2020 Hyundai Palisade Owner Complaints

Hyundai Motor America has been notified of the safety issue through the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, which required Hyundai to provide a written response within ten business days. Hyundai has not responded to the Attorney General, has not responded to follow‑up attempts, and has not provided any guidance or corrective action. The local dealership reports that Hyundai Corporate will not authorize warranty diagnostics or repairs, leaving the vehicle in an unsafe condition with no manufacturer support.

NHTSA ID

11754648

Incident

Aug 28, 2025

On or about XXX I brought my vehicle into the dealership as my 2020 Hyundai palisade suffered a severe, sudden engine malfunction while driving at highway speeds. The vehicle began shaking violently, losing power, and making loud mechanical noises forcing me to navigate dangerous highway traffic to get it to the dealership. Prior to the failure, in XXX, the vehicle was brought into an authorized dealership as the vehicle would not drive properly, very slow acceleration and the vehicle feeling like it was stalling causing a danger to the road. . The dealership performed an inspection on the vehicle and diagnosed "carbon buildup due to mileage and age," they performed an authorized emissions software update, changed the oil, and performed a paid fuel injection cleaning. The dealership did not issue a safety warning or advise against driving the vehicle long distance back to [XXX]. A few months after this service, the vehicle suffered total engine failure. Professional teardown of the Hyundai Lambbda ll V6 engine show that unresolved carbon buildup and software defects lead to piston ring failure, severe misfires, oil starvation, and sudden loss not motive power. Operating a vehicle experiencing severe mechanical shaking and power loss at highway speeds poses an immediate risk of an accident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11754052

Incident

Jul 21, 2026

When attempting to use engine braking to control descent on mountain roads, the vehicle failed to slow. Engine RPMs increased and speed increased requiring significant brake usage. Last year the vehicle performed as expected as deceleration was controlled via downshifting with much less brake usage. The only change was the application earlier this year of Hyundai service campaign 9C9.

NHTSA ID

11751687

Incident

Jul 12, 2026

Car seat when you press to collapse the third row press it once the seat activates to collapse if my granddaughter’s in the rear seat and she’s not sitting properly, it’ll collapse on her. Causing death or injury. It won’t retract unless there’s significant pressure to make it retract again. The press and hold will prevent accidental injury.

NHTSA ID

11749267

Incident

Jul 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Palisade. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V034000 (Air Bags) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list because the recall repair was completed by an authorized dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID

11749151

Incident

Jun 8, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Palisade. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V607000 (Seat Belts). The contact stated that while parked on several occasions, the second-row driver-side and passenger-side seat belts buckles failed to latch and required three to four attempts to latch securely. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was determined that an object might be stuck in the buckle assembly, and the seat belt buckle assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred approximately a week later. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

NHTSA ID

11748777

Incident

Jun 15, 2025

Mileage

25,000 mi

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Palisade. The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V607000 (Seat Belts). The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the rear passengers' seat belts buckles unlatched inadvertently. The contact was able to rebuckle the seat belts securely after each failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.

NHTSA ID

11748596

Incident

Mar 2, 2026

Mileage

33,000 mi

The vehicle suffers from a severe manufacturing defect causing excessive engine oil consumption (burning more than 2+ quarts per 1,000 miles) with no warning lights or oil pressure indicators activating. With little to no warning, I could be driving and experience catastrophic engine failure. This defect creates an immediate safety hazard, as sudden engine seizure or stalling at highway speeds risks loss of power braking and steering, creating an imminent risk of a high-speed collision. The dealership has confirmed the oil consumption issue after we noticed the vehicle stalling and performing sluggishly until the oil was changed.

NHTSA ID

11748518

Incident

Oct 10, 2025

Was driving 70mph on the highway, all instrument cluster speed gauges go to 0mph and I lose ability to manage speed through cruise control. Was driving blind and had no clue what speed I was going and was extremely worried for my safely. Dealership said my instrument cluster has failed, won’t cover under warranty or as a safety issue. Ridiculous a 80k 6 year old car has a main gauge part fail.

NHTSA ID

11748509

Incident

May 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Palisade. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V607000 (SEAT BELTS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced the failure.

NHTSA ID

11748447

Incident

Jul 6, 2026

Cylinder 1 and 6 rod bearing failure, plus complete destruction of piston number 6. On highway engine failed, sudden loss of power to move vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11748335

Incident

Jun 1, 2026

I bought this car used from Albion Ford and I didn't have it 3,000 mile when my check engine light came on. Took it in and they said nothing was wrong with it. A couple days later it stalled in the middle of the road at a stop sign. It happened a mile later, I stopped at the store and there was absolutely not oil on the dip stick. I put 2 quarts in and it was at the very bottom of the dipstick. It's still under warranty and they did an oil consumption test and said it was normal. It's burning 5.5 quarts every 3,000 miles.

