2020 Hyundai Palisade Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
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
- Visibility12921.4%
- Engine12921.4%
- Suspension6010.0%
- Seat belts508.3%
- Electrical427.0%
- Powertrain (other)386.3%
- Driver assistance325.3%
- Airbags254.1%
- Body & structure254.1%
- Other / unspecified193.2%
- Interior & seats152.5%
- Steering142.3%
- Brakes122.0%
- Fuel system111.8%
- Transmission10.2%
- Tires & wheels10.2%
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
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Palisade. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V607000 (Seat Belts) and 26V034000 (Air Bags); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact stated that while attempting to clean the windshield, the windshield washer fluid system failed to spray as intended to clean the windshield. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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)
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
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.
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.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
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.
I recently purchased this vehicle, and shortly after, it began having serious powertrain issues. When I accelerate, the vehicle intermittently loses power and starts shaking violently. It feels like the engine or transmission is slipping or failing. The RPMs surge and drop rapidly, and the vehicle hesitates, jerks, and sometimes briefly slows down before suddenly accelerating again. This creates an unsafe and unpredictable driving condition, especially when merging or driving in traffic. I’m concerned about a loss of propulsion while the vehicle is in motion. My mechanic indicated the issue may involve the torque converter clutch not engaging properly (possible “stuck off” or circuit performance issue), which would explain the shuddering and inconsistent power transfer. Despite how severe this is, there are no warning lights or check engine light, and no diagnostic codes, which raises concern that the failure is not being detected by the vehicle’s onboard systems. I am also experiencing low and fluctuating engine oil levels even after topping it off and a recent oil change, which may indicate an additional engine-related defect. The vehicle has a clean title and no accident history. - Failed system: Powertrain (engine/transmission), suspected torque converter clutch malfunction. Vehicle is available for inspection. - Safety risk: Intermittent loss of power, hesitation, and surging creates a high risk of collision, especially in traffic or at highway speeds. - Confirmation: My independent mechanic has identified as likely a torque converter related issue. - Inspection status: Not yet inspected by manufacturer or insurance. - Warnings/symptoms: No warning lights or codes. Symptoms began shortly after I purchased and have worsened over time.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
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.
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)
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
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.
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.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
2020 Hyundai Palisade bought new with extended warranty that was supposed to "cover everything". The plastic items on the vehicle started failing with sun damage & the paint on the lift gate & roof started failing in 2023. The plastic items failing are the both driver/passenger rear view mirrors, the rear lift gate spoiler that houses one of the brake lights, the black trim on each side of the spoiler, the paint on the rear lift gate & paint on the roof including around the moon roofs. I brought it to the attention of the dealership I go to each time I brought it in for service or other warranty issues. I feel like I was blown off & not taken seriously. When they finally found & pull up my extended warranty to look at what it covered & inspected the sun damage/defect On June 27, 2025 they told me the manufacturer's warranty expired & it was not covered under my extended warranty. I voiced my frustration, saying they knew about this issue for about a year & when it possibly could have been under the warranty but not it is not. I asked how I can escalate this & they gave my the consumer affairs phone # for Hyundai. I contacted them, case#[XXX], and at their request I went to a dealership for them to inspect the damage/defect. I was later told the same thing, it is out of warranty. After researching my issue, I have discovered this vehicle has a recall for this exact issue, but for different paint colors. Just not my SUVs color blue. Seeing how this damage happened in such a short period of time & the amount of damage/defect is not normal given that timeframe, I am worried about it getting worst quickly. This could affect the function of the brake light & rear view mirrors thus affecting my safety, the function of the vehicle, & it's value. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
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.
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.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that while her daughter was entering the third row, the lever was pulled to fold the seat for access, and the seat collapsed, nearly crushing her grandson. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V034000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
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.
There is a whining noise in the steering system when turning the wheel at slow speeds
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
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.
See attached document for complaint.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
While being inspected at the dealership, multiple fuel injectors (#1 and #3) were found to be leaking. This presents a severe fire hazard as fuel is escaping onto engine components. The dealership confirmed the leak and suggested replacing all six injectors due to potential systemic failure, but the manufacturer (Hyundai) is refusing 100% coverage. I have been without a vehicle for over a week, and this is a critical safety defect that could lead to an engine fire or stalling while driving.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
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.
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.
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.
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .