RoadVitals

2020 Hyundai Palisade Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
536
Latest Sep 24, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
16
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
20

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2020 Hyundai Palisade, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

138
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My 2020 Hyundai Palisade (3.8L V6) has a persistent engine defect causing sudden stalling and severe oil consumption. Since mid-2019 the engine has stalled without warning when coming to a stop, idled roughly, and made loud puttering noises under light acceleration — a loss-of-power hazard in traffic. In 2026 the dealer began formal oil consumption testing. Although 1,000-mile checks were marked 'passed,' the engine was found completely dry (dipstick showed no oil) at 2,000 miles — 3.5 quarts low on a 6.1-quart system. On 09/02/2026 the vehicle FAILED an official oil consumption test at Hyundai of Kirkland and was held for service. The dealer performed a carbon-cleaning procedure, but the underlying oil consumption is unresolved and a re-test is now underway. Running an engine at less than half its oil capacity risks sudden seizure or stall at speed. I am concerned this is a systemic defect affecting other 2020 Palisades and request NHTSA investigate.

NHTSA ID 11766809 · filed Sep 24, 2026

Defect & Safety Hazard: Severe internal manufacturing defect causing catastrophic engine oil consumption and sudden, un-warned engine stalling. The vehicle completely shuts down at highway speeds, on inclines, and at stops. This sudden loss of motive power deactivates power steering and braking assists, creating an immediate multi-vehicle collision risk. No low-oil or dashboard indicators illuminate prior to stalling, stripping the driver of any ability to take proactive safety measures. Indisputable Failure Data: Between 99,xxx miles (under warranty) and 103,xxx miles, the engine consumed 5.5 quarts of oil over a 3,000-mile interval. This equals an extreme burn rate of 1.83 quarts per 1,000 miles. Hyundai’s maximum corporate failure limit (1.0 qt/1,000 miles). Secondary diagnostics indicate this massive volume of un-combusted oil is actively pushing into the exhaust system, creating restrictive backpressure that induces stalling. Timeline & Dealer Obstruction:Rusty Wallace Hyundai: Inspected vehicle under 100,000 miles and initiated the first 1,000-mile consumption test, but subsequently refused documentation and further warranty services. A corporate national claim and customer service complaint were filed against them.Grayson Hyundai: Completed a second 1,000-mile test documenting a definitive failure. They confirmed this is a common, known systemic issue and recommended full engine replacement.Federal Violations: Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, because the defect was reported to a dealer before warranty expiration, Hyundai is legally required to cover the defect. Forcing a vehicle that burns 5.5 quarts of oil onto public roads also violates strict EPA Clean Air Act emissions compliance standards. Hyundai's current demand for out-of-pocket payment must be rescinded for full corporate coverage.

NHTSA ID 11766548 · filed Sep 23, 2026
All 138 reports naming engine →

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

130
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. Several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the engine seized. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with spark plug and ignition coil failures. The contact was informed that the spark plugs and ignition coils needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact was informed that the oil was a quart and a half low. The contact was advised to add a quart of oil to the engine every 1,000 miles. The failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed solenoid. The contact was informed that the solenoid needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact stated that since the vehicle was purchased, the vehicle had displayed nineteen fault codes. The contact stated that months later, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger's side sunroof arm deflector detached. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was confirmed that the passenger's side sunroof arm deflector had detached. In addition, the contact was informed that the driver's side sunroof arm deflector was fractured. The dealer attempted a temporary repair using tape, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and the dealer reapplied tape, but the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the temporary application of tape and debris had detached. The force of the wind caused the driver's side sunroof arm deflector to detach. In addition, the contact stated that the loud sound and the debris from the sunroof were over the contact's head. In addition, the contact's minor child was an occupant of the vehicle at the time o

NHTSA ID 11756952 · filed Aug 14, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that the front camera was reportedly installed incorrectly, causing the automatic emergency braking system to engage unexpectedly, almost causing several crashes. Additionally, the windshield wiper motor became inoperable, and there was a fluid leak coming from the wiper system that migrated into the transmission, causing a mechanical failure with the gearbox. The rear seat belts also failed to buckle securely and were frequently unlatched while children were inside the vehicle. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 26V034000 (Air Bags), 25V607000 (Seat Belts), and 22V627000 (Visibility); however, the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V627000 (Visibility). The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 90,000.

