2020 Hyundai Palisade

Above average

Owners filed 533 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 5 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
4,500 milesMedian miles at failure

163 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 010,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Visibility/Wiper108
000
Engine100
030
Suspension55
000
Unknown or Other54
110
Seat Belts44
000
Electrical System32
114
Structure › Body24
002
Power Train20
110
Air Bags18
417
Trailer Hitches10
000

5 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Side/Window › Curtain26V034000
Filed Jan 22, 2026568,576 vehiclesHyundai Motor America

Defect. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Palisade vehicles. 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. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed beginning March 13, 2026. Final remedy owner letters will be mailed in phases, beginning in June 2026 and expected to continue through December 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 292. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 24, 2026.

Seat Belts › Rear/Other › Buckle Assembly25V607000
Filed Sep 11, 2025568,580 vehiclesHyundai Motor America

Defect. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Palisade vehicles. 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. Dealers will replace the seat belt buckle assemblies, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed beginning October 23, 2025. Final remedy owner letters will be mailed in phases, beginning in June 2026 and expected to continue through December 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 283. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 13, 2025.

Trailer Hitches22V633000Park outside
Filed Aug 18, 2022244,980 vehiclesHyundai Motor America

Defect. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling 2020-2022 Palisade vehicles potentially equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Hyundai dealership. 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. Dealers will install a new fuse and wire extension kit, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 18, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 235.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor22V627000
Filed Aug 15, 2022122,949 vehiclesHyundai Motor America

Defect. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Palisade vehicles. 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. Owner notification letters were mailed December 13, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 233.

Air Bags › Side/Window19V802000
Filed Nov 7, 201911,217 vehiclesHyundai Motor America

Defect. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020 Palisade vehicles. 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. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover on the mounting bolts, free of charge. The recall began December 20, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 186.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Seat Belts
Filed Sep 17, 2026TX

My 2020 Hyundai Palisade is affected by NHTSA Safety Recall 25V607 / Hyundai Recall 283 involving the first- and second-row seat belt buckle assemblies. The recall was initiated in 2025, and my vehicle remains unrepaired approximately one year later. This defect has actually occurred in my vehicle. Seat belts have released/unlatched while the vehicle was being driven, creating a serious risk that an occupant could become unrestrained while the vehicle is moving or in the event of a collision. The Hyundai dealership documented Recall 283 as outstanding on my vehicle in March 2026. I returned to the dealership in September 2026, and the recall remained unrepaired because the required parts were unavailable. Hyundai Motor America has since confirmed in writing that the required parts are back-ordered. Hyundai states that a set has been assigned to my vehicle, but there is currently no estimated time of arrival. Approximately one year after this safety recall was initiated, my affected vehicle remains unrepaired despite the seat belt defect having actually occurred while driving. I am concerned about safely transporting my family while waiting indefinitely for the required repair.

Engine
Filed Sep 15, 2026LA

I am filing this safety complaint regarding excessive oil consumption in my 2020 Hyundai Palisade, which presents a direct vehicle stalling and engine failure hazard while driving at highway speeds. My vehicle is currently consuming approximately 5 quarts of engine oil every 3,000 miles. This severe oil loss occurs rapidly between scheduled maintenance intervals without any illuminated dashboard warning lights, low oil pressure indicators, or visible oil leaks on the ground. The oil is burning internally within the combustion chamber. This creates an extreme safety risk. If the oil level drops dangerously low before the next service, the engine is at risk of sudden catastrophic failure, severe overheating, or immediate stalling while in motion. A sudden loss of propulsion while driving in heavy traffic or at highway speeds places myself, my passengers, and other drivers at risk of a serious collision. Furthermore, the lack of an early warning sensor or dashboard indicator for low oil volume means the driver is left entirely unaware of the hazard until the engine begins to fail. Hyundai is well aware of this widespread oil-burning defect in their V6 engines, yet because my vehicle has reached 160,000 miles, they refuse to provide any diagnostic support, remedy, or warranty assistance. I am requesting that the NHTSA open a formal investigation into the 2020 Hyundai Palisade engine oil consumption defect to compel the manufacturer to issue a safety recall before a catastrophic s

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 10, 2026CA

I do not understand how Hyundai can approve its required testing process, have the vehicle fail that test, and then deny the engine replacement resulting from those findings. This is unfair and raises serious concerns about how Hyundai is applying its warranty procedures.Hyundai’s published oil-consumption procedures establish a process for diagnosing excessive oil consumption and determining when further repairs, including engine replacement, may be warranted. I am requesting that Hyundai explain exactly what requirement my vehicle allegedly failed to meet and provide documentation supporting the denial.I am requesting that Hyundai reverse the denial and fully cover the necessary engine replacement under warranty. I also request a complete review of my maintenance history, repair records, oil-consumption test results, diagnostics, and the dealership’s submission. This vehicle has been properly maintained and has only approximately 80,000 miles. I purchased it expecting a reliable vehicle that would last many years. An engine developing excessive oil consumption at this mileage is unacceptable, and I believe Hyundai should stand behind its product and warranty obligations.

