Crash test = NHTSA's overall star rating. “Crash, fire, injury” = complaints reporting one (share of the year's complaints). Counts depend on how many were sold, so they aren't a ranking.
Brakes ineffective or ABS kicks in over bumps (31%)
2026
No pattern
120
13 (11%)
3
Not rated
Power seats don't stop when blocked (31%)
Why each year got its verdict
Each year is judged on its own complaints only. Complaint counts are shown for context, not as a ranking: they depend on how many were sold and how long they've been on the road.
First generation: 2020–2025
Engines: 3.8L V6. Refresh for 2023.
Most reported across the 2020–2025 model years (2,321 complaints researched): seat belts come unbuckled while driving (10%), abs activates on bumps (10%) and brake pedal sinks or brakes fail (9%).
2020
Check recall
A park-outside recall (22V633000) for a fire risk in the trailer hitches
An NHTSA investigation into inadvertent seat belt unlatch (PE24021, closed with recall 25V607)
537 complaints · 5 recalls
2021
Check recall
An NHTSA investigation into inadvertent seat belt unlatch (PE24021, closed with recall 25V607), matching a top complaint
A park-outside recall (23V526000) for a fire risk in the power train
An NHTSA investigation into inadvertent seat belt unlatch (PE24021, closed with recall 25V607)
400 complaints · 5 recalls
2024
Avoid
33% of complaints describe brake problems.
A park-outside recall (23V526000) for a fire risk in the power train
387 complaints · 5 recalls
2025
Check recall
A park-outside recall (25V291000) for a fire risk in the power train
248 complaints · 3 recalls
Second generation: 2026
Engines: 3.5L V6, 2.5L turbo hybrid.
Most reported across the 2026 model year (120 complaints researched): power seats don't stop when blocked (31%), loss of power or acceleration (10%) and power seat problems after the recall software update (9%).
2026
No pattern
Largest serious problem: engine failure or stalling, 7% of complaints. No urgent recall.
Share of each model year's owner complaints that describe the problem. A complaint can describe more than one problem.
The main Palisade problems
Each problem across every model year: which years it hits, at what mileage, whether repairs fixed it, and in owners' own words.
Seat belts unlatch or won't latch
Serious
Seat belts fail to latch or come undone while the vehicle is moving. 239 owner complaints about the 2020–2026 Palisade describe it (10% of all we researched).
Share of that year's complaints · number of complaints
When owners report it
34,000 mi
median of 40 owners who gave a mileage; half between 18,700 and 52,000
Did a repair fix it?
9 of 14
owners who described a repair say it didn't fix the problem (2 more say partly)
Crash, fire or injury
1
of these 239 complaints report one
Recall owners cite most: 25V607000 (29 complaints), 26V034000 (10 complaints), 22V627000 (1 complaint). See recalls for which years it covers and what dealers do.
In owners' words
“The passenger rear seatbelt had released on its own when braking hard with a child buckled in a booster seat”
2021 PalisadeOwner in CAFiled 2026NHTSA 11741410
“The seatbelt suddenly unlatched midway through the drive without any pressing of the release button”
2023 PalisadeOwner in CO3.8LFiled 2025NHTSA 11635829
“I took it to the dealer and they said they needed replacement but not under warranty even though it has always been an issue.”
2020 PalisadeOwner in PA3.8LFiled 2025NHTSA 11645475
The anti-lock braking system kicks in over bumps or potholes, which owners say makes the car stop much more slowly. 226 owner complaints about the 2020–2026 Palisade describe it (9% of all we researched).
Share of that year's complaints · number of complaints
When owners report it
1,900 mi
median of 16 owners who gave a mileage; half between 1,200 and 9,300
Did a repair fix it?
12 of 13
owners who described a repair say it didn't fix the problem (1 more say partly)
Crash, fire or injury
9
of these 226 complaints report one
In owners' words
“The anti-lock system to kick in and apply pulsed braking resulting in the car having dangerously long stopping distances”
2024 PalisadeOwner in OH3.8LFiled 2025NHTSA 11668445
“The ABS and traction control systems reacted and applied braking which caused me to have no control of my brakes”
2025 PalisadeOwner in VA3.8LFiled 2026NHTSA 11739628
“After hitting any size bump my car does not stop, the car starts shaking, and I have to slam on the brake in order to stop.”
2023 PalisadeOwner in NY3.8LFiled 2024NHTSA 11597861
Brake pedal sinks or brakes fail
Critical
The brakes do not respond as expected, or the pedal feels wrong when the driver tries to stop. 219 owner complaints about the 2020–2026 Palisade describe it (9% of all we researched).