NHTSA ID 11730949 · filed Apr 13, 2026
All 130 reports naming visibility →

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

60
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jun 4, 2026

When driving vehicle there is a loud thumping sound coming from the back end of car and when driving through unstable terrain you could actually hear it more.

NHTSA ID 11730653 · filed Apr 12, 2026
All 60 reports naming suspension →

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

51
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My 2020 Hyundai Palisade is affected by NHTSA Safety Recall 25V607 / Hyundai Recall 283 involving the first- and second-row seat belt buckle assemblies. The recall was initiated in 2025, and my vehicle remains unrepaired approximately one year later. This defect has actually occurred in my vehicle. Seat belts have released/unlatched while the vehicle was being driven, creating a serious risk that an occupant could become unrestrained while the vehicle is moving or in the event of a collision. The Hyundai dealership documented Recall 283 as outstanding on my vehicle in March 2026. I returned to the dealership in September 2026, and the recall remained unrepaired because the required parts were unavailable. Hyundai Motor America has since confirmed in writing that the required parts are back-ordered. Hyundai states that a set has been assigned to my vehicle, but there is currently no estimated time of arrival. Approximately one year after this safety recall was initiated, my affected vehicle remains unrepaired despite the seat belt defect having actually occurred while driving. I am concerned about safely transporting my family while waiting indefinitely for the required repair.

NHTSA ID 11764865 · filed Sep 17, 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 · filed Jul 7, 2026
All 51 reports naming seat belts →

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

45
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I believe this is related to RECALL 235, Veh was parked on the street, thank god. The Palisade then spontaniusly caught fire, fire department had to be called and insurance company says its a total loss. Fire started in the rear driver side.

NHTSA ID 11758456 · filed Aug 21, 2026

This vehicle has suffered two identical, catastrophic electrical failures causing an immediate and total loss of engine power while traveling at highway speeds. The first incident occurred after the engine was replaced under a Hyundai extended warranty. The dealership service department blamed that failure on a loose engine ground strap and released the vehicle back to me. On August 3, 2026, the exact same failure occurred for a second time while driving at high speed on the highway. The vehicle lost all propulsion, leaving me exposed to oncoming traffic with zero engine power. The vehicle was towed to a Hyundai dealership. The dealership identified a blown "Sensor 4" fuse causing an intermittent dead circuit, but they have been unable to locate the short circuit after two weeks of troubleshooting. After demanding the diagnostic data logs, the dealership abruptly halted all repairs and ordered me to pick up the vehicle. Furthermore, due to excessive, repetitive diagnostic cranking and idling in 90+ degree heat while under the dealer's care, the vehicle's starter solenoid has now suffered collateral failure. The vehicle is currently completely disabled, undrivable, and the underlying highway stalling hazard remains completely unresolved. This is a recurring, severe life-safety issue that leaves the vehicle prone to sudden stall events in high-speed traffic without warning.

NHTSA ID 11757633 · filed Aug 18, 2026
All 45 reports naming electrical →

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

40
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

On August 14, 2026, while driving and decelerating, I heard a knocking sound from the engine and the vehicle had difficulty downshifting. As the transmission shifted from second gear to first, the engine stalled immediately and the vehicle dropped into neutral while on the roadway. I lost propulsion in traffic. The vehicle behind me nearly rear-ended us due to the sudden stall. My children were in the vehicle. All dashboard warning lights illuminated at the moment of the stall. I was able to restart the engine and move the vehicle slowly, in first gear only, into a nearby parking lot. The check engine light came on at that restart and has remained on since. The vehicle sat parked and off for approximately 90 minutes. Before restarting, I checked the engine oil level and it was within the normal range. On startup, my children and I both heard a loud knocking sound and noticed an unusual smell, and the engine idled roughly while in Park. I drove approximately 15 minutes home with the rough idle continuing. On arrival the vehicle smelled hot, with a burning odor, although the temperature gauge read approximately mid-scale and was not in the high range. The check engine light remained on and the oil level was again confirmed to be within range. The vehicle has been out of service since the incident and is currently at a dealership awaiting diagnosis. This is a 2020 Hyundai Palisade with approximately 93,000 miles at the time of failure. A sudden loss of motive power in a travel lane is a safety defect.

