2021 Hyundai Palisade

On August 7, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE24021 to investigate complaints alleging inadvertent unlatching of seat belts in model year (MY) 2020-2023 Hyundai Palisade vehicles manufactured by Hyundai Motor America. The complaints alleged that, without warning, the seat belts sometimes inadvertently unlatch, increasing the risk of injury due to full loss of seat belt protection in the event of a crash. As a result of information exchanged as part of the investigation, on April 3, 2025, Hyundai initiated a warranty extension policy for seat belt buckles on model year 2020-2025 Palisade vehicles in the U.S. and Canada.  Hyundai subsequently initiated a request for warranty parts returns to support further analysis by the buckle supplier, ZF Lifetec. The warranty extension (reference “Z06”) noted that certain 2020 – 2025 model year Palisade vehicles may experience abnormal seat belt buckle(s) operation.   Hyundai extended the warranty coverage for the seat belt buckle under this condition to 15 years/150,000 miles (whichever occurs first) from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use.  This action is valid for original and subsequent owners. On September 11, 2025, Hyundai filed recall 25V-607 for certain 2020-2025 Hyundai Palisade vehicles.  Hyundai explained in its recall filing that the subject vehicles are equipped with seat belt buckle assemblies in the front row and second row outer seating positions that may contain out-of-specification components manufactured by the supplier.  These components can cause interference within the latch channel, potentially increasing friction, particularly under cold ambient temperatures. Improperly produced seat belt buckles, combined with slow insertion of the seat belt tongue plate, may prevent the seat belt buckle from fully latching. The recall remedy is currently under development. In view of Hyundai’s recall action, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation, but will continue to monitor the issue as a remedy is developed and implemented. ODI will take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

On August 15, 2022, Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) filed a safety recall (NHTSA Recall 22V-627) of 122,919 model year (MY) 2020-2021 Hyundai Palisade vehicles produced from April 10, 2019 to November 30, 2020. This recall addressed windshield wipers that may function intermittently or stop functioning when impeded by the accumulation of snow and/or ice at the bottom of the windshield. Intermittent or inoperative windshield wipers could reduce driver visibility while operating the vehicle in inclement weather, increasing the risk of a crash.On December 2, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Recall Query (RQ) after receiving 6 consumer complaints alleging windshield wiper failures while driving during wintry precipitation in MY 2021-2023 Hyundai Palisade vehicles (subject vehicles). These vehicles were excluded from Recall 22V-627. At the time of opening the RQ, the root cause and recall remedy were still unknown and under investigation. Thus, the RQ was opened to assess the scope and remedy of Recall 22V-627.In its February 10, 2023 response to ODI's information request on the RQ, Hyundai provided 17 customer complaints and 75 warranty claims related to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles. Hyundai stated that the wiper systems in the subject vehicles are equipped with a different wiper motor design than the earlier-built Palisade vehicles included in Recall 22V-627. Hyundai also stated it does not believe there is an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety in the wiper system in subject vehicles.On March 17, 2023, Hyundai filed a new safety recall (NHTSA Recall 23V-180) of 167,085 MY 2021-2023 Palisade vehicles produced from December 1, 2020 to November 22, 2022 when a design change was implemented. The design change, as well as the recall remedy (for both Recalls 22V-627 and 23V-180), is a redesigned driver-side wiper arm that allows for additional snow accumulation between the wiper arm and the cowl, thus reducing the load on the wiper motor and circuit breaker activation.In view of the recall action being taken by Hyundai, ODI is closing this RQ. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.The ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at NHTSA.gov under the following ODI identification numbers:11521365, 11517359, 11512295, 11509965, 11509253, 11508868, 11502146, 11501278, 11497343, 11494119, 11458548, 11450975, 11450045, 11449381, 11443330.

I have been dealing with the oil consumption issues for this vehicle for about 2 years now. There are documented complaints and a class action lawsuit in California about this issue. Bottom line, the engine burns too much oil to be safely driven between oil changes without the owner checking and adding oil. My particular vehicle is burning just under 1 quart of oil per 1000 miles. Hyundai’s owner manual suggests changing the oil every 7,500 miles, but the oil capacity is under 6 quarts. At the current rate, I would run out of oil before the suggested oil change interval. This is a severe safety issue as engines require oil to run correctly, not overheat, and lubricate all the moving parts. The previous generation Hyundai models also had similar oil consumption issues. Those vehicles had a NHTSA campaign which resulted in Hyundai being responsible to fix the engines. I believe a recall is proper given the safety concerns noted above. At a minimum, Hyundai should stand by their work and fix the issues as they arise.

NHTSA ID

11766485

Incident

Sep 23, 2026

While driving down the freeway my first row sunroof exploded. Insurance wouldn’t cover it because it is a manufacturer defect, but Hyundai wouldn’t cover it because it “isn’t a manufacturer defect.” The temperature outside when the sunroof exploded was 74 degrees and it was cloudy. Then less than 2 months later my engine got a rod knock even with oil changes every 5k miles. No warning signs for either and no lights on the dash. It just started when I started it to leave for work one morning.

NHTSA ID

11764711

Incident

Jul 2, 2026

I originally brought the vehicle to the dealership for an unrelated infotainment system issue. While driving to the dealership, I noticed that the driver’s seat was rocking/moving, particularly while going downhill. I informed the dealership about the movement and asked them to inspect the seat while the vehicle was there. Upon inspection, the dealership determined that the driver’s seat frame had a weld failure. The vehicle had approximately 42,500 miles at the time. There were no warning lights or dashboard messages indicating a problem with the seat before I noticed the movement. This was not simply a cosmetic or comfort issue. The structural failure allowed the driver’s seat to move during normal vehicle operation. I am concerned that a failed weld in the driver’s seat frame could compromise the stability of the seat during normal driving and potentially during hard braking, an evasive maneuver, or a collision. The defect was identified and documented by the dealership. The vehicle has not been involved in an accident or other event that would explain the seat-frame weld failure. I reported the matter to the manufacturer and a case was opened. I am submitting this complaint because a structural weld failure in a driver’s seat at approximately 42,500 miles raises a safety concern and I believe NHTSA should determine whether similar failures are occurring in other vehicles. The vehicle/failed component can be made available for inspection if requested.

NHTSA ID

11764681

Incident

Aug 7, 2026

I opened my sunroof and heard a noise, I was not able to close it. I took it to a repair shop to see if they could get it closed, they advised a break in the assembly and needs to be replaced. My car is out of warranty and it’s a known issue.

NHTSA ID

11763211

Incident

Aug 27, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that while the liftgate was open to retrieve objects from the trunk of the vehicle, the second-row passenger’s side seat collapsed on her disabled daughter. The contact was alerted by her daughter's screams and ran over to the rear passenger’s side to unhook the seat belt and pull her daughter out of the seat, but the seat remained folded. The contact's daughter suffered injuries to her face and hand. Medical attention was received. The failure recurred while the contact and a nurse were placing the contact's daughter in the rear passenger’s seat. The contact stated that the third-row seat also collapsed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where unknown recall repairs were performed unrelated to the failure. The contact was informed that there were no recalls associated with the VIN for the seats, and the vehicle was not repaired. The insurance company was notified of the failure and had the vehicle towed for inspection. The insurance company determined that the failure was a manufacturer's defect. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone, email, and website, and a case was filed. The manufacturer offered a cash settlement. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ID

11762713

Incident

Apr 13, 2026

Mileage

100,000 mi

My car started having the airbag light come off and on randomly the end of January 2026. I caught the first photo February. My car engine shut off the first time March 18. 2026. I was at a traffic light, auto off turned off. Car switched to park, dash lights included: oil, battery, engine, and immobilizer incon. When trying to hit drive it tells me the driving conditions aren't met. I shut the car off and back on, everything reset. Contacted hyundai and no codes were stored. My car has now done this same thing the following dates: 6.5, 7.3, 8.4(car went into the shop August 6th-September 3rd). They could not duplicate what I told them, they drove the car 100 miles being mainly freeway miles though I told them its city driving and mainly idle and stopping. I drove my car 3 days and on 9.6.26 it did it twice within 5 minutes. First time on a main road/traffic lights, next in the parking lot I pulled in. Same scenario as above.

