Hyundai Palisade Complaints (2026)

136 consumer complaints on file.

#11728796April 2, 2026
SEAT BELTS, SEATS
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)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728760April 2, 2026
SEATS, SEAT BELTS
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)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728742April 2, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy, VIN [XXX] , purchased March 6, 2026 with under 2,200 miles at time of incident. SAFETY INCIDENT: While operating under adaptive cruise control at highway speed, the vehicle experienced sudden unintended acceleration followed by severely delayed braking response. At least three trailing vehicles were forced into emergency evasive action to avoid a multi-vehicle collision. Family members were present. This event represents a direct and immediate threat to the safety of vehicle occupants and the public. The root cause has not been definitively identified or resolved. The authorized dealership confirmed CAN-Bus resistance irregularities — 160 ohms versus the designed 120-ohm specification — governing acceleration, braking, and all driver assist systems. Prior symptoms included flickering interior lighting. An initial module replacement failed. Repair has escalated to full wiring harness replacement with no parts availability and no confirmed timeline. The safety event remains undiagnosed and unresolved. The vehicle carries three simultaneous active safety recalls — 293, 296, and 297 — all involving electrical and wiring systems on the Calligraphy trim exclusively. None have permanent remedies. The vehicle has been in dealer custody since March 21, 2026 and is available for inspection. Hyundai Motor America active case — No. XXX. This vehicle is not safe to operate. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728282March 31, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2026 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that the vehicle turned off on several occasions after the engine Auto START/STOP system was engaged. The vehicle was restarted and was taken to the dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. Additionally, upon starting the vehicle after the vehicle was refueled at a gas station, the check engine and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated, and the vehicle failed to respond while shifted to drive(D). The vehicle was towed to the contact's business. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed because there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 5,463.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11727839March 29, 2026
SEATS
Some time around November the third row seat didn’t close, so I opened it back up, didn’t see anything stopping it, hit the button again, and then it closed but I heard a crunching noise - I reopened to discover there was a plastic storage box that ended up getting completely crushed. I didn’t think much about it, not even after the recall, until this week. The same left side of third row was closed. I went to open it to get ready to pack out for spring break and it opened half way and got stuck at a 45 degree open angle. It wouldn’t close or open again. During this same time trying to figure it out, my teenager opened the driver side rear door to get into the rear seat to see if something was getting it stuck. At the same time I opened the driver door and the driver seat automatically started moving backwards like always, but with my teenager being the driver seat and her foot got stuck under the driver seat because that sensor as well in the front seat didn’t stop when she was behind it. I think it is beyond just the serving and third rows and the front toe doesn’t have a proper sensor either. This was Friday at 4:50. I immediately called my dealer to see if they could help us get something fixed so we could leave for spring break as planned the next day and they said managers were already gone for the day and told my Hyundai corp needed to handle and gave me that phone number. Hyundai Corp. opened a ticket for me, but said that this was definitely something the dealer would have to handle in regards to getting me a rental and any matter of recourse. I called my local dealer back who said that no one would be able to talk to me until Monday so we had to delay our spring break trip and we are still in limbo, wondering what is going to happen tomorrow. My Husband is absolutely refusing to put our family of four children in the car at this moment because of the safety issues unresolved.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11727601March 27, 2026
SEATS
My 9 year old daughter was sitting in middle row, as her sisters were getting in as well, the recliner button was pressed and she was being pinned against the front row seat. She wiggled her way out but suffers from Spina bifida and wears AFO braces for her feet. Her foot braces were caught and they snapped but luckily she was able to wiggle out.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11727124March 25, 2026
SEATS
Subject: Urgent Safety Complaint – Child Entrapment Due to Seat Malfunction – Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy On [XXX], my wife was picking up our two [XXX] children from school in our recently purchased Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy (purchased on [XXX]). Our daughter was properly seated in a booster seat in the second-row passenger seat next to my son. Without warning, the vehicle seat began to automatically fold forward and compress inward onto the child. The seat did not respond to any controls and continued closing despite my wife’s attempts to stop it. The force of the seat crushed the booster seat. My wife had to physically intervene and pull our daughter out while the seat continued to move. The seat ultimately locked in a compressed position and could not be reversed using any available controls. This incident caused extreme distress and posed a serious risk of severe injury or death to our child. A school staff member witnessed my wife’s distress immediately following the incident. Upon contacting Hyundai customer service, we were informed that Hyundai was already aware of this issue and that a recall had recently been issued. We were also told that there has already been at least one death associated with this defect. Despite this knowledge, we were not notified prior to this incident. We only received a recall-related communication after the event occurred. We attempted to bring the vehicle to a Hyundai dealership on March 25, 2026. The dealership had no record of our scheduled appointment, could not provide an immediate inspection, and did not offer a loaner vehicle despite the vehicle being unsafe for transporting children. We are no longer able to safely use this vehicle for our family. This complaint is being filed due to: •A critical safety defect involving automatic seat movement and child entrapment •Failure to adequately warn consumers of a known dangerous condition •Exposure of a mino INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11727043March 25, 2026
SEATS
The contact owns a 2026 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that while parked in the driveway, the seat adjustment feature on the second-row passenger side captain's seat failed to detect the presence of a minor occupant. As a result, the seat continued to move, causing compression of the child, who was ultimately able to slide out. The seat adjustment feature became inoperable. The contact stated that the minor occupant sustained a sore back. No medical treatment was obtained. No other injuries were sustained. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact is relating the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number 26V160000 (Seats). The failure occurred at 5,897 miles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11726845March 24, 2026
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle shifted into neutral while driving Myself and others were put into danger as I was on the highway with no warning
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11726721March 24, 2026
SEATS
On Saturday, March 14, 2026 we received a text message from Hyundai indicating there was a recall for the car. The message contained info stating to use caution when using the power seats. There were no instructions regarding what to do and no info regarding the need to contact the dealer. “Use caution” was the message given. A second message was received on March 16 at 8:56 PM with the same information but also stated there was “No remedy”. Again it was stated to “use caution”. (What is that exactly??). Please note the following incidents: On Monday, March 16 at 4 PM my husband was securing our [XXX] grandchild into the 3rd row seat to his carseat. He was in the backseat to strap him in when the 2nd row seat began to move backward and ultimately trap him. He was unable to get out. I was in the trunk area so I pushed the switch in the cargo area to push the seat forward. There was no response and the seat kept closing in on him. He was being crushed by the seat and his legs were pinned. He recently had a hip replacement. Our grandchild was being crushed with my husband on top of him. We were eventually able to move the seat forward off of my husband. Another grandchild was in a car seat in the second row. The second row seat started to fold down on top of her and I was unable to stop it. The rear facing carseat wedged her between the seats. She was trapped as well. Her legs were pushed up to her shoulders and she was crying. She weighs about 20 pounds. We were unable to move the seat off of her. The carseat remained wedged between the 1st and 2nd rows. We were able to pull her out of the carseat but were unable to get the seat to unfold. See photos That evening we watched the news and noted the story involving the death of a toddler who experienced a malfunction of the seats. Note when we first got the car on 12/22/25 the seats crushed a garbage can(Photo) We now realize why that happened. We contacted the dealer on 3/17, returned car 3/18. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMA
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11726643March 24, 2026
SEAT BELTS, SEATS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I am the owner of a 2026 Hyundai Palisade, purchased new less than 60 days ago. This vehicle is currently subject to a safety recall involving the 2nd and 3rd row power seat assemblies, which reportedly lack sufficient anti-pinch protection during certain seat adjustment functions, including automatic power-folding (stow) and the one-touch tilt-and-slide (“walk-in”) feature. We experienced this defect firsthand in our vehicle. During operation of the second-row seat adjustment feature, the seat continued moving without adequate resistance detection or automatic stop, indicating a failure of the anti-pinch protection system. This created a hazardous condition where an occupant could become trapped or injured by the moving seat mechanism. This issue is especially concerning because these seat functions are located in areas of the vehicle intended for passengers and children. We have an infant who will be occupying these seating areas, and this defect presents a direct safety risk. Since purchasing the vehicle, I have also become aware that this defect has been linked to multiple injuries and the death of a young child. Additionally, Hyundai has issued a stop-sale on affected vehicles, yet current owners are still expected to operate them without a confirmed repair available. At this time, no remedy has been completed on my vehicle, and I do not believe it is safe to operate given the nature of the defect and its location within the passenger seating area. I was told to ask the dealership for a loaner, which the dealership does not have. Additionally, Hyundai said they would cover $60/day in rental fees. A similarly-sized SUV in our area rents at $210/day - a payment discrepancy we cannot afford.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11726617March 24, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Component that malfunctioned - "Keep you eye on the road" On a 300 mile trip the alarm went off numerous times even though my eyes were on the road and at times it would disengage the Cruise Control. At highway speed when a car is following closely the disengage of the cruise control and a rapid reduction in speed could cause an accident. The dealer indicated that this system is controlled by software and a correction would likely come from the manufacturer.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11726560March 23, 2026
SEATS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On Friday, 1/30/26, My daughter, granddaughter and grandson were heading out of town and tried to lower the 3rd row seat on the driver's side to put our luggage in the back. My [XXX] granddaughter was buckled in the second row seat. The 2nd row seat button was pushed. My granddaughter started screaming about the seat coming down on her. We kept trying to stop it, it finally stopped (we were lucky). I ran to my granddaughter and she was completely squashed in the seat and could not get out. She is tiny, roughly 40 lbs, the opening was roughly 6" to 8". It was not easy but I was able to pull her out. We did not touch the button or try to move the seat until I arrived back home on Saturday night, 1/31/26. My husband pushed the button and was able to place the 2nd row seat back into place. This was really scarry and with all the sensors the Palisade has, I am not sure how this happened. Prior to purchasing this car, we did our research on the safety and reliability of 2026 SUV's. What is the length of time Hyundai has to recall and repair? This is really a liability to everyone. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11726296March 23, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The rear power-folding seat in my 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy failed to detect my child while closing. The seat continued applying force and did not automatically stop. I had to manually intervene to release her. This created a dangerous situation with risk of serious injury or death. This vehicle is currently under recall for this exact issue, and I have personally experienced the defect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11726133March 22, 2026
