2026 Hyundai Palisade Interior & seats Problems

I am reporting multiple recurring safety concerns with my 2026 Hyundai Palisade. Loss of acceleration: Under heavy throttle, the engine revs to approximately 5,000 RPM but the vehicle does not accelerate as expected. This has occurred repeatedly and appears more likely after the vehicle reaches normal operating temperature. During one incident on the highway, I needed to accelerate quickly to avoid surrounding traffic, but the vehicle did not respond as expected, creating a potential safety risk. An authorized Hyundai dealership inspected the vehicle and reset the transmission adaptive values, but the condition remains. Lane Keeping Assistance: The Lane Keeping Assistance system consistently positions the vehicle toward the left side of the lane instead of properly centering it. The issue has been reported to the dealer, but the condition remains unresolved. Power second-row seat: The power second-row captain’s chair can continue moving while folding, creating a hand-crush hazard if a person’s hand is in the path of the seat. It also interferes with proper third-row seat operation. This issue has been reported to the dealer and remains unresolved. These issues have been reported to Hyundai and remain unresolved after dealer inspections. The vehicle is available for inspection, and I have documentation and video evidence of the acceleration concern.

NHTSA ID

11751619

Incident

Jul 7, 2026

In March had issues with driver and passenger seats not moving up and down without getting stuck have to mess with it for awhile to move up or down and sometimes won't go to a directions it can move to seat even though setting it in a certain position every time turn off car and start goes to a position to high up in a way can't get In till you put it down then get in car when moving the 2nd row seat the passenger seat moved front back instead then folding seats 2,3rd row not working correctly found out mid mar recall 2,3rd row folding issues child died, 3rd row seat belts called Corp said do not allow passenger in 2nd, 3rd row till fixed called service said no fix so had wait week later car was hesitating when push gas engine power train warning light came on tow car to dealership they lied proof in writing they lied said fix the seats even though at that time no fix for recalls only reset engine light even though car was giving Issues almost broke down they had car 8 day made me pick up car said was fixed proof it wasn't they threaten harassed me to get it I said recalls show on NHTSA still till off not fixed won't come so they said day I had bring loaner car back or they come repo it they removed it from NHTSA site that day said see it's off I said there no way if no fix yet recalls I called many service dept ask went on hyundai Corp main site said fix for seat belt mid may this was April 7 and I ask them to put in writing several times car safe for my 3 yr old grandson they never once say car safe they illegally fraud took recall off the site all to get me come get car got car seats not fixed they said in writing seat belt fixed with tape tape? They put on NHTSA recalls after got car I confronted them then they removed again to not get in trouble to take off then on. But no seats fixed and could not put passenger car barely drove car was still hesitating gas ac loos power not even month later engine light power train issue again but not just light defect cause

NHTSA ID

11747777

Incident

Mar 30, 2026

I am submitting this regarding the remedy implemented under NHTSA Recall 26V-160 (Hyundai Palisade, second/third-row power seat obstruction detection defect). I support the intent of this recall — the underlying defect was serious and the software update appropriately targets improved occupant/object detection. However, I'm concerned about the adequacy and scope of the remedy as applied to the Limited trim specifically. As implemented, the remedy removes the ability to control power-folding seats via the vehicle's infotainment touchscreen entirely, converts seat-fold buttons to press-and-hold operation, and requires the liftgate to be open during folding. On the Limited trim, the third row is the only row equipped with power-folding seats (the second row has no electric folding). As a result, this remedy has eliminated the entire infotainment-based remote-fold control pathway for Limited owners, with no equivalent functionality remaining anywhere in the vehicle. My concern is whether the remedy, by removing an entire control pathway rather than improving its safety through better sensor/detection logic alone, goes beyond what is necessary to address the defect, and whether this scope of functionality removal was adequately disclosed to owners as part of the recall notice. I'd like this recorded as feedback on the remedy's scope and impact on equipped functionality for the Limited trim, separate from the original safety defect itself.

