-fold control pathway for Limited owners, with no equivalent functionality remaining anywhere in the vehicle. My concern is whether the remedy, by removing an entire control pathway rather than improving its safety through better sensor/detection logic alone, goes beyond what is necessary to address the defect, and whether this scope of functionality removal was adequately disclosed to owners as part of the recall notice. I'd like this recorded as feedback on the remedy's scope and impact on equipped functionality for the Limited trim, separate from the original safety defect itself.
I was a making a left hand turn at a stoplight. The light turned yellow, and as I was in the intersection, I pressed the gas pedal to complete the turn. The pedal went to the floor, but the car did not accelerate. It barely rolled forward. I had to slam on the brake so I would not roll into the intersection, and turn. I reeased the pedal, and tried again, and the vehicle did accelerate. This failure has happened 4 times to me. I have also had the experience with making a right-hand turn from a stop. Again, when depressing the accelerator, the engine did not go. In one case it was delayed, then sped up very quickly. I has been to the dealer twice, once for 2 days, and once for 9 days. They have been unable to find anything wrong. I was able to demonstrate the problem with a technician in the vehicle, but he really could not see me depressing the gas, so was really unable to experience that I had a problem, even though I verbally mentioned the incident. The car at the time had less than 500 miles on it. To summarize. I have experienced left-hand turn problems 4 times, and right hand problems twice., or a total of 6 times.
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.
Showing 20 of 2,284 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Hyundai Palisade
These pages show model-year patterns across 7 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations β hereβs what each number actually tells you about a used Hyundai Palisade, in plain English.
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 2,284 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. 54 of the Hyundai Palisade's 2,284 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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Hyundai Palisade reliability β frequently asked questions
Is the Hyundai Palisade reliable?
Poor. The Hyundai Palisade has 2,284 NHTSA owner complaints and 32 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is SERVICE BRAKES. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Hyundai Palisade years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2020 (517 complaints), 2021 (412 complaints), 2023 (378 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Hyundai Palisade problems?
Top reported issues: SERVICE BRAKES (428 complaints); SEAT BELTS (386 complaints); UNKNOWN OR OTHER (359 complaints).
Does the Hyundai Palisade have recalls?
Yes β 32 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Hyundai Palisade. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.