SEATS
I was vacuuming out my car with my children. I was on the passenger side and had the second row seat folded down so I could vacuum behind it. I hit a button on the side of the seat. As I was bent over the seat vacuuming still I didn’t realize it was autocorrecting to the full upright position. It did not detect me there and before I knew it I was being sandwiched between the seat back and side of the car. Thankfully because I am an adult and taller I rose up on my tip toes quickly as I was screaming for my children to help. But I didn’t have enough time to get out completely. My head was pinched between the second row seat head rest and the side of the car. I was panicking to find the button as my daughter came running over to find a button to free myself. My ears were red and sore and the side of my head was sore for a while. I’m terrified to think that if that was one of my children as they were helping me vacuum that they would not have been able to raise up tall enough to keep from having severe head trauma or that if the seat had gone back just a little further how seriously injured I may have been. I was traumatized for several days. Understanding that a child died now is just heartbreaking and scares me even more!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11726035March 21, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Error message Active Air Flap System The vehicle has 1,720 miles and there is no damage or debris that is causing the alarm to go off that is visible. The air flaps get stuck and don't automatically open and close correctly. I've searched forums and there are several other owners with the same error message.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11725912March 20, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Small rock chip in windshield and the next day it was already a long crack formed that is taking up the entire driver view. How this cracked after sitting in my garage overnight is beyond me. I have now been told by the dealership (Northwest Hyundai in Houston) that my dealer windshield coverage only covers up to $1,000 and the replacement is almost $1.900. he said there is no aftermarket options to get it for less. When I bought the car, they said the overage would cover the cost to replace the entire windshield if needed. (I know never buy the dealer add on, but it was a crunch situation to get the car I needed, and I got it for MSRP with the dealer add ons anyways so figured hey if something happens at least I dont have to pay for a new windshield.... welp-- didnt expect to deal with a chip during into a long crack over night.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11725904March 20, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEATS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While on/idol, the 3rd row seat (left/drivers side) folded down on my 9 year old niece. Myself, mother, 6 year old daughter, sister in law, brother and 12 year old niece all witnessed this happen as we were loading into the car after playing at the park (I had the car turned on). Her head got pinned to the headrest of the 2nd row captain seat. The buttons did not respond as they usually/supposed to do to stop and reverse the folding action. The seat continued to press against her skull. After realizing the buttons in the cargo were not going to work, I had an idea and ran to the 2nd row door and pressed the captain seat button to slide it forward (my child was in that captain seat in a rear facing carseat). It wasn't able to move much but enough that the trapped girl was able to force her head out and her mom pulled her the rest of the way out to release her. It was very traumatizing. That 3rd row seat remained in that almost closed position as the buttons still would not function so we drove home. Eventually I tried the buttons in the again and it unfolded the seat. I have tested these buttons over and over since then to figure out what happened. Every time I test them, each button allows me to either release it and the action stops, or press the button again and the action stops. I do not know why it wouldn't respond to doing that same that day. Prior to that incident, sometime between getting the car on 7/31 and mid-November, I had an empty unbuckled backless booster car seat in the third row right/passenger side as a backup for daughters friends to use, and without remembering it was there, I pressed the button to fold down the 3rd row right side chair and it kept stopping and auto reversing, several times before I realized oh ya, the booster is back there. So when the innocent happened with my niece, it came as a big surprise because that booster weighs nothing compared to a 9 year old. It has not happened again
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11725879March 20, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEATS, ENGINE
Rear passenger captain chairs and third row bench do not respond to occupancy when folding. I have dogs who I put in the cargo area with the third row down. My dogs are prone to move and bump buttons which has caused one or both captains chairs to move forward when loading them into the vehicle. Hyundai is aware of the problem and a temporary remedy is pending. There were no warning lights or messages prior. From a complete stop acceleration is intermittently jerky until a speed over 30mph is achieved. This is likely to do with the engine but I’m unsure if that’s the only component involved. Safety has not been at risk yet because it still accelerates but in a very jerky manner. Definitely has caused anxiety wondering if/when it will get worse. There have been no warning lights or notifications prior to this happening.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11725344March 18, 2026
SEATS
The contact owns a 2026 Hyundai Palisade. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number (AWAITING1), Manufacturer Recall Number: 296 (SEATS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the 2nd and 3rd row power seats failed to adjust as needed. The contact was concerned that small children may be injured due to the seats not operating properly. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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