RoadVitals

2021 Hyundai Palisade Engine Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the engine system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Engine reportsComplaints 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.
53
Latest Aug 11, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
13%
of 422 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
2
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2021 Hyundai Palisade submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 53 reports on file name it.

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

Owner reports naming engine

The 25 most recent of 53, in the owner's own words

Engine
Filed Aug 11, 2026

I had an oil change in Feb 2026 at 64000 miles. In June, I was driving the car and suddenly the car started jolting while I was idle and would turn off completely when I was stopped. This happened to me while driving on the freeway in traffic and also at a traffic light. I immediately went to the dealership and was told my car had no oil in it. Since the oil change I drove about 5900 miles. I was told there were no leaks so the issue was either the engine or that when I had the oil changed that they forgot to put the oil in. They advised to get an oil test. I drove 1000 miles and took the car back in today 8/11. I had the oil tested and I burned .4 quarts in the 1000 miles which was under the standards of 1 quart per 1000 miles in order to get the issue fixed. I was told that I needed to check my oil and add oil to the car when needed. I left the dealership confused because I have had this car for over a year and never had an issue with the oil or oil levels. I never had any oil indicator on my dashboard to alert me of any issue. I called back the advisor asking more questions because I did not understand how my car burned through so much oil that it was malfunctioning. After being talked to like an idiot about how it is my responsibility to make sure my car has oil, I was finally told that this palisade has a known issue for premature oil consumption once it hits 60000 miles. Then I was told there is no recall and the issue will only get worse and I have to wait till it hits 1 quart of oil burned in 1000 miles for anything to be done. I feel like this is extremely irresponsible of the company to know this issue exists with nothing being done or communicated to their customers and that it is a huge safety concern to not have any indication there is something wrong with the oil amount and my car could literally stop in the middle of the freeway. They are waiting to make the issue neglect from the customer so they are not held responsible for their vehicle's issue.

NHTSA ID
11756110
Incident
Aug 10, 2026
Engine
Filed Jul 29, 2026

Excessive oil consumption. Oil tank empty at 3 oil changes. Car was stalling at stops. Oil was empty 5000 miles prior to next suggested oil change. No low oil indicator light alarm

NHTSA ID
11753534
Incident
Jul 24, 2026
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 27, 2026

In May 2025, I contacted Hyundai regarding excessive oil consumption in my 2021 Palisade. In June, Hyundai directed me to take the vehicle to a dealership for testing. Under TSB 23-EM-008H ([XXX]), a failed oil consumption test requires engine replacement. My vehicle is covered under Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. I have provided complete maintenance records and receipts for every oil change since purchasing the vehicle. Despite this, Hyundai has repeatedly denied my claim, citing maintenance issues and gross negligence without justification. Hyundai’s own guidance states that oil changes may be performed every 7,000 to 10,000 miles under normal conditions. The repeated testing process has worsened the engine condition. In addition, the dealership has returned the vehicle with missing bolts, oil-related issues, and damage resulting from an improper rear window film installation. I have made numerous attempts to resolve this matter and obtain the warranty coverage to which I am entitled, but Hyundai and the dealership have failed to do so. I am requesting one of the following remedies: (1) a full engine replacement in accordance with the warranty and TSB requirements, (2) a replacement vehicle of equal or greater trim level, or (3) reimbursement of all costs associated with leasing, purchasing, maintaining, and repairing this vehicle. We purchased this vehicle based on Hyundai’s reputation, ratings, and promise of “America’s Best Warranty.” We still like the vehicle itself, but the ongoing mechanical issues and Hyundai’s handling of this claim have been unacceptable. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11753118
Incident
May 19, 2025
Engine
Filed May 28, 2026

My Hyundai Palisade was bought brand new in 2020. It currently has 131,500 miles on it. I noticed at around 110,000 miles that my oil was getting low before each oil change. I check my oil frequently. No oil leaks can be found. So the engine is burning oil somehow. My mechanic says Hyundai says its acceptable for it to burn oil after 100,000 miles but 2 quarts between oil changes seems excessive. Ive talked to other Palisade owners who have this year model and have the same issue. If I were not a responsible consumer and checked my oil as frequently as I do then its very possible another consumer could have burned their engine up before they knew what was happening because there is no leak just burning of the oil. This is very dangerous.

NHTSA ID
11740741
Incident
Oct 31, 2025
ElectricalEngine
Filed May 28, 2026

Multiple attempts to have car repaired for a year and a half with no resolution. See attached docs. Included is a letter to Hyundai, timeline of subsequent events, warranty info. Invoices were too large to upload, there are 7 of them.

