2020 Hyundai Palisade
Safety ratings, recalls, and consumer complaints from NHTSA
NHTSA Safety Ratings
2020 Hyundai Palisade SUV AWD
- Overall
- ★★★★★
- Front Crash
- ★★★★★
- Side Crash
- ★★★★★
- Rollover
- ★★★★☆
2020 Hyundai Palisade SUV FWD
- Overall
- ★★★★★
- Front Crash
- ★★★★★
- Side Crash
- ★★★★★
- Rollover
- ★★★★☆
Recalls(5)
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
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.
Campaign: 19V802000
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.
Campaign: 22V627000
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 (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
Campaign: 22V633000
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.
Campaign: 25V607000
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 Mitigation."
Campaign: 26V034000
Consumer Complaints(533 total, showing 10)
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 were unavailable. Hyundai Motor America has since confirmed in writing that the required parts are back-ordered. Hyundai states that a set has been assigned to my vehicle, but there is currently no estimated time of arrival. Approximately one year after this safety recall was initiated, my affected vehicle remains unrepaired despite the seat belt defect having actually occurred while driving. I am concerned about safely transporting my family while waiting indefinitely for the required repair.
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, severe overheating, or immediate stalling while in motion. A sudden loss of propulsion while driving in heavy traffic or at highway speeds places myself, my passengers, and other drivers at risk of a serious collision. Furthermore, the lack of an early warning sensor or dashboard indicator for low oil volume means the driver is left entirely unaware of the hazard until the engine begins to fail. Hyundai is well aware of this widespread oil-burning defect in their V6 engines, yet because my vehicle has reached 160,000 miles, they refuse to provide any diagnostic support, remedy, or warranty assistance. I am requesting that the NHTSA open a formal investigation into the 2020 Hyundai Palisade engine oil consumption defect to compel the manufacturer to issue a safety recall before a catastrophic stalling event causes a fatal accident.
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I do not understand how Hyundai can approve its required testing process, have the vehicle fail that test, and then deny the engine replacement resulting from those findings. This is unfair and raises serious concerns about how Hyundai is applying its warranty procedures.Hyundai’s published oil-consumption procedures establish a process for diagnosing excessive oil consumption and determining when further repairs, including engine replacement, may be warranted. I am requesting that Hyundai explain exactly what requirement my vehicle allegedly failed to meet and provide documentation supporting the denial.I am requesting that Hyundai reverse the denial and fully cover the necessary engine replacement under warranty. I also request a complete review of my maintenance history, repair records, oil-consumption test results, diagnostics, and the dealership’s submission. This vehicle has been properly maintained and has only approximately 80,000 miles. I purchased it expecting a reliable vehicle that would last many years. An engine developing excessive oil consumption at this mileage is unacceptable, and I believe Hyundai should stand behind its product and warranty obligations.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am reporting a serious safety defect involving the A/C system on my 2020 Hyundai Palisade. The A/C system has failed due to a manufacturer acknowledged defect in the compressor pulley and hub assembly. Hyundai has issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSB 21‑HA‑003H, 24‑HA‑003H, 25‑HA‑003H / 003H‑1) documenting this exact failure pattern. These TSBs confirm Hyundai is aware of widespread A/C failures in this model. Despite acknowledging the defect in writing, Hyundai has refused to repair the vehicle, citing “time in service and mileage,” even though the failure is directly tied to a known defective component. This refusal leaves a safety‑critical defect unaddressed. This is not a comfort issue. This vehicle is used for medical transportation of a medically needy child who requires strict temperature regulation. Loss of A/C in Florida heat creates a dangerous and medically hazardous environment inside the vehicle. The cabin temperature rises rapidly, creating a risk of heat‑related medical complications. This is a clear safety hazard, not a cosmetic or convenience problem. The A/C failure is sudden, unpredictable, and cannot be mitigated by the driver. The defect results in: Complete loss of cooling in high‑heat conditions Inability to maintain medically safe cabin temperatures Documented component failure acknowledged by Hyundai Manufacturer refusal to correct a known defect Increased risk of medical harm to a vulnerable passenger Hyundai’s denial of assistance despite multiple TSBs proving the defect demonstrates a failure to address a safety related mechanical issue that directly impacts occupant health. This defect should be investigated as a potential widespread safety problem affecting 2020 Hyundai Palisade vehicles. I am requesting NHTSA’s review and investigation into this defect due to the significant safety risk, the manufacturer’s documented knowledge, and the potential for medical harm caused by the failure of the A/C system.
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
On August 14, 2026, while driving and decelerating, I heard a knocking sound from the engine and the vehicle had difficulty downshifting. As the transmission shifted from second gear to first, the engine stalled immediately and the vehicle dropped into neutral while on the roadway. I lost propulsion in traffic. The vehicle behind me nearly rear-ended us due to the sudden stall. My children were in the vehicle. All dashboard warning lights illuminated at the moment of the stall. I was able to restart the engine and move the vehicle slowly, in first gear only, into a nearby parking lot. The check engine light came on at that restart and has remained on since. The vehicle sat parked and off for approximately 90 minutes. Before restarting, I checked the engine oil level and it was within the normal range. On startup, my children and I both heard a loud knocking sound and noticed an unusual smell, and the engine idled roughly while in Park. I drove approximately 15 minutes home with the rough idle continuing. On arrival the vehicle smelled hot, with a burning odor, although the temperature gauge read approximately mid-scale and was not in the high range. The check engine light remained on and the oil level was again confirmed to be within range. The vehicle has been out of service since the incident and is currently at a dealership awaiting diagnosis. This is a 2020 Hyundai Palisade with approximately 93,000 miles at the time of failure. A sudden loss of motive power in a travel lane is a safety defect.
ENGINE
My 2020 Hyundai Palisade (3.8L GDI Lambda II V6) consumes engine oil at a rate that empties the crankcase between scheduled oil changes, with no warning lamp illuminating before the oil is gone. This creates a risk of engine seizure and sudden loss of motive power in traffic. The vehicle has repeatedly run rough and felt as though it would stall when slowing or stopping. On 3/10/2025 at 57,026 miles I brought it to a Hyundai dealer because it felt like it was about to stall at traffic lights. The technician found no measurable oil on the dipstick, 4.5 quarts low, and found the camshafts out of time as a result. On 11/25/2025 at 69,851 miles the oil light flickered and the engine ran rough and stuttered. The dealer checked the dipstick and again found no oil on it at all. This was only 5,614 miles after a documented oil and filter change performed by that same dealer. No warning illuminated until the crankcase was already effectively empty, which I consider inadequate warning of imminent engine failure. Consumption has continued and worsened: 1 quart low at 77,202 miles (4/22/2026), 1.5 quarts low at 81,350 (5/14/2026), and 1.2 quarts low at 82,927 (8/11/2026), the last only 1,577 miles after an oil change. Hyundai TSB 23-EM-008H sets the failure threshold at 1 quart per 1,000 miles for all gasoline engines. The dealer twice billed Hyundai operation code 21000FCC, which that bulletin defines as payable only after an initial oil consumption test result of NG (failed). Two combustion chamber cleanings were performed at Hyundai's expense (1/2026 and 5/2026). Neither resolved the consumption. On 5/14/2026 the dealer submitted a request to Hyundai Motor America to replace the engine. Hyundai denied it verbally and has provided no written decision, case number, or reason. This is our family's primary vehicle and remains in service. I must check the oil weekly to keep the engine from running dry. Complete dealer service records are available.
STRUCTURE
The paint on the roof of my 2020 Hyundai Palisade is peeling off in large sheets, rather than typical chipping or wear. The peeling originates from the center of the roof and has begun spreading toward the area near the front windshield edge. This is not consistent with normal wear and tear, curb rash, or impact damage — the affected areas show clean separation of paint layers down to a lower coat/primer, consistent with a manufacturing defect in paint adhesion or application. Rust is beginning to be visible. Based on research, this appears to be a widespread issue among other 2020 Hyundai Palisade owners, many of whom report similar peeling on roofs, hoods, and wheels, suggesting a systemic paint defect rather than an isolated incident. Date first noticed July 2026 Current mileage 32,006
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I believe this is related to RECALL 235, Veh was parked on the street, thank god. The Palisade then spontaniusly caught fire, fire department had to be called and insurance company says its a total loss. Fire started in the rear driver side.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am experiencing an issue with the power liftgate struts on my 2020 Hyundai Palisade SEL that appears to be a common problem among other Palisade owners. The liftgate support struts are beginning to fail, causing the liftgate to no longer stay fully open. When the liftgate is opened, it slowly falls back down instead of remaining securely in the fully open position. The struts appear to have lost their ability to properly support the weight of the liftgate and are essentially failing. This is particularly concerning because the liftgate can unexpectedly fall while someone is loading or unloading the vehicle, creating a potential safety hazard. Given the number of similar complaints from other Palisade owners, this appears to be a recurring issue with the liftgate struts. I would like Hyundai to recognize this as a potential common defect and provide a proper repair or replacement of the failing liftgate struts.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
This vehicle has suffered two identical, catastrophic electrical failures causing an immediate and total loss of engine power while traveling at highway speeds. The first incident occurred after the engine was replaced under a Hyundai extended warranty. The dealership service department blamed that failure on a loose engine ground strap and released the vehicle back to me. On August 3, 2026, the exact same failure occurred for a second time while driving at high speed on the highway. The vehicle lost all propulsion, leaving me exposed to oncoming traffic with zero engine power. The vehicle was towed to a Hyundai dealership. The dealership identified a blown "Sensor 4" fuse causing an intermittent dead circuit, but they have been unable to locate the short circuit after two weeks of troubleshooting. After demanding the diagnostic data logs, the dealership abruptly halted all repairs and ordered me to pick up the vehicle. Furthermore, due to excessive, repetitive diagnostic cranking and idling in 90+ degree heat while under the dealer's care, the vehicle's starter solenoid has now suffered collateral failure. The vehicle is currently completely disabled, undrivable, and the underlying highway stalling hazard remains completely unresolved. This is a recurring, severe life-safety issue that leaves the vehicle prone to sudden stall events in high-speed traffic without warning.
Decode a 2020 Hyundai Palisade VIN
Enter your 17-character VIN to get complete specs, safety equipment details, and production information.
Open VIN Decoder