NHTSA ID

11743962

Incident

Mar 19, 2026

Component: the second-row power seat and its control system, including the pinch-protection function, on a 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid. The seat and vehicle are available for inspection on request. After the recall remedy (software update) for NHTSA Recall 296 (power seats) was applied, the second-row power seat self-actuates a rearward over-extension. When its pinch protection detects a car seat installed in the second row, the seat moves rearward on its own, further into the third row, and cannot be stopped once it starts. This sharply reduces third-row legroom and can squeeze or harm a third-row occupant. Safety risk: On April 21, 2026, while an adult operated the second-row seat to make enough room to reach into the seat, the seat — instead of stopping once the buttons were released — kept moving rearward on its own, past its original position and into the third-row foot and leg space, compressing and hurting the child's legs and feet. The movement was automatic, gave no warning, and could not be halted, creating a crushing and pinching hazard to any person or object behind the seat. Reproduced and inspected: A franchised Hyundai dealer inspected the vehicle and reproduced this behavior per Hyundai's Safety Team's request. Per the official repair order, the seat "over-extends approximately 15 degrees further into the third row," "cannot be stopped from moving to the extended position," and creates a smaller third-row area that "could potentially harm or squeeze an occupant in the third row." Warning indicators prior to failure: none.

NHTSA ID

11742390

Incident

Apr 21, 2026

Recently purchased this Hyundai Pallisade Calligraphy from Pohanka Hyundai in Maryland. At the time I asked whether the vehicle had the seat recall issue fixed . Was assured by the sales agent it had. Now when I activate the seat memory button, the driver's seat collapses and does not recognize a person is sitting there. I've called Pohanka Hyundai multiple times with an assurance of a call back on the issue and they just ignore my call and never return a call

NHTSA ID

11742252

Incident

May 16, 2026

The driver's seat automatic memory/easy-access feature experienced a severe safety system failure. While the seat was automatically moving backward, it hit a child car seat installed in the second row. Instead of detecting the obstruction and stopping, the anti-pinch/contact-detection sensor completely failed. The motor continued to forcefully push backward, crushing against the car seat and ripping open the driver's seatback panel. This failure creates a severe child entrapment and crushing hazard. This contact-detection logic issue highly resembles the power seat recall defects reported for 2026 Palisade models.

NHTSA ID

11740381

Incident

May 26, 2026

Following completion of Recall Campaign 296, the third-row rear seat continued to exhibit the same hazardous behavior the recall was intended to correct. During testing, the power-folding third-row seat fully closed onto a U.S. military-issued Kevlar helmet and remained latched in the fully seated/down position without reversing or detecting an obstruction. This demonstrates that the recall remedy/software update failed to restore adequate occupant detection and did not correct the underlying anti-pinch safety functionality. The seat continued applying force against the obstruction instead of stopping or reversing as expected from a functioning anti-pinch system, creating an ongoing risk of serious injury or death to occupants, including children.

NHTSA ID

11739822

Incident

May 23, 2026

The issue involves the second and third-row power folding seat control system in my 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Hybrid following Recall 296. Before the recall update, the vehicle included driver-controlled power folding seat functions through infotainment screen controls and one-touch seat folding operation. After Recall 296 was performed, Hyundai disabled or significantly altered these functions due to safety/compliance concerns involving the seat folding system. The affected component is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle has already been inspected and updated by Hyundai under the recall process. My concern is that the recall confirms there was a safety-related issue involving the power folding seat mechanism and occupant protection. While Hyundai modified the system to address safety concerns, I believe NHTSA should continue monitoring whether the revised operation fully resolves the underlying safety risks and whether similar concerns may affect additional vehicles or model years. There was no crash, injury, or fire in my case. No warning lamps or error messages appeared before the recall update. The operational changes became noticeable after the recall remedy/software update was completed. The issue has been confirmed by Hyundai through Recall 296 and Hyundai Motor America’s response regarding the intentional operational changes made to the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11739737

Incident

Mar 7, 2026

On April 28 the automatic seat has broken and has been stuck all the way in the back position. This is making the vehicle unsafe to drive because me or my wife can't reach the petals. We have contacted our local Hyundai dealership and Hyundai Corporate multiple times, but are not getting any calls or emails returned. Al I have is a case number is hyundai corporate who stated a case manager would reach out in one business day. So far it has been three business days and they still have not contacted us.

NHTSA ID

11736486

Incident

Apr 28, 2026

Dealer sold vehicle with open safety recall. They said it has been fixed but Hyundai confirmed recall is still there. This vehicle even had stop sale from Hyundai. I was informed it has no issues.