NHTSA ID

11762617

Incident

Mar 18, 2026

I am reporting a potential safety defect involving my 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy AWD. The vehicle has experienced repeated engine and drivability problems and multiple breakdowns following replacement of the engine by Hyundai. The original engine developed excessive oil consumption and was ultimately replaced by Hyundai with a new engine. Following the engine replacement, the vehicle experienced numerous additional mechanical problems and repair attempts, including engine rattling/pinging, intake-manifold replacement, oil valve-seal replacement, multiple cylinder misfires, ignition-system problems and an ignition-coil failure. Most concerning are repeated incidents involving severe shaking/lurching, loss of engine power, stalling and failure to restart. During one incident following repairs, the vehicle ran extremely rough, stalled and would not restart after approximately 20 miles of driving and had to be towed back to the dealership. During another incident, the vehicle experienced heavy shaking on startup, stalled and had severely limited power. Diagnostic history showed misfires involving multiple cylinders. On June 29, 2026, at approximately 103,671 miles, I was driving at approximately 50 mph when the vehicle began to lurch and shake, lost power, stalled and would not restart. The vehicle had to be towed back to the Hyundai dealership. The unexpected loss of propulsion and stalling while traveling at approximately 50 mph created a serious safety concern because I could no longer rely upon the vehicle to maintain power in traffic. The dealership subsequently identified an ignition-coil short/failure and replaced an ignition coil. The vehicle has nevertheless continued to experience additional mechanical problems. The vehicle is currently again at the Hyundai dealership. It has generated diagnostic code P0430 for Bank 2 catalyst efficiency below threshold, and Hyundai has recommended replacement of both catalytic converter/manifold assemblies. Th

NHTSA ID

11761344

Incident

Jun 29, 2026

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Rear Exhaust System How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Fire hazard as it was similar to a blowtorch, melted several rear panels, lights and trim while driving. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The dealership (Elyria Hyundai) requested a PA from Hyundai and it was authorized, but am having a very difficult time getting reimbursed. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? I am not sure what the dealership did with the exhaust. At one point, I had requested to keep it for evidence. There are pictures. I suggested having the manufacturer look at it or at least Hyundai. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warnings. After a 2.5 hr trip, we got out; my children noticed the trim sticking out and melted off the rear right bumper. It was extremely hot to touch and the panels were bulging out from their normal position.

NHTSA ID

11761127

Incident

Jun 9, 2026

Certain vehicles may exhibit excessive paint peeling or bubbling of the primer/paint film on the exterior metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk. This warranty extension only applies to factory-applied paint and does not cover collision-related paint repairs or vehicles with a salvaged title. Hyundai is extending the warranty coverage for certain white paint colors under these conditions from 3 years and 36,000 miles, to 10 years with unlimited miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use, and is valid for original and subsequent owners.

Certain 2020 – 2025 model year Palisade vehicles may exhibit engine oil leakage at the engine oil filter housing assembly due to deterioration of the housing seal. At Hyundai, we are committed to providing vehicles of outstanding quality and value. In an effort to meet this commitment, the warranty coverage for the Engine Oil Filter Housing Seal under these conditions has been extended to 15 years/180,000 miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use (whichever occurs first) and is valid for original and subsequent owners.

Certain 2020 – 2024 model year Palisade vehicles may exhibit a clunking or thumping noise from the rear of the vehicle while driving over rough roads. This may be caused by worn rear self-leveling shock absorbers. At Hyundai, we are committed to providing vehicles of outstanding quality and value. In an effort to meet this commitment, Hyundai is extending warranty coverage for the self-leveling rear shock absorbers under this condition to 10 years / 120,000 miles (whichever occurs first) from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use and is valid for original and subsequent owners.

Some Palisade (LX2), Tucson (NX4), and Tucson Hybrid (NX4 HEV) vehicles may experience battery drain due to continuous operation of the cooling fan after vehicle ignition has been turned off, potentially resulting in a no-start condition. The continuous cooling fan operation is caused by a stuck relay in the engine room PCB block. This bulletin provides instructions to replace the engine room PCB block to ensure the proper operation of the cooling fan.

Certain Palisade (LX2) vehicles may exhibit a clunking or thumping noise from the rear of the vehicle while driving over rough roads. This may be caused by worn self-leveling rear shock absorbers. Hyundai is extending the warranty coverage for the self-leveling rear shock absorbers to 10 years/120,000 miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use (whichever occurs first) and is valid for original and subsequent owners. Follow the procedure in the bulletin to identify the source of the noise, and if necessary, replace one or both self-leveling rear shock absorbers. Please note that for the first repair, replacement of both rear shock absorbers will be covered by this warranty extension. For subsequent repairs, one or both rear shock absorbers will be covered depending upon the impacted side(s).

Some Palisade (LX2) vehicles may produce noise from AWD coupling vibrations when making turns caused by a logic error with the All Wheel Drive Electronic Control Unit (AWD ECU). This bulletin provides instructions to update the AWD ECU to reduce the coupling noise.