NHTSA ID
11740607
Incident
Oct 24, 2024
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed May 12, 2026

After emissions campaign 9c9, downshifting using paddle shifters on downhill grades, engine failing to maintain speed. Does not slow car down like it did before, seems like no compression. Fuel efficiency / emissions over traditional transmission braking, forcing drivers to use brakes more often to avoid high RPMs. Safety Risk: The lack of engine braking can lead to brake overheating or fade on long downgrades, lack of engine braking can lead to brake overheating or fade on long downgrades. Above is what Google found [XXX] ) when i put in some key words. Here is what i wrote to a [XXX] . my 2021 Hyundai Palisade Campaign 9C in your article about the 2022 having the same downshifting issues after the Emissions recall was done. Have you heard from other 2021 owners? I use the downshift for breaking/keeping my speed down to save the breaks here in the [XXX] , [XXX] , and [XXX] mountains. Does not function as designed. "Loss of engine braking" " High Engine Revving" Did go back to dealer and drove tech around lot. I called back later and nothing they can do. 5/12/26 Went to the dealer again, for an appointment. Dealer service manager said it working as designed. Bull, was not that way before. He said if i don't like it, trade in the car.. He also said that I can't compare the Palasade to the other cars that have manual shifting. bull. I said Why have them if they don't do anything... Tried to explain that I have been driving for over 40 years and have always downshifted every car. This was fine until the emissions recall. Got no place with the dealer. Contacted Hyundai Corporate last week, and they should be following up on Wednesday/tomorrow. 5/13/26 Left VM for Sales GM at Bowser today where i purchase the car. Wrote above and more to: [XXX] Contacting you now. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11737384
Incident
Apr 9, 2026
EngineFuel system
Filed Apr 30, 2026

The vehicle would shut off when idling at lights or in reverse and have delayed acceleration after stops. It also would shut off when idling in park. I took it to the dealership summer-fall 2025 and they were too busy to investigate the issue because no alarms were present. The vehicle started doing the same thing and the check engine light came on March 2026. Now it has been in the shop for many weeks because of an fuel injector issue. The dealership service department says all 6 injectors need to be replace, but warranty won't cover them all. This appears to be a common issue with 2021 Hyundai Palisade vehicles and should be investigated for a safety recall.

NHTSA ID
11734796
Incident
Mar 14, 2026
ElectricalEngineSeat belts
Filed Apr 22, 2026

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 the vehicle has no functioning low oil warning indicator to alert the driver of critically low oil levels. I was driving this vehicle regularly for work with no indication whatsoever that the engine was losing oil. A seized engine can cause sudden and complete loss of vehicle control which puts not only the driver but other drivers and pedestrians at risk. This failure occurred without any warning while the vehicle was in regular use. The oil leak was brought to the selling dealership, Auto Merchants Inc. in Plano Texas, for repair on January 6th 2026. They kept the vehicle overnight and confirmed it was fixed. The problem was not resolved as the vehicle continued losing oil. On March 3rd 2026 I discovered the engine was completely empty and added 6 full quarts of oil with no warning light appearing. I also contacted Hyundai consumer affairs and the Hyundai dealership directly who confirmed the manufacturer warranty had already expired at the time of purchase on December 16th 2024 and declined to cover the repair. The vehicle has not yet been formally inspected by the manufacturer or insurance representatives. The dealership serviced it on January 6th 2026 and claimed the leak was repaired however the engine seized on April 20th 2026 due to continued oil loss. There were zero warning lamps or indicators of any kind prior to the engine seizing completely on April 20th 2026. No low oil warning light appeared at any point during the 4 months I owned this vehicle despite the engine running completely out of oil on three separate occasions. The only symptom prior to full engine seizure was the vehicle sputtering when coming to a stop on April 19th 2026, one day before the engine seized completely

NHTSA ID
11733162
Incident
Apr 20, 2026
Engine
Filed Apr 11, 2026

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 that my vehicle's engine was not burning oil at the required rate, which prompted an engine replacement. I reached out to corporate because the issue is persisting, but they never responded to my concern. This issue is costing me a significant amount of money, as I have to purchase oil without a remedy from Hyundai regarding my engine oil consumption. As a consumer, it's frustrating because I left without answers on an issue they definitely know about.

