The 2021 Hyundai Palisade showcases concerning reliability due to multiple recalls, primarily affecting critical components like the hydraulic brake system and visibility systems. This raises significant safety implications, especially in urban settings where braking prowess is frequently tested.
Key Factor:Multiple safety recalls
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Safety Alert
Safety Alert: This model has a higher recall frequency (5) than the average HYUNDAI vehicle (1.7). Owners should prioritize checking these components.
5 recalls for this vehicle1.7 avg. recalls per vehicle (brand)
📋Why This Matters
The safety recalls linked to the 2021 Hyundai Palisade are particularly troubling as they involve essential systems such as braking and visibility—areas paramount to driver and passenger safety. A compromised brake fluid system could lead to diminished braking performance, while faulty windshield wipers could impair visibility during adverse weather conditions. Given that this model is positioned within the competitive midsize SUV segment, these issues not only tarnish its reputation but also create a cautious environment among potential buyers.
Focus Area:Safety Profile
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Expert Analysis
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Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
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Primary Risk Area:Warning
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Vs Brand: Worse than avg (1.7)
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Summary: In terms of year-over-year safety trends, the 2021 Hyundai Palisade reflects a shift toward increased recall activity compared to previous models in its lineup. This uptick in recalls suggests a growing risk profile that may not align with consumer expectations for reliability in this class of vehicles.
Safety & Reliability Score
50/100
Score Breakdown
Recall Impact-40
Complaint Impact-5
Investigation Impact-5
Technical Specifications
Key specifications for the 2021 HYUNDAI Palisade
Model Year2021
MakeHYUNDAI
ModelPalisade
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle
Safety History Timeline
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Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Feb25
ISSUEFirst Report
Dec25
RECALLRecall Issued
Consumer Complaint Analysis
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Most Reported Issue
20 complaints (20% of total)
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Complaint Trend
Stable
No trend data
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Safety Incidents
No critical incidents
Complaint Severity Distribution
Breakdown of 100 consumer complaints by severity level.
🟠High
6(6%)
🟡Medium
17(17%)
🟢Low
77(77%)
Mileage Failure Analysis
⚙️Engineering Insight
With a peak failure mileage range between 80k-100k miles, current owners should be vigilant as they approach this mileage threshold. Potential issues with the braking system and other components could manifest around this time, indicating that proactive maintenance and inspection are essential.
📊 Mileage data extracted from 22 of 100 complaints (22% coverage)
0-20k
4 reports (18%)
20k-40k
4 reports (18%)
40k-60k
0 reports (0%)
60k-80k
5 reports (23%)
80k-100k
6 reports (27%)
100k+
3 reports (14%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.
🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center
Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).
Primary Risk Areas
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICVISIBILITYTRAILER HITCHESVISIBILITY/WIPERSEAT BELTS
🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
1
Service Brakes
Issue: Brake fluid contamination may reduce braking performance.
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Regularly check brake fluid levels and consider immediate inspection if any changes in brake response are noted.
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Request detailed service records focusing on brake maintenance before purchasing.
Campaigns:21V21500021V216000
2
Windshield Wipers
Issue: Wiper motor failure can lead to reduced visibility during rain or snow.
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Test wiper functionality regularly; seek repairs if wipers fail intermittently.
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Confirm that any necessary repairs related to wiper functionality have been addressed before completing a purchase.
Campaign:21V217000
3
Trailer Hitches
Issue: Electrical shorts from debris may pose fire risks.
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(If equipped) Inspect towing wiring for signs of moisture or corrosion regularly.
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(If purchasing) Ensure that trailer hitch components are verified as safe and functional.
Campaign:21V218000
💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your HYUNDAI dealer to verify recall completion status.
Official Safety Recalls (5)
Campaign: 21V840000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID
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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.
Consequence
Reduced braking performance can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 22V627000
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
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Summary
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Palisade vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may become inoperative, causing the wipers to fail.
Consequence
Windshield wiper failure can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 22V633000
TRAILER HITCHES
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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.
Consequence
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 23V180000
VISIBILITY/WIPER
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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.
Consequence
Windshield wiper failure can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 25V607000
SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
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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.
Consequence
Seat belt buckles that fail to latch may not properly restrain occupants in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
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. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated December 2025. 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 Investigations
1 investigation
Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2021 Palisade.
INV-2021-1000🟢 Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Palisade performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 34,200
Consumer Complaints
100 total complaints
Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 Palisade.
Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis
Warning20%
Noise17%
Leak9%
Accident6%
Acceleration Issues5%
Crash/Accident5%
Display5%
Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
POWER 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.
Engine/Powertrain🔶 Medium
ENGINE
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 America through warranty and goodwill claims submitted by the dealer. es. The first symptom was unexplained oil loss beginning at approximately 66,000 miles, with no visible external leak. Later, the check engine light illuminated, prompting further inspection and leading to the recommendation for engine replacement.
Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
POWER TRAIN
The oil filter housing cracked and leaked engine oil at mileage 74992.
Safety Systems🔶 Medium
AIR 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.
Engine/Powertrain⚠️ High
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
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 motive power due to internal engine defect) have been cited by NHTSA in other recalls and are known to increase the risk of a crash or fire. The manufacturer has acknowledged the defect by offering only 50% goodwill toward a repair, but this defect remains a critical, unresolved safety hazard that requires a full, safe engine replacement."
Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
ENGINE
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).
Steering/Suspension🔵 Low
SUSPENSION
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.
Engine/Powertrain🔶 Medium
POWER TRAIN
THE 2021HYUNDAI PALISADE AT A FOUR WAY LIGHT STOP BUSY INTERSECTION. UPON GIVING HAS AND MAKING THE LEFT TURN FROM CIMMIRON UNTO SARATOGA BLVD THE VEHICLE WAS MAKING A CLUNKING NOISE LIKE IF VEHICLE IN 4WD BUT THE VEHICLE IS AN AWD AND IT LOSS LIKE POWER IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION ALMOST REAR ENDED AND HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE BECAUSE THE LIGHT BEGUN TO CHANGE. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HYUNDAI AND FOUND OUT ONLINE AND AT THE DEALER THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH AWD PALISADES. THERE IS EVEN A TSB BULLETIN FOR THIS ISSUE, THE 4WD COUPLING STARTS GOING BAD AND MAKES VEHICLE NOISES AND LOSE POWER IN DRIVETRAIN. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND ACTION MUST BE TAKEN BEFORE LAWSUITS COMING FLYING. FOR CRYING OUTLOUD I HAD MY GRAND BABIES WITH ME AND ALMOST GOT INTO A THREE-WAY CAR ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE PALISADE DECIDED NOT TO GO IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION. HYUNDAI NEEDS TO FIX ALL FAULTY AWD COUPLINGS THAT MAKE THE TIRES TURN PROPERLY. MY FRIEND HAS A 23 MODEL AND HAVING SAME ISSUES IT IS ALSO AN ALL-WHEEL DRIVE PALISADE. DO SOMETHING BEFORE SOMETHING BAD HAPPENS HYUNDAI IS AWARE AND THERE IS A FORUM ON THIS ISSUE BUT NO RECALL THIS IS INSANE.
Safety Systems🔵 Low
SEAT BELTS
Recall notice has been issued but no resolution has been received yet. Submitting claim of failure to come to a resolution timely. This recall affects my family and use of the vehicle and our comfort.
Safety Systems🔵 Low
SEAT BELTS
Subject: Stop-Sale Violation — Hyundai Palisade Recall #25V607000 I purchased a 2025 Hyundai Palisade (VIN [XXX], from Napleton Palatine Hyundai, Illinois. The dealer completed the sale even though the vehicle was under an active stop-sale order related to Recall #25V607000 / Campaign 283 (Seat Belt Buckle). The recall remedy is not yet available, and the dealership has refused to release the vehicle after purchase. This situation leaves the consumer paying for a loan and insurance without possession of the vehicle and represents a potential stop-sale violation under 49 U.S.C. §30120(i). Please investigate this case and confirm whether the dealership violated federal recall and consumer protection requirements. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I know about the safety recalls for the 2021 Hyundai Palisade?
'The 2021 Hyundai Palisade has been subject to five recalls pertaining to crucial systems like brakes and visibility features. Owners should be aware of these issues as they directly impact vehicle reliability and safety.'
'How do I check if my 2021 Hyundai Palisade is affected by any recalls?'
'To check for outstanding recalls on your vehicle, you can visit the NHTSA website or contact your local Hyundai dealership with your VIN number. They will provide you with detailed information regarding any active recall campaigns that may affect your vehicle.'
📊Year-over-Year Context
➡️Stable Pattern
Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows stable reliability patterns. No meaningful structural change detected in recall frequency between adjacent model years.
🧭What This Means for You
This analysis is particularly important for drivers who navigate steep terrain, tow regularly, or drive in frequent rain or snow.
If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.
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If You Own This Vehicle
Immediate Action: If any recalls are listed as 'incomplete', contact a certified HYUNDAI service center—repairs are performed at no cost to you.
Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
Proactive tip: Enroll in HYUNDAI's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
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If You're Buying Used
Critical: Demand official documentation showing every HYUNDAI recall has been satisfied.
Investigate whether later Palisade iterations (2022+) rectified these persistent issues.
A pre-purchase inspection by a HYUNDAI specialist is mandatory given the recorded failure patterns.