NHTSA FEDERAL EVIDENCE AUDITAudited: 2026-08-24

2021 Hyundai Palisade Common Problems & Defect Telemetry

Authoritative defect intelligence synthesized from 423 verified NHTSA owner complaints, 6 federal safety recalls, and interquartile failure mileage telemetry.

Data Grade: HIGH75 Odometer Verified EntriesMethodology
Executive AI Defect Summary

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade receives a 3.6/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 423 verified NHTSA federal complaints and 6 safety recalls. The primary reported failure mode is Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports with a median failure point at 51,431 miles (IQR: 16,67564,500 mi). Out-of-warranty repairs benchmark at $400 – $1,200 .

Hyundai Palisade PlatformHyundai Palisade Series
DLC Port: Under driver side dashboard kick panel

*Representative vehicle platform imagery. Body styling varies across generations.

MazicBay Reliability Index
3.6 / 10

49.8 complaints / 10k sold

NHTSA Owner Complaints
423

Verified US federal records

Safety Severity Grade
Critical Risk

Crash, fire & stall audit

Federal Safety Recalls
6

6 Active / Free Remedies

Switch Palisade Model Year (2014–2025)
Defect Clustering

Top Reported Problem Clusters (7)

Ranked by NHTSA Complaint Frequency
#1 AIRBAGS & SAFETY RESTRAINTSCritical Severity65% Match Confidence

Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports

117
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):51,431 milesIQR: 16,67564,500 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$400 – $1,200 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • SRS Airbag warning lamp illuminated
  • Passenger occupant classification sensor failure
  • Seat belt retractor lockup
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11756145 • Filed: 08/11/2026

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Palisade. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V607000 (SEAT BELTS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contac...

ODI #11756175 • Filed: 08/11/2026

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Palisade. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V607000 (Seat Belts) and 26V034000 (Air Bags); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a ...

ODI #11753809 • Filed: 07/30/2026

Please provide status of solution to this recall, recall goes back to 2025. ***Not waiting for incident, injury or much worse a fatality to happen. *** Your website states the importance of seat belts; we all know the importance of seat belts. Why is this still an open recall?

#2 STEERING & SUSPENSIONCritical Severity67% Match Confidence

Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports

101
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):33,000 milesIQR: 5,62562,500 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$450 – $1,400 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Sudden loss of electric power steering assist
  • Steering wheel pull or highway wander
  • Clunking / knocking noise over bumps
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11749211 • Filed: 07/08/2026

On XXX, after leaving an appointment at an office building, I returned to my vehicle and noticed that the driver’s seat recline function was not working properly. The seat was already pushed forward to its highest position and would not recline further. I was still able to ent...

ODI #11748464 • Filed: 07/06/2026

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that while driving at a low speed, the power steering failed, several warning lights illuminated, and the engine suddenly stalled. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where the battery was replaced; however, the failu...

ODI #11742363 • Filed: 06/05/2026Odometer: 27,000 mi

I am submitting a safety complaint regarding the panoramic sunroof assembly on my 2021 Hyundai Palisade. The vehicle was purchased as a Hyundai Certified Pre-Owned vehicle in September 2023 with approximately 27,000 miles. The panoramic sunroof had only been opened approximate...

#3 ENGINE & COOLINGCritical Severity85% Match Confidence

Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports

72
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):65,000 milesIQR: 1,44899,625 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$950 – $3,200 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Engine sudden stall / hesitation while driving
  • Abnormal oil burning / consumption
  • Check Engine Light (MIL) flashing
  • Engine overheating / coolant loss
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11757900 • Filed: 08/19/2026Odometer: 110,000 mi

In the past two weeks, our 2021 Hyundai Palisade has shut off completely when driving. It has around 110,000 miles on it and was just purchased used (second owner) three months ago. At that time, the dealership had to fix a leak in the engine and did a complete oil change. Bas...

ODI #11756110 • Filed: 08/11/2026Odometer: 64,000 mi

I had an oil change in Feb 2026 at 64000 miles. In June, I was driving the car and suddenly the car started jolting while I was idle and would turn off completely when I was stopped. This happened to me while driving on the freeway in traffic and also at a traffic light. I imm...

ODI #11755709 • Filed: 08/09/2026Odometer: 100,000 mi

My Palisade is burning oil at a rapid pace. I took it to the dealership and they said it was an acceptable level. I don't believe that to be correct. I have less than 100,000 miles on it.

#4 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM & BATTERYCritical Severity85% Match Confidence

Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports

72
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):30,000 milesIQR: 19,00087,500 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$280 – $850 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Unexplained battery drain after sitting overnight
  • Infotainment display / instrument cluster blackouts
  • Accessory malfunction / alternator fault warnings
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11754605 • Filed: 08/03/2026

Component/system, available for inspection? Rear visibility system — AVN head unit's processing of the rear camera image. On shift to reverse, screen flickers, shows blinking green, or no rear image. Vehicle available for inspection. Original camera was replaced Jan 2026 and r...

ODI #11750456 • Filed: 07/14/2026

The speedometer, lane departure, heat gauge, and RPM’s and the whole speedometer cluster will stop working. It does this all the time you never know if it will work and then sometimes it will randomly come back but it’s more in the heat it will not work.

ODI #11748464 • Filed: 07/06/2026

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that while driving at a low speed, the power steering failed, several warning lights illuminated, and the engine suddenly stalled. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where the battery was replaced; however, the failu...

#5 BRAKING SYSTEM & ABSCritical Severity69% Match Confidence

Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports

44
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):75,000 milesIQR: 60,00084,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$350 – $1,100 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Spongy or hard brake pedal travel
  • ABS / Brake warning light illuminated
  • Extended stopping distance / pedal vibration
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11757900 • Filed: 08/19/2026Odometer: 110,000 mi

In the past two weeks, our 2021 Hyundai Palisade has shut off completely when driving. It has around 110,000 miles on it and was just purchased used (second owner) three months ago. At that time, the dealership had to fix a leak in the engine and did a complete oil change. Bas...

ODI #11748464 • Filed: 07/06/2026

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that while driving at a low speed, the power steering failed, several warning lights illuminated, and the engine suddenly stalled. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where the battery was replaced; however, the failu...

ODI #11748376 • Filed: 07/05/2026

Vehicle Incident Statement – 2021 Hyundai Palisade Driver/Owner: [Your Name] Vehicle: 2021 Hyundai Palisade Date of Incident: [Insert Date] Location: Restaurant drive-thru (vehicle stopped in line) Summary of Incident On the date listed above, I was stopped in a restaurant dri...

#6 TRANSMISSION & DRIVETRAINHigh Severity79% Match Confidence

Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports

35
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):27,000 milesIQR: 1,00095,471 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$1,400 – $3,800 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Hard gear shifts / delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse
  • Transmission shudder / jerking under acceleration
  • Transmission slipping between gears
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11755709 • Filed: 08/09/2026Odometer: 100,000 mi

My Palisade is burning oil at a rapid pace. I took it to the dealership and they said it was an acceptable level. I don't believe that to be correct. I have less than 100,000 miles on it.

ODI #11754605 • Filed: 08/03/2026

Component/system, available for inspection? Rear visibility system — AVN head unit's processing of the rear camera image. On shift to reverse, screen flickers, shows blinking green, or no rear image. Vehicle available for inspection. Original camera was replaced Jan 2026 and r...

ODI #11753118 • Filed: 07/27/2026Odometer: 10,000 mi

In May 2025, I contacted Hyundai regarding excessive oil consumption in my 2021 Palisade. In June, Hyundai directed me to take the vehicle to a dealership for testing. Under TSB 23-EM-008H (...), a failed oil consumption test requires engine replacement. My vehicle is covered ...

#7 FUEL SYSTEM & INJECTIONMedium Severity65% Match Confidence

Fuel Pump Pressure Loss & Fuel Delivery Defect Reports

6
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):1,000 milesIQR: 1,0001,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$650 – $1,250 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Sudden loss of propulsion power at highway speeds
  • Extended engine cranking / failure to restart
  • Fuel odor near fuel tank / engine bay
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11734796 • Filed: 04/30/2026

The vehicle would shut off when idling at lights or in reverse and have delayed acceleration after stops. It also would shut off when idling in park. I took it to the dealership summer-fall 2025 and they were too busy to investigate the issue because no alarms were present. Th...

ODI #11730957 • Filed: 04/13/2026

When I push on the brake the car starts to tug. Feels like it wants to turn off. Happened several times after I got a recall checked. 2 weeks ago same thing was happening and my car all of a sudden turns off. The lights on the dashboard turned on and the emergency brake engage...

ODI #11621721 • Filed: 10/24/2024Odometer: 1,000 mi

My Hyundai Palisade engine light came on and started missing. Engine was making a rattling noise under hood and felt like it was going to die, Took to Dealer and code p0087 p219e were low and inbalanced also 3 fuel injector was bad and 1 cylinder was bad that was on 12-8-23 on...

Safety Enforcement

Official NHTSA Safety Recalls (6)

100% Free Dealer Repair
NHTSA Campaign #21V840000Reported: 27/10/2021

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID

Summary: 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.

Safety Consequence: Reduced braking performance can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, and flush the brake fluid, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 24, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 212.
NHTSA Campaign #22V627000Reported: 15/08/2022

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

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

Safety Consequence: Windshield wiper failure can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer 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.
NHTSA Campaign #22V633000Reported: 18/08/2022

TRAILER HITCHES

Summary: 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.

Safety Consequence: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Manufacturer 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.
NHTSA Campaign #23V180000Reported: 17/03/2023

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Summary: 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.

Safety Consequence: Windshield wiper failure can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver-side windshield wiper arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 15, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 243. This recall is an expansion of recall number 22V-627.
NHTSA Campaign #25V607000Reported: 12/09/2025

SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

Summary: 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.

Safety Consequence: Seat belt buckles that fail to latch may not properly restrain occupants in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Manufacturer 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.
NHTSA Campaign #26V034000Reported: 23/01/2026

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN

Summary: 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."

Safety Consequence: Improper side curtain air bag deployment increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Manufacturer 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.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist for 2021 Hyundai Palisade

Before purchasing a used 2021 Hyundai Palisade, perform the following targeted inspections based on reported federal defect patterns:

1. Cold Start & Idle Diagnostics

Scan the OBD-II port under the dash for pending freeze-frame codes (e.g. P0300 misfires, P0087 fuel rail pressure, P0420 catalytic efficiency).

2. Transmission Shift Quality Audit

Test vehicle at low-speed stop-and-go and highway merges. Check for delayed reverse engagement or gear shift shudder between 2nd and 3rd gears.

3. Federal Recall Completion Check

Verify that all 6 NHTSA safety recall campaigns have been performed by an authorized dealership using the VIN.

4. Electrical & Infotainment Drain Check

Ensure the instrument cluster, center screen, and auxiliary charging ports operate with stable 12.0V–14.4V alternator voltage.

Frequently Answered Questions

Defect & Reliability Q&A: 2021 Hyundai Palisade

Is the 2021 Hyundai Palisade a reliable used car?

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade earns a 3.6/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 423 federal owner reports. Vehicles maintained under factory service schedules exhibit strong longevity past 150,000 miles.

What is the most frequent defect reported on the 2021 Hyundai Palisade?

The leading complaint category is Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports, with a median failure point around 51,431 miles (IQR: 16,67564,500 mi).

Are there free recall repairs available for the 2021 Hyundai Palisade?

Yes, the NHTSA records 6 safety recall campaign(s) for this model year. All safety recalls are performed 100% free of charge by authorized franchise dealerships regardless of vehicle warranty status.