NHTSA ID

11736424

Incident

Apr 28, 2026

Following Hyundai Recall 296 on my 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy, the second-row “car seat friendly” tilt-and-slide seat functionality changed significantly after the required software update. Prior to the recall update, the seats operated with a one-touch tilt-and-slide function that allowed easy third-row access while using car seats and booster seats. After the recall update: - the seat now requires continuously holding the button during operation, - the seat no longer returns to its previous seating position correctly, - the seatback returns at an unusually upright angle, - and multiple additional manual adjustments are required afterward to reposition the seat properly. As a parent using booster seats daily, I am concerned this updated behavior creates usability issues for children independently accessing the third row and may result in children sitting in improperly adjusted seating positions unless an adult fully readjusts the seat each time. I understand and support the original safety recall, but I wanted to formally document concerns regarding the significantly altered functionality and real-world family usability following the recall remedy.

NHTSA ID

11736207

Incident

May 6, 2026

My vehicle is subject to Manufacturer Recall 297/NHTSA Recall 26V169. My dashboard is indicating that the third row driver seat is buckled when it is not. Also, when the seat belt is actually buckled, it will sometimes indicate that it is not. This is a safety issue as I cannot tell whether the seat belt is actually buckled or not. Additionally, the seat will not fold because it thinks a person is sitting in the seat. I have taken my vehicle for to Great Lakes Hyundai of Dublin twice (May 6 and April 16th) to complete the recall. Both times they did not complete the recall as they did not have the parts, said they could not order them, and did not know exactly when they would receive them.

NHTSA ID

11735994

Incident

Apr 1, 2026

I am reporting a safety concern following an over-the-air (OTA) recall update (Hyundai Recall #296) on my 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy AWD (software version 263Q.LX3.USA.ccNC.001.001.260326). I understand this recall was issued in response to a fatal incident involving the second-row seat system, which is why this issue is especially concerning. Since the update, the second-row walk-in seat function used for third-row access is not operating correctly. When I press the button near the headrest, the seat does not move fully forward, and I have to use the manual slide forward/back button to move it the rest of the way. When returning the seat, it does not go all the way back, and the seatback remains tilted forward at about a 70–80 degree angle instead of returning to its normal upright position, requiring manual adjustment using the recline button. In addition, during one occurrence when the second-row seat was activated, the front passenger seat moved slightly on its own without any input. This unexpected movement of another seat is especially concerning. This behavior began only after the recall update and appears to be a malfunction, possibly related to seat calibration or software coordination between seat systems. This creates a potential safety issue involving unintended seat movement and improper seat positioning.

NHTSA ID

11735444

Incident

May 3, 2026

I am reporting that Hyundai’s Recall 296 remedy appears inadequate and that Hyundai closed the recall on my vehicle even though the underlying rear-seat safety hazard remained unresolved. My complaint involves the second- and third-row powered seat system, including the fold/stow and walk-in functions. My core safety complaint is that the second-row seat continued to move under powered operation despite resistance from a properly installed child seat using LATCH. I also reported that the third-row seat could still collapse under powered operation despite the presence of an object. This is a crush/entrapment hazard, especially for children. I presented the vehicle for this same rear-seat safety concern multiple times. Even after Hyundai and the dealer treated the recalls as completed, the condition remained unresolved and I returned the vehicle again for the same issue. Hyundai and the dealer changed and used inconsistent completion dates while continuing software/update activity and then still failed to acknowledge my real-world safety concerns after the supposed repair. I also reported additional post-update problems including fluctuating cabin air temperature, blower speed fluctuation without input, and reduced ventilated-seat cooling. Hyundai ultimately took the position that those systems were operating normally and instructed the dealer to release the vehicle. My complaint is not merely that Hyundai issued a recall. My complaint is that Hyundai treated Recall 296 as completed, changed the vehicle’s seat functionality by disabling or limiting previously available automatic features, used inconsistent completion timing, and still failed to correct or acknowledge the underlying safety defect I continued reporting. I am asking NHTSA to review whether Recall 296 is actually correcting the defect in service, or whether affected vehicles remain unsafe after Hyundai marks the recall complete.

