Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government
holds on this vehicle.
Owners have filed 537 safety complaints
about the 2020 Hyundai Palisade with the US government. Of those, 13 describe a crash, 7 mention a fire, 16 people were injured and no death is recorded. 5 recall campaigns are open against it.
The most complained-about system is the engine,
named in 132 complaints, 25% of the total.
The typical failure was reported at 4,500 miles,
the median across the 163
complaints that gave
an odometer reading.
Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files
· Covers August 2019 to September 2026 · How this is counted
What is on file
537 complaints on file
537
Complaints
13
Describe a crash
7
Mention fire
16
People injured
0
Deaths
A complaint is an unverified account by the person who filed it, not a
finding of fault. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts
them.
Complaints rose 49% year on year: 130 in the twelve months to 2026-Q2, against 87 in the twelve before.
A recall is the manufacturer conceding a defect, and the repair is free.
Whether one covers your particular car is a question only its VIN can
answer, because a campaign covers a production range rather than a
model year.
Which system owners named
Complaints naming each system
ENGINE 132 · 25%
132 25%
VISIBILITY/WIPER 114 · 21%
114 21%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 85 · 16%
85 16%
SUSPENSION 61 · 11%
61 11%
SEAT BELTS 51 · 9%
51 9%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 45 · 8%
45 8%
POWER TRAIN 40 · 7%
40 7%
STRUCTURE 26 · 5%
26 5%
AIR BAGS 25 · 5%
25 5%
VISIBILITY 18 · 3%
18 3%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 17 · 3%
17 3%
SEATS 15 · 3%
15 3%
054108
Red marks a system with a recall campaign against it.
One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 537.
When the complaints arrived
By the year NHTSA received them
By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures
happened. They peaked in 2025 at 119.
128 96 64 32
192019202020212021222022232023242024252025262026
This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure
happened. The range runs from 2019 to 2026, the last of them a part year, which is why its column is drawn faint.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA crashes a car into a barrier and a pole and measures what
happens to the dummies inside. This is what it awarded the 2020 Hyundai PALISADE, and it is a separate
question from what owners report going wrong later.
Test
SUV AWD
SUV FWD
Overall
Frontal crash
Frontal, driver
Frontal, passenger
Side crash
Side barrier
Side pole
Rollover
Chance of rollover
14.3%
15.9%
Stability control standard Forward collision warning standard Lane departure warning standard
A rating belongs to a tested body style and drivetrain, not to the model as a whole, which is why more than one is listed.
A dash means NHTSA did not rate that test for this vehicle.
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."
The risk
Improper side curtain air bag deployment increases the risk of injury during a crash.
The 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.
Hyundai Motor America · up to 568,576 vehicles across all model years covered
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.
The risk
Seat belt buckles that fail to latch may not properly restrain occupants in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The 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.
Hyundai Motor America · up to 568,580 vehicles across all model years covered
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.
The risk
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The 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.
Hyundai Motor America · up to 244,980 vehicles across all model years covered
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Palisade vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may become inoperative, causing the wipers to fail.
The risk
Windshield wiper failure can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Hyundai Motor America · up to 122,949 vehicles across all model years covered
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
19V802000 · November 7, 2019
The 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.
The risk
Damaged side curtain air bags may not inflate properly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The 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.
Hyundai Motor America · up to 11,217 vehicles across all model years covered
Defect investigations
1 on file
An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A
preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering
analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.
Inadvertent Seat Belt Unlatch
PE24021
Closed preliminary evaluation · opened August 7, 2024 · closed December 12, 2025 · led to recall 25V607
the seat belts
On August 7, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE24021 to investigate complaints alleging inadvertent unlatching of seat belts in model year (MY) 2020-2023 Hyundai Palisade vehicles manufactured by Hyundai Motor America. The complaints alleged that, without warning, the seat belts sometimes inadvertently unlatch, increasing the risk of injury due to full loss of seat belt protection in the event of a crash. As a result of information exchanged as part of the investigation, on April 3, 2025, Hyundai initiated a warranty extension policy for seat belt buckles on model year 2020-2025 Palisade vehicles in the U.S. and Canada. Hyundai subsequently initiated a request for warranty parts returns to support further analysis by the buckle supplier, ZF Lifetec. The warranty extension (reference “Z06”) noted that certain 2020 – 2025 model year Palisade vehicles may experience abnormal seat belt buckle(s) operation. Hyundai extended the warranty coverage for the seat belt buckle under this condition to 15 years/150,000 miles (whichever occurs first) from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use. This action is valid for original and subsequent owners. On September 11, 2025, Hyundai filed recall 25V-607 for certain 2020-2025 Hyundai Palisade vehicles. Hyundai explained in its recall filing that the subject vehicles are equipped with seat belt buckle assemblies in the front row and second row outer seating positions that may contain out-of-specification components manufactured by the supplier. These components can cause interference within the latch channel, potentially increasing friction, particularly under cold ambient temperatures. Improperly produced seat belt buckles, combined with slow insertion of the seat belt tongue plate, may prevent the seat belt buckle from fully latching. The recall remedy is currently under development. In view of Hyundai’s recall action, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation, but will continue to monitor the issue as a remedy is developed and implemented. ODI will take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
In owners’ own words
Quoted from the complaint file
Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the
people who filed them, not findings of fault.