NHTSA ID
11730566
Incident
Apr 11, 2026
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Apr 7, 2026

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. This defect causes pressurized engine oil to spray directly onto the hot engine block while the vehicle is in operation, creating a severe and immediate fire hazard. Additionally, the rapid loss of oil and oil pressure poses a risk of sudden engine seizure or stalling at highway speeds, which could lead to a crash. Despite being a known manufacturing defect in a critical engine component, the manufacturer has refused to address the safety implications or offer a remedy. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11729793
Incident
Mar 20, 2026
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Apr 1, 2026

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 the car did not move faster. I safely got home and checked the oil and it had less than a quart. There were no low-oil indicator lights telling me the oil was low. Separately, this week, while driving in the city, the engine again started making rattling sounds and completely shut off forcing me to pull off the road. Again, prior to the shut off there were no indicator lights. I was able to pull to the side of the road safely. I tried to restart the car and it would idle roughly befor the engine shut off again. After waiting 30 minutes, I checked the oil to see if the previous cause was the culprit, but this time the oil was still full. After 45 minutes, I was able to restart the car and drive home. I researched the issue and there are many complaints on Reddit about this for this make and model. Since the issue is intermittent and can't be replicated at the dealership, there is no fix offered. I no longer trust or feel safe driving this car, especially on highways.

NHTSA ID
11728587
Incident
Mar 31, 2026
ElectricalEngine
Filed Mar 27, 2026

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 running at a high RPM and all the electrical displays within the vehicle were compleltely off with only the engine running. I retrieved my keys and my only thought was to start the car, which I did which then brought the RPM down to standard idle. I am extremely concerned as a vehicle idling in an eclosed garage poses extremely high risk to Carbon Monoxide.

NHTSA ID
11727484
Incident
Mar 25, 2026
EngineFuel system
Filed Mar 24, 2026

The car will start shaking, can’t exceed a certain mpg, and does not speed up. The check engine light comes on. The car is available for inspection. I drive on the freeway and slowing down, and shaking can cause accidents. This a continuous problem.

NHTSA ID
11726837
Incident
Mar 1, 2025
Engine
Filed Mar 10, 2026

The engine in my 2021 Hyundai Palisade experienced sudden loss of oil leading to engine failure. The vehicle had been regularly serviced and maintained at a Hyundai dealership according to recommended intervals. During multiple service visits, the dealership informed me the vehicle was low on oil. An oil consumption test was performed but the results were inconclusive. At approximately 99,500 miles, the vehicle developed an oil leak which the dealership diagnosed as a gasket issue and repaired under warranty. An oil change was completed at that time. Approximately 5,000 miles later, while driving, the vehicle began experiencing loss of power and rough engine operation. I immediately drove the vehicle to the dealership. The dealership later informed me the engine had no oil in it when inspected. There were no active external leaks observed at that time. The dealership stated that it is “normal” for this engine to consume up to one quart of oil per 1,000 miles. The engine now requires full replacement due to internal damage caused by oil loss. This situation created a safety concern because the vehicle began losing power while in operation. The failure occurred suddenly without warning indicators prior to the loss of engine performance. The vehicle had documented oil level concerns during previous service visits, suggesting a potential excessive oil consumption or engine defect. The failed engine is currently available for inspection at the dealership.

NHTSA ID
11723272
Incident
Feb 20, 2026
Engine
Filed Mar 8, 2026

Excessive oil consumption. The vehicle is burning nearly 4 quarts of oil between changes. This started at around 100,000 miles with no warning lights. The only indication was a strange tapping noise coming from the engine.

NHTSA ID
11722801
Incident
Jan 1, 2026
Engine
Filed Feb 28, 2026

This vehicle is still using the defective style piston rings causing oil consumption of 1.5qts in 1000miles, With only 100,000miles. This has been ongoing since we purchased the vehicle with 94,000 miles. This needs to be issued as a recall to replace piston rings or the engine entirely. My valuemax level 4 extended warranty is refusing to repair the issue stating hyundai/kia has carbon buildup on the piston rings. This engine could run low on oil and cause a fire, or a engine shut down causing a crash.

NHTSA ID
11721125
Incident
Feb 20, 2026
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Feb 27, 2026

We have been in Hyundai’s “oil consumption” protocol for the past 8-10 months. We’ve had 6 oil changes in that time. Each oil change was right a 1,000 miles. My engine is burning between 1.5 - 2.5 quarts of oil EVERY 1,000 MILES. They have been trying to drag this out not having to take ownership of the issue. After reading online, clearly there is an issue with 2021 Palisades and a recall needs to be issued.

NHTSA ID
11720993
Incident
May 1, 2025
Engine
Filed Feb 21, 2026

The engine is burning oil at a rapid rate. It's burning one liter every 70 miles.