NHTSA ID

11734244

Incident

Mar 24, 2026

I am reporting an inadequate and deceptive remedy for NHTSA Recall 296 (Hyundai Recall 296) regarding the 2026 Palisade Calligraphy. The original safety defect involved the failure of the power-folding 2nd and 3rd-row seats to detect obstructions, leading to a known fatality. However, instead of repairing the defective sensors with functional hardware, Hyundai’s 'remedy' involves a software update that permanently disables advertised vehicle functionality.The 'One-Touch' automatic folding feature, which was a primary selling point of this $55,000+ luxury trim, has been deleted. Furthermore, all touchscreen controls for these seats have been disabled. Owners are now forced to manually hold physical buttons for the duration of the seat movement. This 'fix' shifts the burden of safety onto the consumer rather than repairing the vehicle's faulty equipment. I believe this remedy is a 'feature-stripping' measure to avoid the cost of a proper hardware repair, and it constitutes a substantial loss of vehicle value and utility.

NHTSA ID

11733731

Incident

Mar 15, 2026

My [XXX] old was sitting in the middle right captain chair in her carseat. My [XXX] daughter was in the third row. My [XXX] daughter accidentally hit the power seat tilt button making the seat my [XXX] old was sitting in push up against the back of the front right passenger seat, crushing my [XXX] olds feet, where she suffered a broken foot where the toes meet the rest of the foot. We had to bring my [XXX] to the emergency room and podiatrist where xrays confirmed the injury. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11731650

Incident

Apr 13, 2026

I am filing this complaint to formally report that Hyundai’s finalized remedy for the power seat safety recall (Recall 296) is entirely inadequate, introduces secondary safety hazards, and constitutes a fundamental breach of express warranty regarding the vehicle’s advertised capabilities. Rather than engineering a physical hardware fix to add the necessary anti-pinch sensors that were omitted during manufacturing, Hyundai deployed a permanent software downgrade that breaks heavily marketed core features. I purchased this vehicle approximately two months ago specifically for its seamless third-row accessibility. The first page of the 2026 Palisade sales brochure explicitly states: "And every Palisade offers a one-touch walk-in feature that lets passengers access the third row without removing a child seat. Best of all, every power seat can also be controlled from the driver’s display – so you can be the ultimate host." Hyundai’s final software fix permanently destroys both of these guaranteed features. It completely disables the driver's ability to fold or stow the seats from the central touchscreen. Furthermore, it replaces the one-touch access with a continuous press-and-hold requirement, and mandates that the rear liftgate must be open to use the fold-flat functions from the cargo area. This multi-step process introduces a new safety hazard. Forcing passengers to stand outside the vehicle for extended periods holding a button, or requiring a parent to exit the vehicle and open the rear liftgate just to adjust the seats in a busy school drop-off zone or parking lot, puts my family directly in harm's way. By pushing a software downgrade to quickly lift a stop-sale order, Hyundai has permanently degraded the exact functionality they used to sell the vehicle, rather than implementing a true mechanical repair. I urge the NHTSA to reject this software patch as a final remedy and compel Hyundai to develop a proper physical hardware retrofit.

NHTSA ID

11731390

Incident

Apr 15, 2026

The issue involves a safety defect affecting the second- and third-row seating system in my 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy. The defect has been identified through an active manufacturer recall indicating a risk of injury to passengers in these seating positions. The vehicle has been out of service and in the dealership’s possession since April 3, 2026, and is available for inspection upon request. This defect poses a direct safety risk, particularly to children. I have two young children, who would regularly occupy these seats. Due to the recall and lack of an effective repair, I am unable to safely use these seating positions, significantly limiting the safe operation and intended use of the vehicle. The issue has been confirmed by the manufacturer through a safety recall and stop sale. The dealership acknowledged the defect and accepted the vehicle for service; however, after attempted repairs, the condition remained unresolved. When I tested the vehicle at the dealership, both I and a technician observed that the seats continued to present a safety hazard. Specifically, the seat mechanism did not stop or resist as expected and continued moving in a manner that could cause injury. The seat did not stop under pressure and could potentially trap or crush an occupant, even with applied resistance. The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized Hyundai dealership following direction from a Hyundai Motor America case manager. There has been no involvement from police or insurance representatives. There were no warning lamps or prior symptoms. The defect was identified through a manufacturer-issued recall on or about March 29, 2026. The defect presents a foreseeable risk of injury during normal use and has not been corrected despite manufacturer awareness and attempted repair.

