This page covers 7 recalls, 395 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2021 Hyundai Palisade.
21–22 mpg combined
10.7–11.2 L/100km
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Seat belt complaints dominate the 2021 Palisade owner reports by a wide margin, with many owners describing belts that fail to retract, lock up unexpectedly, or feel sluggish and resistant to normal use. Visibility and wiper issues make up the second-largest group, with owners reporting wiper performance problems and backup camera warnings failing to trigger, several owners describe the rear camera displaying an image but producing no proximity alerts while reversing. A smaller cluster of engine complaints involves behavior following an emissions software update, where owners say engine braking on downhill grades feels significantly reduced compared to before, requiring heavier reliance on the foot brake to manage speed. A handful of reports also describe brake pedal response feeling stiff or unresponsive during hard stops, sometimes alongside the forward collision avoidance system not engaging as expected.
395
Total Complaints
6
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
8
With Injuries
By System
The 2021 Hyundai Palisade has 7 recalls, the most serious involving the tow hitch harness, where moisture and debris on the circuit board can cause an electrical short and start a fire while the vehicle is parked or in motion.
On the safety equipment side, seat belt buckles in the driver, front passenger, and second-row window seats can fail to latch, leaving occupants unrestrained in a crash. The side curtain airbags protecting third-row passengers may also deploy improperly in a crash, raising the risk of ejection. Brake fluid contamination is another concern: the fluid can degrade seals inside the brake master cylinder, causing the brake pedal to feel soft or low and extending stopping distances. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve this issue, and it is covered by more than one recall campaign. On the visibility side, the windshield wiper motor can fail outright or operate intermittently, particularly when snow or ice builds up on the windshield, leaving the driver without a clear view in wet or wintry conditions.
At a glance
What can fail
The side curtain air bags protecting third-row passengers may deploy incorrectly during a crash, reducing protection from ejection.
What the fix does
Dealers will install protective film over the rear window and remove padding as needed to correct air bag deployment.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The seat belt buckles in the driver, passenger, and second-row window seats may fail to latch, preventing the belt from securing properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the seat belt buckle assemblies at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Snow or ice buildup on the windshield can cause the windshield wiper motor to operate intermittently or stop working entirely.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the driver-side windshield wiper arm at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Debris and moisture can collect on the tow hitch harness circuit board, causing an electrical short that may start a fire.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a new fuse and wire extension kit at no cost to prevent the electrical short.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The windshield wiper motor may stop working, leaving wipers unable to function.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver-side windshield wiper arm at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Brake fluid contamination can cause the master cylinder seals to swell, reducing braking performance.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder and flush the brake fluid at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Brake fluid may be contaminated, damaging seals in the brake master cylinder and reducing braking performance. This can cause increased brake pedal travel and a soft or low-feeling pedal.
What the fix does
Dealers will flush the brake fluid and replace the brake master cylinder.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