NHTSA ID
11719663
Incident
Jan 2, 2026
Engine
Filed Feb 21, 2026

OIL FILTER HOUSING IS LEAKING. PLASTIC PART IS WARPED AND DOES NOT ALLOW FILTER TO SEAL. LEAKING OIL IS A FIRE HAZARD AND COULD CAUSE ENGINE FAILURE.

NHTSA ID
11719625
Incident
Feb 17, 2026
Engine
Filed Feb 16, 2026

Engine burning 6qts in less than 3k miles of driving. Aside from that, the engine light does not always illuminate to tell me it is low. Now i watch monthly and add oil as needed

NHTSA ID
11718242
Incident
Mar 20, 2025
Engine
Filed Jan 30, 2026

I bought my vehicle almost 2 years ago with 30K miles on it. In December 2025, the car started stalling and wouldn’t run properly. I took it into the dealership and they stated that the engine was burning oil. This was at 90K miles. Hyundai refuses to fix the motor issue because I’m not the original owner. This issue would have started even before the 90K miles because the vehicle had almost used all its oil in between the normal oil change interval. They did a sludge clean and we checked the oil again after 1500 miles and it had already used over a quart of oil.

NHTSA ID
11714406
Incident
Dec 18, 2025
Engine
Filed Jan 28, 2026

Oil filter housing leak. Does not impact oil levels but more notable during cold weather as the ring tends to shrink.

NHTSA ID
11713976
Incident
Jan 28, 2026
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jan 8, 2026

Vehicle experienced engine failure previously and received a Hyundai-installed replacement engine in February 2025. Replacement engine is now setting DTC P000A00 – Intake Camshaft Position Slow Response (Bank 1). Hyundai dealership master technician confirmed excessive variance between commanded and actual cam timing, indicating a VVT / cam timing failure controlled by oil and actuators. Hyundai is refusing to cover diagnosis and repair under replacement engine warranty and is requiring customer-paid tear-down despite fault originating within the engine assembly. Concern is for internal engine timing failure that may lead to engine damage or loss of power. This appears consistent with known Hyundai engine timing and oil control issues

NHTSA ID
11709745
Incident
Dec 27, 2025
Engine
Filed Dec 21, 2025

The engine failed due to excessive oil consumption/internal oil loss. The engine is currently installed in the vehicle and available for inspection upon request. The issue began while the vehicle was under warranty and has progressed to the point where engine replacement has been recommended. Ongoing oil loss and engine malfunction created a risk of sudden engine failure or loss of power while driving, which could lead to stalling or reduced ability to safely control the vehicle. This presents a safety risk to the occupants and other motorists, especially at highway speeds. Yes. The issue was confirmed by an authorized Hyundai dealership through oil consumption monitoring, diagnostic testing, and inspection after the check engine light illuminated. Hyundai has acknowledged the problem by authorizing testing, attempting repairs, and recommending engine replacement. Yes. The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized Hyundai dealership, and the issue has been reviewed by Hyundai Motor America through warranty and goodwill claims submitted by the dealer. es. The first symptom was unexplained oil loss beginning at approximately 66,000 miles, with no visible external leak. Later, the check engine light illuminated, prompting further inspection and leading to the recommendation for engine replacement.

NHTSA ID
11706426
Incident
Jan 21, 2024
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Dec 8, 2025

My vehicle experienced a sudden and immediate loss of motive power due to a catastrophic internal engine failure, creating a severe road safety hazard. While driving and attempting to accelerate or merge, the vehicle exhibits extreme hesitation, severe misfiring on cylinder #2, and rough, unstable idling. This unexpected loss of drive power made the vehicle unpredictable and unsafe to operate under normal driving conditions, significantly increasing the risk of a crash. The vehicle is currently at the Hyundai dealership (Fox Ann Arbor Hyundai) for diagnosis. The dealer has confirmed and documented the following internal mechanical defects at only 86,000 miles: Compression loss in cylinder #2. Cylinder wall scoring and pitting. Evidence of blow-by and heavy carbon buildup in the combustion chamber. Misfire and rough idle. Oil consumption as a result of the cylinder failure. This failure is a premature mechanical defect, not normal wear. Failures of this nature (sudden loss of motive power due to internal engine defect) have been cited by NHTSA in other recalls and are known to increase the risk of a crash or fire. The manufacturer has acknowledged the defect by offering only 50% goodwill toward a repair, but this defect remains a critical, unresolved safety hazard that requires a full, safe engine replacement."

NHTSA ID
11703729
Incident
Nov 28, 2025

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.

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