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 9, 2026FL

I am reporting a serious safety defect involving the A/C system on my 2020 Hyundai Palisade. The A/C system has failed due to a manufacturer acknowledged defect in the compressor pulley and hub assembly. Hyundai has issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSB 21‑HA‑003H, 24‑HA‑003H, 25‑HA‑003H / 003H‑1) documenting this exact failure pattern. These TSBs confirm Hyundai is aware of widespread A/C failures in this model. Despite acknowledging the defect in writing, Hyundai has refused to repair the vehicle, citing “time in service and mileage,” even though the failure is directly tied to a known defective component. This refusal leaves a safety‑critical defect unaddressed. This is not a comfort issue. This vehicle is used for medical transportation of a medically needy child who requires strict temperature regulation. Loss of A/C in Florida heat creates a dangerous and medically hazardous environment inside the vehicle. The cabin temperature rises rapidly, creating a risk of heat‑related medical complications. This is a clear safety hazard, not a cosmetic or convenience problem. The A/C failure is sudden, unpredictable, and cannot be mitigated by the driver. The defect results in: Complete loss of cooling in high‑heat conditions Inability to maintain medically safe cabin temperatures Documented component failure acknowledged by Hyundai Manufacturer refusal to correct a known defect Increased risk of medical harm to a vulnerable passenger Hyundai’s denial of assistance desp

Engine
Filed Sep 4, 2026WA

On August 14, 2026, while driving and decelerating, I heard a knocking sound from the engine and the vehicle had difficulty downshifting. As the transmission shifted from second gear to first, the engine stalled immediately and the vehicle dropped into neutral while on the roadway. I lost propulsion in traffic. The vehicle behind me nearly rear-ended us due to the sudden stall. My children were in the vehicle. All dashboard warning lights illuminated at the moment of the stall. I was able to restart the engine and move the vehicle slowly, in first gear only, into a nearby parking lot. The check engine light came on at that restart and has remained on since. The vehicle sat parked and off for approximately 90 minutes. Before restarting, I checked the engine oil level and it was within the normal range. On startup, my children and I both heard a loud knocking sound and noticed an unusual smell, and the engine idled roughly while in Park. I drove approximately 15 minutes home with the rough idle continuing. On arrival the vehicle smelled hot, with a burning odor, although the temperature gauge read approximately mid-scale and was not in the high range. The check engine light remained on and the oil level was again confirmed to be within range. The vehicle has been out of service since the incident and is currently at a dealership awaiting diagnosis. This is a 2020 Hyundai Palisade with approximately 93,000 miles at the time of failure. A sudden loss of motive power in a travel l

Engine
Filed Aug 25, 2026NC

My 2020 Hyundai Palisade (3.8L GDI Lambda II V6) consumes engine oil at a rate that empties the crankcase between scheduled oil changes, with no warning lamp illuminating before the oil is gone. This creates a risk of engine seizure and sudden loss of motive power in traffic. The vehicle has repeatedly run rough and felt as though it would stall when slowing or stopping. On 3/10/2025 at 57,026 miles I brought it to a Hyundai dealer because it felt like it was about to stall at traffic lights. The technician found no measurable oil on the dipstick, 4.5 quarts low, and found the camshafts out of time as a result. On 11/25/2025 at 69,851 miles the oil light flickered and the engine ran rough and stuttered. The dealer checked the dipstick and again found no oil on it at all. This was only 5,614 miles after a documented oil and filter change performed by that same dealer. No warning illuminated until the crankcase was already effectively empty, which I consider inadequate warning of imminent engine failure. Consumption has continued and worsened: 1 quart low at 77,202 miles (4/22/2026), 1.5 quarts low at 81,350 (5/14/2026), and 1.2 quarts low at 82,927 (8/11/2026), the last only 1,577 miles after an oil change. Hyundai TSB 23-EM-008H sets the failure threshold at 1 quart per 1,000 miles for all gasoline engines. The dealer twice billed Hyundai operation code 21000FCC, which that bulletin defines as payable only after an initial oil consumption test result of NG (failed). Two combu

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 25, 2026TN

The paint on the roof of my 2020 Hyundai Palisade is peeling off in large sheets, rather than typical chipping or wear. The peeling originates from the center of the roof and has begun spreading toward the area near the front windshield edge. This is not consistent with normal wear and tear, curb rash, or impact damage — the affected areas show clean separation of paint layers down to a lower coat/primer, consistent with a manufacturing defect in paint adhesion or application. Rust is beginning to be visible. Based on research, this appears to be a widespread issue among other 2020 Hyundai Palisade owners, many of whom report similar peeling on roofs, hoods, and wheels, suggesting a systemic paint defect rather than an isolated incident. Date first noticed July 2026 Current mileage 32,006

