NHTSA (USA)Medium Risk
At a glance
What can fail
This page covers 5 recalls, 75 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2026 Hyundai Palisade.
20–31 mpg combined
7.6–11.8 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 4 tested variants for this model year.
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade received an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program for US-market vehicles. In detailed testing, the Palisade earned 4 stars for frontal crash protection, 5 stars for side crash protection, and 4 stars for rollover resistance. The vehicle also achieved 5 stars in side pole crash testing. NHTSA applies these ratings across model years until a significant redesign occurs, so this assessment covers the 2026 Palisade.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2026 Palisade centers on the powered seat system, which accounts by far for the largest share of owner reports. Owners across multiple complaints describe the second- and third-row powered seats malfunctioning, specifically the fold, stow, and walk-in functions failing or seats becoming stuck in a fixed position, in some cases making the vehicle difficult or unsafe to operate. Seatbelt indicators are a related thread, with owners reporting that the system incorrectly shows buckled belts as unbuckled or vice versa, leaving drivers unsure of actual belt status. The electrical system is the second most-reported area, where owners describe unexpected battery drain and complete no-start events with no prior warning. Forward collision avoidance draws a smaller but notable cluster of complaints, with owners describing unintended or erratic system behavior.
75
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
10
With Injuries
By System
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade has 5 recalls, the most serious affecting Limited and Calligraphy trims where rear power seats can fail to detect a person in their path and continue moving, trapping a child or adult and raising the risk of serious injury.
The power seat detection issue covers both second and third-row seats during one-touch tilt-and-slide and automatic fold-and-stow functions, and prior filings in multiple jurisdictions describe the same defect, so owners should be aware this problem has been documented thoroughly. On the instrument panel side, a software error can cause the display to go blank entirely, taking the speedometer and warning lights with it and leaving the driver without critical information while the vehicle is moving. There are also two related concerns tied to the third-row driver-side seat belt buckle on Limited and Calligraphy trims: internal wiring in that buckle can be damaged when the buckle is pulled, causing the instrument panel to show the seat belt as fastened even when it is not. A driver or passenger relying on that indicator would have no warning that the occupant behind them is unbelted, which raises injury risk in a crash. Both the seat belt indicator recalls describe the same underlying wiring problem in the same buckle location, so the core issue is a single point of failure with two documented filings behind it.
At a glance
What can fail
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 3 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 →
The wiring inside the third-row driver-side seat belt buckle can become damaged, causing the instrument panel to constantly show that the seat belt is fastened even when it isn't.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a wiring harness extension and replace the seat belt assembly as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The wiring for the third-row left seat belt buckle can become damaged when pulled, causing the dashboard indicator to incorrectly show the belt is fastened when it isn't.
What the fix does
A dealership will install a wiring harness extension and replace the seat belt buckle assembly if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The second and third row power seats may not detect a person in their path. The seat can continue moving after touching someone during powered functions like one-touch tilt-and-slide or automatic power fold-and-stow.
What the fix does
The seat controller and audio, visual, navigation software will be updated over-the-air or at a dealer at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The power folding seats in rows 2 and 3 may not detect objects in their path. The seats could continue moving even if something blocks them.
What the fix does
Hyundai will send a software update wirelessly or through a dealership to fix the seat detection system. A final repair solution is being developed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error in the instrument panel display may cause it to fail, preventing the display from functioning properly.
What the fix does
The instrument panel display software will be updated for free either over-the-air or at a Hyundai dealer.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