The windshield cracks from small impacts or with no clear impact. 193 owner complaints about the 2020–2026 Palisade describe it (8% of all we researched).
The engine uses oil quickly and can run low or dry between changes. 139 owner complaints about the 2020–2026 Palisade describe it (6% of all we researched).
Every NHTSA recall campaign for the 2020–2026 Palisade, do-not-drive and park-outside warnings first, with the model years each covers. Check any used Palisade's VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls: an open recall is fixed free.
Fluid/lubricant › PumpPark outsideAn insufficient seal on the controller for the electric oil pump may allow moisture to accumulate in the printed…2025 modelMay 6, 2025620 vehicles25V291000
Defect
An insufficient seal on the controller for the electric oil pump may allow moisture to accumulate in the printed circuit board, which can cause an electrical short and result in a fire.
Risk
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the recall remedy is completed.
What to do
Park outside and away from buildings until the recall repair is done.
Fluid/lubricant › PumpPark outsideThe electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can…2023–2024 modelsJul 27, 202352,109 vehicles23V526000
Defect
The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump controller to overheat.
Risk
An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
Remedy
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete.
What to do
Park outside and away from buildings until the recall repair is done.
Trailer hitchesPark outsideDebris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical…2020–2022 modelsAug 18, 2022244,980 vehicles22V633000
Defect
Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
Risk
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete.
What to do
Park outside and away from buildings until the recall repair is done.
Rear/other › Buckle assemblyThe internal wiring within the third-row driver-side seat belt buckle may become damaged and result in a permanent…2026 modelMar 20, 202646,787 vehicles26V169000
Defect
The internal wiring within the third-row driver-side seat belt buckle may become damaged and result in a permanent display of a belted third-row driver-side seat on the instrument panel.
Risk
A faulty seat belt status indicator may fail to alert occupants to an unfastened seat belt, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will install a wiring harness extension and replace the seat belt assembly, as necessary, free of charge.
Mid/rear assembly › Power adjustThe second and third row power seats may fail to detect a person. The seat may continue to move after contacting a…2026 modelMar 17, 202661,307 vehicles26V160000
Defect
The second and third row power seats may fail to detect a person. The seat may continue to move after contacting a person during powered seat functions, such as one-touch tilt-and-slide or automatic power fold-and-stow.
Risk
A person, especially a child, may become trapped by a rear powered seat, increasing the risk of injury or death.
Remedy
Owners are advised to exercise caution when operating the second and third row power seat functions until the repair is performed.
Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panelDue to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the…2026 modelJan 27, 202641,651 vehicles26V047000
Defect
Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays."
Risk
An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge.
Side/window › CurtainThe side curtain air bags for third-row occupants may deploy improperly in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to…2020–2025 modelsJan 23, 2026568,576 vehicles26V034000
Defect
The side curtain air bags for third-row occupants may deploy improperly in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
Risk
Improper side curtain air bag deployment increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install a protective film over the rear window and remove padding, as necessary free of charge.
Rear/other › Buckle assemblyThe seat belt buckles in the driver, passenger, and second-row window seats may fail to latch.2020–2025 modelsSep 12, 2025568,580 vehicles25V607000
Defect
The seat belt buckles in the driver, passenger, and second-row window seats may fail to latch.
Risk
Seat belt buckles that fail to latch may not properly restrain occupants in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Passengers are advised to insert the belt firmly into the buckle with a quick and direct motion, pulling on the belt to confirm the seat belt is fully secured, until the recall remedy is performed.
Engine › Hard parts internal/mechanicalThe engine valve springs may break while driving, which can result in a loss of drive power and possibly create a…2024 modelFeb 13, 20244,245 vehicles24V106000
Defect
The engine valve springs may break while driving, which can result in a loss of drive power and possibly create a hole in the engine block.
Risk
A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. A hole in the engine block increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the engine sub-assembly, free of charge.
Occupant classification › Front passengerThe Occupant Detection System (ODS) may fail to detect an occupant and deactivate the passenger-side front air bags.…2024 modelAug 25, 202363 vehicles23V599000
Defect
The Occupant Detection System (ODS) may fail to detect an occupant and deactivate the passenger-side front air bags. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
Deactivated front passenger air bags will not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the ODS software, free of charge.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assistThe brake booster diaphragm may become misaligned and cause an internal vacuum leak, which can result in a loss of…2023 modelJun 8, 2023322 vehicles23V415000
Defect
The brake booster diaphragm may become misaligned and cause an internal vacuum leak, which can result in a loss of power brake assist.