AIR BAGS
3 injured · crash · towed
I was involved In an accident, where the vehicle went into a ditch ( the ditch is deeper than 5 feet) and hit all the front and passenger side of the vehicle and only the steering wheel and legs of the driver airbags deployed, no other airbag deployed not the curtain airbag, not the front passenger. NON, ONLY DRIVERS LEG AND STERLING WHEEL.
NHTSA complaint 11523895. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
AIR BAGS
3 injured · crash · towed
Vehicle was in an accident. Impact was at driver front fender. Driver side curtain air bags deployed. Car spun after impact and went into the woods stopping when it hit a tree. Front and passenger airbags did not deploy.
NHTSA complaint 11688262. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 injured · crash · towed
I was driving through town at a low rate of speed (20-30 mph) with 2-3 car lengths between me and the next vehicle. I continued through light to next light. This distance was on an upward incline. After traveling approximately 500 ft, I noticed the traffic slowing in front of me and took my foot off the accelerator to start to slow down. This is when the car suddenly accelerated (instead of slowing down as would be expected when traveling up an incline), picking up speed quickly. The car's response happened so quickly that I was unable to swerve to avoid hitting the car in front of me. I hit the car in front of me that was slowing down at the light which then subsequently hit several other …
NHTSA complaint 11695696, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
VISIBILITY
2 injured · crash · towed · 61,450 miles
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated while driving 30-35 MPH in a snowstorm, with his son in the front passenger's seat, another vehicle drove by the driver's side of the vehicle and sprayed a significant amount of snow on the vehicle, and the windshield wipers seized. The contact then lost visibility of the roadway and slowed down. The vehicle was rear-ended by another vehicle. Both the contact and his son sustained back injuries but did not received medical assistance. The contact was unsure whether the other driver had sustained an injury. A police report was filed. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an auto body …
NHTSA complaint 11545494, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
SUSPENSION
There is pre-mature failure of the rear shocks/struts. Vehicle is a 2020 Hyundai Palisade Limited with 70,000 miles on it. Normal wear and tear with no excessive use and never towed anything. Hyundai dealerships are backed up for service appointments. I was finally able to get in for an appointment, and they confirmed pre-mature shocks/struts failure but parts are on back order. The dealership states the vehicle is "safe to drive" but I am concerned. We are a family of [XXX] and are worried about a bad outcome with all the extra bounce in the car on [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint 11767357. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ENGINE
My 2020 Hyundai Palisade (3.8L V6) has a persistent engine defect causing sudden stalling and severe oil consumption. Since mid-2019 the engine has stalled without warning when coming to a stop, idled roughly, and made loud puttering noises under light acceleration — a loss-of-power hazard in traffic. In 2026 the dealer began formal oil consumption testing. Although 1,000-mile checks were marked 'passed,' the engine was found completely dry (dipstick showed no oil) at 2,000 miles — 3.5 quarts low on a 6.1-quart system. On 09/02/2026 the vehicle FAILED an official oil consumption test at Hyundai of Kirkland and was held for service. The dealer performed a carbon-cleaning procedure, but the …
NHTSA complaint 11766809, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ENGINE
Defect & Safety Hazard: Severe internal manufacturing defect causing catastrophic engine oil consumption and sudden, un-warned engine stalling. The vehicle completely shuts down at highway speeds, on inclines, and at stops. This sudden loss of motive power deactivates power steering and braking assists, creating an immediate multi-vehicle collision risk. No low-oil or dashboard indicators illuminate prior to stalling, stripping the driver of any ability to take proactive safety measures. Indisputable Failure Data: Between 99,xxx miles (under warranty) and 103,xxx miles, the engine consumed 5.5 quarts of oil over a 3,000-mile interval. This equals an extreme burn rate of 1.83 quarts per …
NHTSA complaint 11766548, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ENGINE
I am reporting severe and recurring oil consumption in my 2020 Hyundai Palisade that could cause engine damage, engine seizure, stalling, or a sudden loss of power while driving. On April 14, 2026, at approximately 89,950 miles, an authorized Hyundai dealership documented that the engine had consumed approximately 1.3 quarts of oil in only 1,275 miles, equivalent to approximately one quart every 982 miles. The vehicle failed Hyundai’s initial oil-consumption test. Hyundai then authorized a combustion-chamber cleaning. On May 12, 2026, at 91,087 miles, the dealership completed the follow-up test and stated that the vehicle passed at that time. On September 14, 2026, at 95,512 miles, I …
NHTSA complaint 11765325, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
SEAT BELTS
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 …
NHTSA complaint 11764865, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ENGINE
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, …
NHTSA complaint 11764275, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's
lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. How
many repair attempts it takes, and how long you have to file, is set by
the state you bought in and by nothing on this page.
Complaints: NHTSA's ODI
complaint file, published October 2, 2026. One
complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.
Recalls: NHTSA's recall
campaign API, newest campaign on this vehicle filed January 23, 2026.
Investigations: NHTSA's ODI
investigation file, published October 2, 2026.
A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by
us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that
sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.
G
Compiled and maintained by guarledes Independent developer and analyst