NHTSA ID

11730690

Incident

Apr 12, 2026

I own a 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy. A recent over-the-air software update removed the ability to control rear seats through the infotainment system, which was a key feature at the time of purchase. This change was made without meaningful notice or consent and significantly alters how the vehicle is used. In some situations, it now requires physically reaching or repositioning to operate seats, which may create new safety or usability concerns when managing passengers or cargo. I relied on this feature while managing kids in the car. I was accustomed to this feature and it was a large reason we purchased the car. It was not “convenience” but a function that allowed us to manage our kids saftey I am submitting this complaint because a major vehicle function was removed after purchase, and I believe post-sale software changes that reduce functionality should be reviewed.

NHTSA ID

11730559

Incident

Apr 10, 2026

While loading the rear of the vehicle at the end of a camp trip, my child was seated in the second row seat. When I was loading equipment into the trunk, some of the equipment bumped the button that activates folding the seat in the second row. The seat sensor did not identify my child was in the seat, and it began to close on my child. My child was able to open the door and escape the seat before he was crushed. There is a known recall for this hazard.

NHTSA ID

11730432

Incident

Mar 31, 2026

The contact owns a 2026 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that while checking all the vehicle features, the second-row passenger seat independently started to fold. The contact believed it was operator’s error since the vehicle was recently purchased. The contact received notification of NTHSA Campaign Number: 26V160000 (Seats). The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the remedy was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 3,744.

NHTSA ID

11730159

Incident

Mar 10, 2026

Mileage

3,744 mi

Rear drivers side third row seat did not stop closing when child was sitting in the seat (button was accidentally pressed by child). Thankfully we were loading the trunk and were able to move the child out of the way while another one of us hit the button to lift the seat back up. Child was [XXX] lbs/ [XXX] old. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11729072

Incident

Feb 4, 2026

The vehicle is a 2026 Hyundai Palisade equipped with second- and third-row power seats subject to Recall #296. The power seat system may fail to detect contact with an occupant or object during operation, including folding and tilt functions. This creates a safety risk because the seat can continue moving despite contact with a person, increasing the risk of injury, particularly to children in the rear seating area. This defect has been associated with a reported child fatality. The issue is known and confirmed by the manufacturer through the recall. I became aware of the condition in early March 2026. There were no prior warning messages or indicators before learning of the defect. At this time, no repair or remedy is available and no timeline for correction has been provided. The vehicle remains in service with this unresolved safety defect. Hyundai has been engaged in delay tactics rather than customer service. The condition has not been independently repaired or corrected. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA ID

11728860

Incident

Mar 2, 2026

I own a 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Hybrid, VIN [XXX] le is included in two safety recalls: 1.Second- and third-row power-folding seats may fail to detect a person or object, creating a risk of trapping or crushing a child. 2.[Second recall issue—e.g., seat sensor/seatbelt defect] may prevent proper seat operation or restraint, further endangering passengers. I transport a toddler daily, and have another little one on the way. While these recalls are unresolved, I cannot safely use the vehicle. No accident or injury has occurred, but the defects pose a significant risk of child injury or death. I am filing this complaint to document these serious safety risks and request that the NHTSA ensure Hyundai addresses both defects promptly. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11728796

Incident

Mar 1, 2026

Component/system: Second- and third-row power seat assemblies (Recall 26V160000) and third-row driver-side seat belt buckle wiring (Recall 26V169000). Both components are available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: The power seat system may fail to detect an occupant during folding operation, creating a crushing hazard. This defect is linked to the death of a [XXX] child in [XXX] on March 7, 2026, and multiple reported injuries. The seat belt defect may cause a false latch indicator, leaving a rear passenger unrestrained without the driver's knowledge. Confirmed by dealer/manufacturer: Yes. Hyundai Motor America has formally acknowledged both defects via official safety recalls. Hyundai issued a stop-sale order on all unsold 2026 Palisade Calligraphy vehicles. Inspected by manufacturer: Yes. Hyundai has issued an interim over-the-air software update under Recall 26V160000, which it acknowledges is not a permanent fix. No permanent remedy exists for either recall as of April 2, 2026. Warning symptoms: Owners received in-vehicle dashboard alerts via Bluelink and direct communications from Hyundai. We purchased this vehicle September 15, 2025 with 33 miles on the odometer. We have submitted a formal written buyback demand to Hyundai Motor America and are simultaneously filing complaints with the Missouri Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division. We are requesting NHTSA investigate whether owners are entitled to a buyback under federal law. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11728760

Incident

Sep 15, 2025