2021 Hyundai Palisade: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2021 Hyundai Palisade? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 389 complaints, with Seat Belt Issues as the top reported area.
2021 Hyundai Palisade Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2021 Hyundai Palisade trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2021 Hyundai Palisade Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2021 Hyundai Palisade SUV FWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
15.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
15.9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2021 Hyundai Palisade has 389 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Seat Belt Issues. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Hyundai
- Model
- Palisade
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 389
- Crash-related complaints
- 4
- Safety recall campaigns
- 6
- Top reported component
- Seat Belt Issues
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 22
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 19 / 26
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2021 Hyundai Palisade Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Seat Belt Issues
Uncategorized Issues
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Seat Belt Issues, Uncategorized Issues, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2021 Hyundai Palisade?
The 2021 Hyundai Palisade shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2021 Hyundai Palisade
Inspection Focus
- Inspect seat belt operation and recall status.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect suspension and transmission components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect seat belt operation and recall status.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect suspension and transmission components.
- Test forward collision avoidance system functionality.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 Hyundai Palisade, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 389 NHTSA complaints for the 2021 Hyundai Palisade, the most frequently reported issue involves seat belt problems, followed by uncategorized complaints and electrical faults. Engine and visibility/wiper issues also appear prominently. With only 4 crash-related complaints and 6 recalls, the data suggests a pattern of non-safety-critical concerns, though confidence is low due to the single model year analyzed.
- Seat belt issues account for the highest number of complaints at 100.
- Uncategorized issues (70) and electrical faults (48) are the next most common.
- Engine problems and visibility/wiper issues each have 46 complaints.
- Suspension failures (29) and transmission/drivetrain issues (20) are less frequent.
- Forward collision avoidance (AEB) has 18 complaints.
- Seat Belt Issues
- Electrical Faults
- Engine Problems
- Visibility/Wiper Issues
- Suspension Failures
All 2021 Hyundai Palisade Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Hyundai Palisade. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Belt Issues | 100 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 70 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 48 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 46 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 46 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 29 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 20 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 18 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 15 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 15 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 13 | — | — | — | |
| Trailer Hitches | 13 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 6 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 5 | 2 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Chest Clip | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Buckle | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Harness | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Hyundai Palisade. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Whilst driving on the highway, the passenger rear quarter glass detached from the car and flew into the bushes on the side of the road. I heard a whistling sound coming from the inside of the car. I checked to see if one of the windows had been opened, yet they were all closed. …
Front seat passenger seatbelt has come unbuckled while the car is in motion. Middle row seat behind the driver the seatbelt has come unbuckled while the car is in motion many times. I've contacted the dealership in Eugene Or several times and they continue to tell me they will ha…
I own a 2021 Hyundai Palisade and have experienced a complete transmission failure that I believe Hyundai had prior knowledge of and failed to address. Before my warranty expired, I contacted the dealership several times to report transmission symptoms I was experiencing. I was …
The engine oil system failed due to a persistent oil leak that was present from the time of purchase on December 16th 2024. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request and is currently immobile due to a completely seized engine. My safety was put at serious risk because …
I was driving, the car was making a noise and shaking. No warning lights were on indicating anything wrong. All of a sudden the entire car lost power while I was driving highway speeds. I tried to turn back on and everything was flashing. Turned back off. Turned on and car turned…
While vacationing in Myrtle Beach with my family the vehicle alarmed and then progressed to critical failure of safety functions while traveling at approximately 55mph on Friday April 3, 2026. The vehicle was brought to Myrtle Beach Hyundai where it was eventually diagnosed and r…
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger’s side bucket seat’s seat belt became inoperable and failed to latch properly. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V607000 (Seat Belt…
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Palisade. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V034000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonabl…
When I push on the brake the car starts to tug. Feels like it wants to turn off. Happened several times after I got a recall checked. 2 weeks ago same thing was happening and my car all of a sudden turns off. The lights on the dashboard turned on and the emergency brake engaged. …
I have been having an issue with my 2021 Hyundai Palisade's engine oil consumption. It is constantly burning oil at a high rate, requiring me to purchase oil constantly. I had it serviced at Hyundai in Gurnee, IL. An oil consumption test was conducted. Hyundai corporate stated th…
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the child in the second-row seat became trapped after the seat belt seized. The seat belt was cut to free the child. Additionally, the contact reported that the infotainment s…
I have had an open safety recall with this car (#292) with no remedy available for over 3 months. This is the third recall in less than a year.
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Palisade. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V607000 (Seat Belts). The local dealer was contacted to schedule an appointment, but was advised by the dealer that parts were only available in small quantities, and to wait u…
The vehicle suffered a structural "seam leak" on the pressurized oil filter housing. This was verified by an authorized Hyundai dealer (Dealer XXX, Invoice #XXX). The failure is a structural crack in the housing component itself, not a maintenance-related seal or filter failure. …
Moving portion of panoramic sunroof glass exploded outwards while driving 60 MPH. Loud noise and glass could have injured driver, caused an accident, or damaged surrounding vehicles. The dealership has inspected and denied responsibility. There was no warning or indication of the…
A week or so after taking the car in for an oil change, I was on the highway and heard a rattling sound coming from the engine. There were no indicator or warning lights from the dashboard. The car then stopped accelerating. It was on, and the accelerator increased the RPMs but t…
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the seat belts for the vehicle became inoperable for the entire vehicle. The contact stated that the seat belts failed to detach properly. The contact received notification of…
While the vehicle was off and in my garage, the vehicle started on its own and was idling at an extremely high RPM. I was the only person home, the keys were out of reach on a key rack and had not been driven yet for the day. I walked into the garage and found my vehicles engine …
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that on three separate occasions while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering assist functionality. Several warning lights were illuminated, and the headlights and turn signals became inoperable. The contact st…
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and running with the third-row passenger’s side seat in the cargo position, and the driver’s side third-row seat in the upright position, the [XXX] child pressed the third-row seat but…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Hyundai Palisade.
2021 Hyundai Palisade Recalls
6 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Hyundai Palisade. 6 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2021 Hyundai Palisade Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Hyundai Palisade reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 389 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2021 Hyundai Palisade shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Hyundai Palisade?▾
#1: Seat Belt Issues (100 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (70 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (48 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Hyundai Palisade?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Hyundai Palisade?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Hyundai Palisade, NHTSA complaints include 4 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 389 total complaints. 8 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Hyundai Palisade have any recalls?▾
Yes. 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Hyundai Palisade. A major recall area is SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID. 6 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2021 Hyundai Palisade?▾
The 2021 Hyundai Palisade shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Seat Belt Issues during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Hyundai Palisade reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2021 Hyundai Palisade based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.