NHTSA ID

11748242

Incident

Aug 4, 2025

Description of IncidentThe vehicle experienced a severe engine system defect and catastrophic internal mechanical failure. The primary symptom prior to the failure was excessive, rapid engine oil consumption between scheduled maintenance windows. The issue was officially confirmed by an authorized dealership service center, where diagnostic testing verified that the engine has critically low cylinder compression in Cylinder 1. The vehicle is currently completely incapacitated, and the disassembled engine block remains at the dealership facility available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk AssessmentA sudden and severe loss of internal engine cylinder compression creates a critical vehicle performance defect, an immediate stall risk, and a catastrophic hazard when operating on high-speed roadways. In this instance, the mechanical failure completely disabled the household’s primary, medically modified means of transport. Because the manufacturer and dealership failed to maintain or provide a structurally or layout-compliant alternative vehicle, a permanently disabled occupant was forced into a tight, non-accommodated cabin geometry. This directly induced severe physical trauma, muscle spasms, and an immediate loss of lower extremity neurological sensation while operating the replacement vehicle. The combination of a catastrophic powertrain failure and a total refusal by the dealer and manufacturer to provide an accessible replacement layout has completely stripped a vulnerable consumer of independent mobility and created a severe, ongoing physical safety hazard.

NHTSA ID

11747733

Incident

Feb 25, 2026

My properly maintained 2020 Hyundai Palisade suffered catastrophic engine failure at 77,000 miles. Importantly, prior to the engine failure, no check engine lights, low oil warnings, or other warning indicators were active or displayed. The vehicle gave no indication of an imminent catastrophic engine failure or lack of oil. In researching this matter, I have found numerous reports, as well as active and settled litigation, involving Hyundai engine failures and oil consumption concerns. Severe oil starvation due to engine manufacture issues caused a thrown rod which can result in fire. The car was being driven by my teenage son after dark and the engine completely shut down putting him in harm's way in the middle of the road. Hyundai has repeatedly refused my requests for assistance in repairing this known issue due to my being a second owner with a lesser warranty that is given to 1st owners. This issue is a safety concern and a known issue to HCA and should be a recall to insure it stops happening.

NHTSA ID

11746536

Incident

Jun 14, 2026

On XXX I took my vehicle to Ourisman Hyundai of Bowie because my engine light was on. That same day the Service Adviser (Edson XXX) informed me that the engine was burning oil excessively. They performed an oil change and replaced engine oil gasket and asked me to return after driving 1000 miles. Mileage at the time was 103,380. I return on XXX, mileage was 104,580. [XXX] informed me that vehicle failed oil consumption test. He submitted request for engine replacement. On 11/25/2025 I returned to dealer because engine light came on again, and still no approval for engine replacement. I was informed that Hyundai approved combustion chamber cleaning. The service was complete four days later. However, it did not fix the problem. The engine excessive oil burn still happens as of this report. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11744431

Incident

Sep 23, 2025

2020 Hyundai Palisade with Lambda II 3.8L GDI V6 (G6DJ) engine experienced complete engine failure due to oil starvation from excessive oil consumption through piston ring bypass. No oil warning light illuminated prior to failure. Engine consumed oil silently between service intervals until catastrophic failure. Vehicle became undriveable. HMA issued TSB 21-EM-003H addressing oil consumption in other Hyundai engine variants but explicitly excluded the Lambda II V6 (G6DJ) from the bulletin's scope despite the same piston ring bypass defect being present. HMA subsequently issued Campaign 9C9 referencing Palisade oil consumption but with no defined remedy and inadequate owner notification. Vehicle was purchased as a Certified Pre-Owned Hyundai. At time of CPO sale, HMA had documented knowledge of the Lambda II oil consumption defect. HMA denied warranty coverage for engine replacement, estimated at $12,000. HMA's own TSB establishes 1 quart per 1,000 miles as the threshold for defective consumption. Independent engineering analysis confirms the Lambda II G6DJ piston ring geometry produces oil bypass consistent with that defect threshold. Engine is available for inspection upon request. Defect was confirmed by HMA-authorized dealership oil consumption test. No warning lamps appeared prior to failure. This defect is believed to affect a large number of Lambda II-equipped vehicles sold in the [XXX]. Prior federal class action litigation (XXX v. Hyundai Motor America, C.D. Cal.) documented HMA's corporate knowledge of the Lambda II oil consumption defect prior to the date of this vehicle's CPO sale. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11744101

Incident

Mar 31, 2025

My vehicle is subject to open safety recalls involving seatbelt and third-row airbag systems. The seatbelt defect has resulted in seatbelts becoming unlatched while my children were restrained in the vehicle. The third-row airbag recall affects occupant protection in a collision. Hyundai has been unable to repair the vehicle and has informed me they are still searching for parts. My case was opened on April 7, 2026, and no repair date or loaner vehicle has been provided. I transport minor children, including children with special needs, in the second and third rows of this vehicle. I believe the vehicle presents an unreasonable safety risk due to the inability to complete recall repairs within a reasonable timeframe. I opened a case with Hyundai 4/7/26 and have included all emails between us where they tell me there are no parts available and have said they will not assist me with safe transportation for my children. This recall is almost a year old at this point.