NHTSA ID 11762084 · filed Sep 4, 2026

This vehicle has suffered two identical, catastrophic electrical failures causing an immediate and total loss of engine power while traveling at highway speeds. The first incident occurred after the engine was replaced under a Hyundai extended warranty. The dealership service department blamed that failure on a loose engine ground strap and released the vehicle back to me. On August 3, 2026, the exact same failure occurred for a second time while driving at high speed on the highway. The vehicle lost all propulsion, leaving me exposed to oncoming traffic with zero engine power. The vehicle was towed to a Hyundai dealership. The dealership identified a blown "Sensor 4" fuse causing an intermittent dead circuit, but they have been unable to locate the short circuit after two weeks of troubleshooting. After demanding the diagnostic data logs, the dealership abruptly halted all repairs and ordered me to pick up the vehicle. Furthermore, due to excessive, repetitive diagnostic cranking and idling in 90+ degree heat while under the dealer's care, the vehicle's starter solenoid has now suffered collateral failure. The vehicle is currently completely disabled, undrivable, and the underlying highway stalling hazard remains completely unresolved. This is a recurring, severe life-safety issue that leaves the vehicle prone to sudden stall events in high-speed traffic without warning.

NHTSA ID 11757633 · filed Aug 18, 2026
All 40 reports naming powertrain (other) →

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

32
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jul 6, 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 · filed Jun 16, 2026
All 32 reports naming driver assistance →

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

26
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The paint on the roof of my 2020 Hyundai Palisade is peeling off in large sheets, rather than typical chipping or wear. The peeling originates from the center of the roof and has begun spreading toward the area near the front windshield edge. This is not consistent with normal wear and tear, curb rash, or impact damage — the affected areas show clean separation of paint layers down to a lower coat/primer, consistent with a manufacturing defect in paint adhesion or application. Rust is beginning to be visible. Based on research, this appears to be a widespread issue among other 2020 Hyundai Palisade owners, many of whom report similar peeling on roofs, hoods, and wheels, suggesting a systemic paint defect rather than an isolated incident. Date first noticed July 2026 Current mileage 32,006

NHTSA ID 11759537 · filed Aug 25, 2026

The front moonroof scattered suddenly while driving about 45 mph. No outside impact or other damage. The rear moonroof is in perfect shape. The car has 26,721 miles.

NHTSA ID 11729046 · filed Apr 3, 2026
All 26 reports naming body & structure →

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

25
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jul 8, 2026

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 · filed Jun 9, 2026
All 25 reports naming airbags →

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

19
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

1. The paint (all the way down to the metal), in more than 3 spots, has started peeling off. 2 spots are about 2 feet each, so about 4 feet in total of missing paint. The silver on my rims has also started to peel off. 2. Paint has peeled off in large chunks which is unsafe. 3. The paint has been seen by service technicians at Autonation, where I bought it from and service at a Hyundai dealership. 4. I have not filed a claim with insurance yet as it was recommended by both Autonation and the dealership that it is a manufacturer defect and needs to be fixed by them. They both stated I could pay to have it repainted but it would just start chipping again since it is a manufacturer defect. The primer on the entire car was not applied properly so the paint is not sticking, hence why the paint has peeled all the way down to the metal. Just before I bought it, the paint had peeled on the hood and Autonation repainted it back in October of 2024 and the paint has started peeling in the same spot as of February of 2025. The 2 spots that have 2 feet of paint gone happened all in one day back in Decmeber 2024. No wreck, no damage to the car, I just walked out after driving it and paint was gone. 5. Both Autonation and the dealership said they had never seen anything like this and this is a manufacturer defect 100%. No one wants to touch it since they have all claimed it will just peel again and I'll be right back in the shop a month later.