Risk
A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the brake booster as necessary, free of charge.
Visibility/wiperThe windshield wiper motor may operate intermittently or fail to operate due to snow or ice buildup on the…2021–2023 modelsMar 17, 2023167,085 vehicles23V180000
Defect
The windshield wiper motor may operate intermittently or fail to operate due to snow or ice buildup on the windshield, causing the wipers to fail.
Risk
Windshield wiper failure can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the driver-side windshield wiper arm, free of charge.
Windshield wiper/washer › MotorThe windshield wiper motor may become inoperative, causing the wipers to fail.2020–2021 modelsAug 15, 2022122,949 vehicles22V627000
Defect
The windshield wiper motor may become inoperative, causing the wipers to fail.
Risk
Windshield wiper failure can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the driver-side windshield wiper arm, free of charge.
Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panelThe instrument cluster assembly may have been manufactured with excessive adhesive, which can disable the instrument…2022 modelMay 18, 2022158 vehicles22V353000
Defect
The instrument cluster assembly may have been manufactured with excessive adhesive, which can disable the instrument cluster display screen.
Risk
A disabled display screen will not show critical information, such as the meters, gauges, and warning lights, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the instrument cluster assembly, free of charge.
Service brakes, hydraulic › FluidThe brake fluid may be contaminated, which can cause the brake master cylinder inner-cup seals to swell, and reduce…2021 modelOct 27, 2021995 vehicles21V840000
Defect
The brake fluid may be contaminated, which can cause the brake master cylinder inner-cup seals to swell, and reduce braking performance.
Risk
Reduced braking performance can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, and flush the brake fluid, free of charge.
Air bags › Side/windowThe mounting bolts used to secure the side curtain air bags may damage the side curtain air bags during deployment.2020 modelNov 7, 201911,217 vehicles19V802000
Defect
The mounting bolts used to secure the side curtain air bags may damage the side curtain air bags during deployment.
Risk
Damaged side curtain air bags may not inflate properly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will install a protective cover on the mounting bolts, free of charge.
What to do
Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If a recall is open, any dealer will fix it free. For NHTSA's full record of a campaign, search its number there (for example 25V291000).
How we judge each year
We research every owner complaint filed with NHTSA for each model year and judge the year on its own complaints: whether one serious problem (transmission, engine or stalling, steering, brakes, airbags, fire, fuel leaks) makes up a large share of them, whether an unusual share report a crash, fire, injury or loss of power while moving, whether serious failures come early, and whether NHTSA issued a do-not-drive or park-outside recall or opened an investigation. We use shares, not counts, so a year that sold well isn't marked down for having more owners. More on our verdicts.
Questions
What years of the Hyundai Palisade should you avoid?+
The 2024 Palisade. 2024: 33% of complaints (127) describe brake problems (brake failure, phantom automatic braking).
Which Hyundai Palisade years have no pattern of serious problems?+
The 2026 Palisade. Their complaints don’t cluster on a serious defect. That’s not proof a car is trouble-free: check any used car's recalls and get an inspection.
Which Hyundai Palisade years have an urgent recall to check?+
2020: Park-outside recall 22V633000 (fire risk, trailer hitches). 2021: Park-outside recall 22V633000 (fire risk, trailer hitches). 2022: Park-outside recall 22V633000 (fire risk, trailer hitches). 2025: Park-outside recall 25V291000 (fire risk, power train). Check the VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the repair was done.
What is the most common problem with the Hyundai Palisade?+
Seat belts unlatch or won't latch: 239 owner complaints (10%) across the 2020–2026 model years describe it, the largest share in the 2022 (20% of that year's complaints). Owners report it at a median of 34,000 miles. Of 14 owners who described a repair, 9 say it didn't fix the problem.
Is there a recall for Palisade seat belt unlatching?+
Owners describing it most often cite recall 25V607000 (2020–2025 Palisade): The seat belt buckles in the driver, passenger, and second-row window seats may fail to latch. Passengers are advised to insert the belt firmly into the buckle with a quick and direct motion, pulling on the belt to confirm the seat belt is fully secured, until the recall remedy is performed. Check the VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the repair was done.
How many recalls does the Hyundai Palisade have?+
NHTSA lists 16 recall campaigns for the 2020–2026 Palisade, 3 with a do-not-drive or park-outside warning (25V291000, 2025; 23V526000, 2023–2024; 22V633000, 2020–2022). Any dealer fixes an open recall free.