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Aug 21, 2026WV

I believe this is related to RECALL 235, Veh was parked on the street, thank god. The Palisade then spontaniusly caught fire, fire department had to be called and insurance company says its a total loss. Fire started in the rear driver side.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 21, 2026UT

I am experiencing an issue with the power liftgate struts on my 2020 Hyundai Palisade SEL that appears to be a common problem among other Palisade owners. The liftgate support struts are beginning to fail, causing the liftgate to no longer stay fully open. When the liftgate is opened, it slowly falls back down instead of remaining securely in the fully open position. The struts appear to have lost their ability to properly support the weight of the liftgate and are essentially failing. This is particularly concerning because the liftgate can unexpectedly fall while someone is loading or unloading the vehicle, creating a potential safety hazard. Given the number of similar complaints from other Palisade owners, this appears to be a recurring issue with the liftgate struts. I would like Hyundai to recognize this as a potential common defect and provide a proper repair or replacement of the failing liftgate struts.

Power Train
Filed Aug 18, 2026NC

This vehicle has suffered two identical, catastrophic electrical failures causing an immediate and total loss of engine power while traveling at highway speeds. The first incident occurred after the engine was replaced under a Hyundai extended warranty. The dealership service department blamed that failure on a loose engine ground strap and released the vehicle back to me. On August 3, 2026, the exact same failure occurred for a second time while driving at high speed on the highway. The vehicle lost all propulsion, leaving me exposed to oncoming traffic with zero engine power. The vehicle was towed to a Hyundai dealership. The dealership identified a blown "Sensor 4" fuse causing an intermittent dead circuit, but they have been unable to locate the short circuit after two weeks of troubleshooting. After demanding the diagnostic data logs, the dealership abruptly halted all repairs and ordered me to pick up the vehicle. Furthermore, due to excessive, repetitive diagnostic cranking and idling in 90+ degree heat while under the dealer's care, the vehicle's starter solenoid has now suffered collateral failure. The vehicle is currently completely disabled, undrivable, and the underlying highway stalling hazard remains completely unresolved. This is a recurring, severe life-safety issue that leaves the vehicle prone to sudden stall events in high-speed traffic without warning.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 15, 2026WV

Sunroof was opened and a slim metal piece fell down into the car landing in the console. I wasn’t sure where it came from so I tried to close the sunroof. It would slide to close but would not go down the last inch or so on the back. I tried to open and close it a couple times to see if it was just sticking and another slim metal piece fell down. I am afraid to drive much and over 25-30 mph because I am afraid the roof may fly out. A long silver piece was flopping around (I assume a wind deflector) so I laid it in the backseat. It’s a shame that I have a vehicle that’s basically unusable on rainy or windy days and can’t drive over 30 mph because roof may fly out and hit someone. I also cannot lock and set alarm because roof shows open and horn blows. I care for my elderly parent with dementia so this is not helpful when nearest doctor visits or Hyundai dealer is minimum 45 minutes away drive.

Seats
Filed Aug 15, 2026LA

In my 2020 Palisade with automated third and second row seats, the third row automated seat button was accidentally pushed and started to close on my grandchild who was sitting in the third row. The seat did not detect that anyone was sitting in it and kept closing. Luckily I was able to hit the button to stop it. This same problem also happened in the automated second row seat with a grandchild in it. Another [XXX] old child pushed the button on the entry side of the captain’s seat and the seat did not detect that there was someone sitting in it and began to close on them. Once again we were lucky and was standing there and able to push the button to stop it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine
Filed Aug 14, 2026107,233 milesKY

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. Several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the engine seized. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with spark plug and ignition coil failures. The contact was informed that the spark plugs and ignition coils needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact was informed that the oil was a quart and a half low. The contact was advised to add a quart of oil to the engine every 1,000 miles. The failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed solenoid. The contact was informed that the solenoid needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact stated that since the vehicle was purchased, the vehicle had displayed nineteen fault codes. The contact stated that months later, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger's side sunroof arm deflector detached. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was confirmed that the passenger's side sunroof arm deflector had detached. In addition, the contact was informed that the driver's side sunroof arm deflector was frac

Engine
Filed Aug 4, 2026MS

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.

Engine
Filed Jul 31, 2026NY

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)

Engine
Filed Jul 20, 2026TX

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.

Seats
Filed Jul 9, 2026FL

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.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 8, 2026CA

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.

Seat Belts
Filed Jul 7, 202625,000 milesAZ

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.

Seat Belts
Filed Jul 6, 2026NE

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Palisade. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V607000 (SEAT BELTS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced the failure.

20 of 533 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2020
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
2026114300Routine
2025244311Fatalities reported
2024385530Above average
2023398500Above average
2022305520Above average
2021434610Above average
2020 — this page533570Above average

Compare every Palisade year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jan 22, 2026. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.