NHTSA ID

11742875

Incident

Feb 19, 2026

There has been a recall issued on the 3rd row air bags for 6 months with no remedy still available. NHTSA Recall Number 26V034000 was issued in Jan 2026, and as of today, the manufacturer still not released a remedy.

NHTSA ID

11742349

Incident

Jan 22, 2026

I have a 2020 palisade limited with the self leveling shocks. I have about 78,000 miles on the car. I am on my second set of replacement of the rear shocks. Well, guess what? I’m starting to hear that clunking noise again. I love my palisade but quickly becoming tired of this issue. I relaced the shocks last summer (Aug 2025). So, just less than one year after the replacement the noise is back and the smoothness of driving is gone. Every hole feels extremely rough.

NHTSA ID

11742108

Incident

Jun 3, 2026

My vehicle is unusable due to the 2 recalls, Hyundai has taken control of the vehicle. Recall 292 does not have a fix and the seat belt recall has a shortage of parts. I have been trying for months to get this corrected.

NHTSA ID

11741565

Incident

Nov 1, 2025

"The front view camera (FR_CMR) failed due to an internal control chip defect. The component is available for inspection — it is currently at the dealership. Multiple ADAS safety systems were simultaneously disabled, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Driver Attention Warning, and High Beam Assist. This puts both the driver and other road users at risk by removing all active collision prevention and lane keeping systems while driving at highway speeds with no backup warning. The problem has been confirmed by the Hyundai dealership via GDS diagnostic scan showing two DTCs: C160649 (ECU Software Error – Front View Camera) and C180581 (LKAS CAN Signal Error). The vehicle has been inspected by the dealer. Dealer repair order quotes $1,511.87 for camera replacement and calibration. Warning lights for Forward Collision, Driver Attention Warning, and High Beam Assist appeared on the instrument cluster and have remained on continuously. Systems have been disabled since the warning lights first appeared. This is a known internal control chip defect documented in Kia TSB ELE231 (Rev 2, August 2021), covering the identical camera assembly shared across the Hyundai/Kia platform. The same DTCs and same fix — front camera replacement, variant coding, and calibration — are confirmed repaired on other 2020 Palisade Limited vehicles under warranty. Hyundai has not issued a corresponding TSB for the Palisade despite the identical failure mode and shared part. VIN: [XXX] ." INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11741368

Incident

May 24, 2026

Vehicle Information: 2020 Hyundai Palisades VIN: [XXX] Mileage: 74,212 Hyundai is mishandling Recall 292 (NHTSA 26V034000), which involves a failure to comply with FMVSS 226 and creates an occupant ejection risk. The affected seating position in my vehicle is used by my [XXX] child and is unsafe until a remedy exists. Hyundai has no remedy available and has refused to provide any written safety guidance or interim transportation. Beginning 5/29/26, I requested that Hyundai open a new case specifically for Recall 292. Hyundai has refused to open a case despite multiple written requests. Instead, they repeatedly redirected me to phone numbers and generic inboxes, avoiding written communication. They have not answered whether the vehicle is safe to operate, whether the affected seat can be used, or whether they will provide a loaner or rental while no remedy exists. Hyundai also claimed to have sent a Zelle reimbursement on 5/28/26 but refused to provide a timestamp needed for bank verification. When asked again in writing, Hyundai ignored the question and repeated the same deflection responses. Across multiple emails (5/29, 6/1, 6/1), Hyundai ignored every recall‑related question, refused to provide written guidance, refused to open a case, and refused to address the child‑safety implications. This appears to be a pattern of procedural and substantive non‑compliance with recall communication requirements. I previously had to involve the Maryland Attorney General regarding Hyundai’s handling of another safety‑related issue on this vehicle, indicating a broader pattern of evasive behavior. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11741330

Incident

Apr 19, 2026

I have taken my car to Jerry V’s Honolulu, and Tony’s Hyundai here on Oahu, neither dealership has been able to remedy this issue with my seatbelts. The recall has been out for a while and they cannot seam to get a part in stock. My seatbelts are not always locking, and this is an extreme safety issue. If I got i a wreck and it didn’t lock on the slip, I could fly out of the vehicle, or my child could. I am an active duty military member as well. I spend so much on this car a month and getting this fixed should be easily remedied.

NHTSA ID

11741083

Incident

May 22, 2026

The engine burns oil excessively and the oil light does NOT come on when the oil is low. Our car is right at 90k miles, it began to shudder and malfunction out of the blue while we were driving on the highway. There was absolutely no indication the oil was low. Now the car will not turn on at all. We were in between oil changes. The safety of myself and my family was put at risk because the engine blew with no warning. The vehicle has been serviced repeatedly by Hyundai for this issue, and they are trying to tell us that it is normal for oil to completely burn out in between oil changes.

NHTSA ID

11740050

Incident

May 25, 2026

Premature engine fail. Excessive oil consumption due to piston ring failure. Maintenance has been done on car on regular basis. No check engine light. Carson was services at dealership 4 months ago.

NHTSA ID

11739180

Incident

May 19, 2026