NHTSA ID 11643627 · filed Feb 19, 2025

Magnetic chest clip malfunctions, does not fasten properly. The car seat is not designs to replace the chest clip with a functioning replacement. This allowed my child to unrestrain herself easily and posed a hazard to her in case of a wreck.

NHTSA ID 11634030 · filed Jan 4, 2025
All 19 reports naming other / unspecified →

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

16
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

In my 2020 Palisade with automated third and second row seats, the third row automated seat button was accidentally pushed and started to close on my grandchild who was sitting in the third row. The seat did not detect that anyone was sitting in it and kept closing. Luckily I was able to hit the button to stop it. This same problem also happened in the automated second row seat with a grandchild in it. Another [XXX] old child pushed the button on the entry side of the captain’s seat and the seat did not detect that there was someone sitting in it and began to close on them. Once again we were lucky and was standing there and able to push the button to stop it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11757193 · filed Aug 15, 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 · filed Jul 9, 2026
All 16 reports naming interior & seats →

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The steering on the vehicle will stop responding when turning at low speeds. The vehicle will feel like it hits the “bump stop” and then will come back to center. You can then turn past that point. This has almost cause accidents because you cannot effectively steer to avoid obstacles and cannot maneuver effectively at low speeds. It occurred randomly. Was troubleshot at dealership without resolution because they could not replicate the issue. There are no hazard lights indicating an error.

NHTSA ID 11657473 · filed Apr 29, 2025

There is a whining noise in the steering system when turning the wheel at slow speeds

NHTSA ID 11638717 · filed Jan 27, 2025
All 14 reports naming steering →

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I do not understand how Hyundai can approve its required testing process, have the vehicle fail that test, and then deny the engine replacement resulting from those findings. This is unfair and raises serious concerns about how Hyundai is applying its warranty procedures.Hyundai’s published oil-consumption procedures establish a process for diagnosing excessive oil consumption and determining when further repairs, including engine replacement, may be warranted. I am requesting that Hyundai explain exactly what requirement my vehicle allegedly failed to meet and provide documentation supporting the denial.I am requesting that Hyundai reverse the denial and fully cover the necessary engine replacement under warranty. I also request a complete review of my maintenance history, repair records, oil-consumption test results, diagnostics, and the dealership’s submission. This vehicle has been properly maintained and has only approximately 80,000 miles. I purchased it expecting a reliable vehicle that would last many years. An engine developing excessive oil consumption at this mileage is unacceptable, and I believe Hyundai should stand behind its product and warranty obligations.

NHTSA ID 11763426 · filed Sep 10, 2026

The weather became cold outside. After first frost overnight, an oil leak started underneath the hood next to the front passenger side tire. Got in be serviced 11/19. Told the plastic piece to oil housing assembly cracked and had 9 other palisades in for same exact issue. No warning lamps. Cost $519 to replace part.

NHTSA ID 11708539 · filed Jan 3, 2026
All 12 reports naming fuel system →

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jul 20, 2026

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID 11689620 · filed Sep 25, 2025
All 12 reports naming brakes →

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

Have been having transmission shift problems. Whether I am accelerating, slowing down, or coasting, it jerks like it doesn’t know what gear to go in.

NHTSA ID 11551332 · filed Oct 23, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the tires were making a grinding sound. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to several dealers. The first dealer diagnosed the failure with tire cupping. The second dealer diagnosed the failure and determined that the rear wheel bearings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 16,000. This car has become a dangerous noisy vehicle in the rain (due to tire cupping) and a real noisy vehicle during non-rainy operating days. The contact has stated that although the vehicle has a lifetime alignment, the issue still persisted and they no longer have the vehicle.

NHTSA ID 11465153 · filed May 18, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .