HYUNDAI PALISADE · model year

2021 HYUNDAI PALISADE

439 NHTSA complaints, 7 crash reports, and 6 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

5 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2021HYUNDAIPALISADE carries 439 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 7 crashes, 3 fires, 7 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 5/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2021 PALISADE is seat belts with 92 filings, followed by unknown or other (64) and visibility/wiper (45). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 6 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 2 investigation files overlapping the 2021 PALISADE. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

439
Complaints
7
Crashes
3
Fires
7
Injuries
0
Deaths
2021 HYUNDAI PALISADE — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2021 HYUNDAI PALISADE. Overall composite: 5.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 5.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 5.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 5.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

439 filings

Crashes Reported

7 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 5/5 — Top NCAP rating · Front: 5/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
SEAT BELTS92
UNKNOWN OR OTHER64
VISIBILITY/WIPER45
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM37
ENGINE33
SUSPENSION28
POWER TRAIN17
STRUCTURE:BODY14
TRAILER HITCHES13
STEERING11
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY7
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING6
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS6
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING6
SERVICE BRAKES6

Recalls (6)

21V84000027/10/2021

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021 Palisade vehicles. The brake fluid may be contaminated, which can cause the brake master cylinder inner-cup seals to swell, and reduce braking performance.

26V03400023/01/2026

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN

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 Mi

22V63300018/08/2022

TRAILER HITCHES

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 (

23V18000017/03/2023

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Palisade vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may operate intermittently or fail to operate due to snow or ice buildup on the windshield, causing the wipers to fail.

22V62700015/08/2022

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Palisade vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may become inoperative, causing the wipers to fail.

25V60700012/09/2025

SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

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.

Recent Complaints

20260216SEAT BELTS

I'm just realizing this is a recall. I have not been notified by mail. My second row passenger seatbelt does not always lock. I have been getting on my children thinking it was them. Also I have not been contacted about the third row head space issue. So I'm wanting to get me complaint online

20260216ENGINE

Engine burning 6qts in less than 3k miles of driving. Aside from that, the engine light does not always illuminate to tell me it is low. Now i watch monthly and add oil as needed

20260203POWER TRAIN

My vehicle is burning oil at an excessive rate causing vibration when the oil is nearly depleted and an unsafe driving condition. The vehicle will burn nearly all the oil in approximately 1000 miles. This has happened repeatedly. It is widely known amongst Palisade owners and the subject of numerous online posts. In addition, the dealership has acknowledged widespread issues with an oil burning problem.

20260130ENGINE

I bought my vehicle almost 2 years ago with 30K miles on it. In December 2025, the car started stalling and wouldn’t run properly. I took it into the dealership and they stated that the engine was burning oil. This was at 90K miles. Hyundai refuses to fix the motor issue because I’m not the original owner. This issue would have started even before the 90K miles because the vehicle had almost used all its oil in between the normal oil change interval. They did a sludge clean and we checked the oil again after 1500 miles and it had already used over a quart of oil.

20260128ENGINE

Oil filter housing leak. Does not impact oil levels but more notable during cold weather as the ring tends to shrink.

20260112SUSPENSION

Early issues at 56,000 miles with rear shock suspension causing excessive bouncing. Read this is common and can happen multiple times

20260112WHEELS

Early issues at 56,000 miles with rear shock suspension causing excessive bouncing. Read this is common and can happen multiple times

20260108ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The contact stated that the failure recurred intermittently while driving 45-55 MPH. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that upon coming to a complete stop, the steering wheel seized. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact resumed driving; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 20 MPH and was jumping while experiencing electrical failures. The vehicle was driven to the residence and parked; however, the vehicle failed to lock or to detect the key fob. The contact stated that the vehicle was inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.

Mileage: 102,000

20260108STEERING

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The contact stated that the failure recurred intermittently while driving 45-55 MPH. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that upon coming to a complete stop, the steering wheel seized. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact resumed driving; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 20 MPH and was jumping while experiencing electrical failures. The vehicle was driven to the residence and parked; however, the vehicle failed to lock or to detect the key fob. The contact stated that the vehicle was inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.

Mileage: 102,000

20260108ENGINE

Vehicle experienced engine failure previously and received a Hyundai-installed replacement engine in February 2025. Replacement engine is now setting DTC P000A00 – Intake Camshaft Position Slow Response (Bank 1). Hyundai dealership master technician confirmed excessive variance between commanded and actual cam timing, indicating a VVT / cam timing failure controlled by oil and actuators. Hyundai is refusing to cover diagnosis and repair under replacement engine warranty and is requiring customer-paid tear-down despite fault originating within the engine assembly. Concern is for internal engine timing failure that may lead to engine damage or loss of power. This appears consistent with known Hyundai engine timing and oil control issues

20260108POWER TRAIN

Vehicle experienced engine failure previously and received a Hyundai-installed replacement engine in February 2025. Replacement engine is now setting DTC P000A00 – Intake Camshaft Position Slow Response (Bank 1). Hyundai dealership master technician confirmed excessive variance between commanded and actual cam timing, indicating a VVT / cam timing failure controlled by oil and actuators. Hyundai is refusing to cover diagnosis and repair under replacement engine warranty and is requiring customer-paid tear-down despite fault originating within the engine assembly. Concern is for internal engine timing failure that may lead to engine damage or loss of power. This appears consistent with known Hyundai engine timing and oil control issues

20260106TIRES:SIDEWALL

Both front tires have to be replaced due to cracking along the outer circumferential area where the sidewall meets the treads. Tire size 245-50R-20.

20251222POWER TRAIN

The vehicle experienced premature transmission failure, including torque converter clutch malfunction, hesitation, jerking at speeds between 30–35 mph and 50–60 mph, and drivability issues. Diagnostic indicators are consistent with widespread complaints from other Hyundai Palisade owners. This failure presents a potential safety concern due to unpredictable vehicle response, hesitation during acceleration, and reduced control during highway driving. Dealer / Manufacturer Response: Hyundai Motor America requires an authorized dealer to submit a warranty or goodwill claim for review. The servicing dealer, Reliable Hyundai (Springfield, Missouri), has refused to submit the claim, preventing evaluation and resolution. This issue appears to be a known defect affecting multiple vehicles of the same model year. I am submitting this complaint to assist NHTSA in identifying patterns that may warrant investigation or recall action.

20251221ENGINE

The engine failed due to excessive oil consumption/internal oil loss. The engine is currently installed in the vehicle and available for inspection upon request. The issue began while the vehicle was under warranty and has progressed to the point where engine replacement has been recommended. Ongoing oil loss and engine malfunction created a risk of sudden engine failure or loss of power while driving, which could lead to stalling or reduced ability to safely control the vehicle. This presents a safety risk to the occupants and other motorists, especially at highway speeds. Yes. The issue was confirmed by an authorized Hyundai dealership through oil consumption monitoring, diagnostic testing, and inspection after the check engine light illuminated. Hyundai has acknowledged the problem by authorizing testing, attempting repairs, and recommending engine replacement. Yes. The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized Hyundai dealership, and the issue has been reviewed by Hyundai Motor

20251217POWER TRAIN

The oil filter housing cracked and leaked engine oil at mileage 74992.

20251215CrashAIR BAGS

A car attempted to make a left hand turn across our lane of traffic. We didn't have any chance to break to avoid the collision and all front airbags were deployed. The front passenger airbag didn't seem to deploy properly and seems that it inflated upwards to the windshield and not toward the passenger. The windshield was shattered by the airbags sending glass into the passenger compartment.

20251208ENGINE

My vehicle experienced a sudden and immediate loss of motive power due to a catastrophic internal engine failure, creating a severe road safety hazard. While driving and attempting to accelerate or merge, the vehicle exhibits extreme hesitation, severe misfiring on cylinder #2, and rough, unstable idling. This unexpected loss of drive power made the vehicle unpredictable and unsafe to operate under normal driving conditions, significantly increasing the risk of a crash. The vehicle is currently at the Hyundai dealership (Fox Ann Arbor Hyundai) for diagnosis. The dealer has confirmed and documented the following internal mechanical defects at only 86,000 miles: Compression loss in cylinder #2. Cylinder wall scoring and pitting. Evidence of blow-by and heavy carbon buildup in the combustion chamber. Misfire and rough idle. Oil consumption as a result of the cylinder failure. This failure is a premature mechanical defect, not normal wear. Failures of this nature (sudden loss of mo

20251208POWER TRAIN

My vehicle experienced a sudden and immediate loss of motive power due to a catastrophic internal engine failure, creating a severe road safety hazard. While driving and attempting to accelerate or merge, the vehicle exhibits extreme hesitation, severe misfiring on cylinder #2, and rough, unstable idling. This unexpected loss of drive power made the vehicle unpredictable and unsafe to operate under normal driving conditions, significantly increasing the risk of a crash. The vehicle is currently at the Hyundai dealership (Fox Ann Arbor Hyundai) for diagnosis. The dealer has confirmed and documented the following internal mechanical defects at only 86,000 miles: Compression loss in cylinder #2. Cylinder wall scoring and pitting. Evidence of blow-by and heavy carbon buildup in the combustion chamber. Misfire and rough idle. Oil consumption as a result of the cylinder failure. This failure is a premature mechanical defect, not normal wear. Failures of this nature (sudden loss of mo

20251123ENGINE

I started smelling coolant fumes in my vehicle. Upon inspecting the coolant reservoir, I noticed it was empty. Upon inspecting the radiator itself, I noticed that some of the coolant was leaking. Fumes associated with the leaked liquid touching hot parts in the engine were entering the vehicle cabin. I noticed there was a technical bulletin regarding this issue for Hyundai Palisades. I informed the dealer as well as Hyundai corporate. Despite the technical bulletin, both entities ignored my issue and said it was not covered under warranty. In addition to potentially impacting the engine (if the coolant runs out), I believe the fumes are toxic and pose a serious health risk to passengers. As this seems to be a well known problem, I believe it needs to result in a recall (and not a technical bulletin).

20251121SUSPENSION

I have a popping noise coming from the rear driver side suspension and it rides rough. I have been told by Hyundai that my rear shocks are leaking and from a different shop that my rear shock mount and absorber are causing the noise.

Compare 2021HYUNDAIPALISADE to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2021 HYUNDAI PALISADE have?
The 2021 HYUNDAI PALISADE has 439 NHTSA complaints, 7 crashes, 3 fires, 7 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2021 HYUNDAI PALISADE?
The 2021 HYUNDAI PALISADE received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 5/5, front crash rating of 5/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2021 HYUNDAI PALISADE?
Yes, the 2021 HYUNDAI PALISADE has 6 recall(s). The most common affected component is SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 HYUNDAI PALISADE?
The most-complained component for the 2021 HYUNDAI PALISADE is SEAT BELTS with 92 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include UNKNOWN OR OTHER and VISIBILITY/WIPER.
Is the 2021 HYUNDAI PALISADE safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2021 HYUNDAI PALISADE has an NHTSA safety rating of 5/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.