2021 Hyundai Palisade Safety Report
2021 Hyundai Palisade Safety and Reliability Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2021 Hyundai Palisade
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2021 Hyundai Palisade. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (6) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (371) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 5 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Seat Belts | Compare seat belts issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2026 | Compare against the 2026 Hyundai Palisade with 51 complaints and 3 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2020 | Check the 2020 Hyundai Palisade before buying across this generation. |
Hyundai Palisade Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Hyundai Palisade years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Hyundai Palisade | 251 | 5 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Hyundai Palisade | 468 | 5 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2023 Hyundai Palisade | 344 | 5 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2024 Hyundai Palisade | 325 | 5 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2025 Hyundai Palisade | 163 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2026 Hyundai Palisade | 51 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2021 Hyundai Palisade Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2021 Hyundai Palisade, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Seat Belts
90 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Seat Belts issues Hyundai onlyUnknown Or Other
43 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Hyundai onlyVisibility/Wiper
40 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Visibility/Wiper issues Hyundai onlyEngine
24 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Hyundai onlyElectrical System
23 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Hyundai onlySuspension
20 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Suspension issues Hyundai onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Hyundai Palisade
Reliability Score
The 2021 Hyundai Palisade receives a reliability score of 5 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates below-average reliability. Significant issues have been reported by owners and should be carefully evaluated before purchase.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2021 Hyundai Palisade
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2021 Hyundai Palisade
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Hyundai Palisade:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Belts Hyundai is recalling certain 2020-2025 Palisade vehicles for seat belt buckles that may not lock properly. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Air Bags Hyundai is recalling certain 2020-2025 Palisade vehicles for side curtain air bags that may not deploy properly. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Visibility And Wipers Hyundai is recalling certain 2021-2023 Palisade vehicles for windshield wiper motors that may not operate properly. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Service Brakes Hyundai is recalling certain 2021 Palisade vehicles for brake fluid that may be contaminated with water. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Hyundai Palisade:
Transmission failures cause sudden jerking, hesitation, and loss of smooth acceleration.
The vehicle is burning nearly 4 quarts of oil between changes, starting at around 100,000 miles.
Brake fluid may be contaminated with water, leading to potential service brake issues.
Sunroof wind deflector frame slides and shoes may fail to operate properly.
Recall Details for the 2021 Hyundai Palisade
The following 6 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Hyundai Palisade by NHTSA:
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."
Consequence: Improper side curtain air bag deployment increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: The remedy is currently under development. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed beginning March 13, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. 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 ...
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 b...
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.
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.
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.
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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2021 Hyundai Palisade
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2021 Hyundai Palisade with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes. 2 reported injuries or fatalities.
The car will start shaking, can’t exceed a certain mpg, and does not speed up. The check engine light comes on. The car is available for inspection. I drive on the freeway and slowing down, and shaking can cause accidents. This a continuous problem.
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and running with the third-row passenger’s side seat in the cargo position, and the driver’s side third-row seat in the upright position, the [XXX] child pressed the third-row seat button, and the passenger’s side third-row seat opened and pinned the child’s leg between the driver and passenger’s side t...
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that on three separate occasions while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering assist functionality. Several warning lights were illuminated, and the headlights and turn signals became inoperable. The contact stopped the vehicle and shifted into reverse (R); however, the rear-view camera failed to operate as intended. The vehicle...
The vehicle is experiencing a transmission failure that causes sudden jerking, hesitation, and loss of smooth acceleration when the engine reaches approximately 1,500–2,000 RPM. When driving under normal conditions on both city roads and highways, the transmission appears to slip or fail to properly engage or shift gears within this RPM range. When this occurs, the vehicle jerks violently and mom...
Large crack formed without any projectile involved. Car was sitting in the garage and temperature was around 40 degrees. Crack starts from the bottom of the windshield near the driver's side and extends upward about 12 inches. The car had been sitting in the garage for 4 days without being driven. Vehicle only has 21,455 miles but is out of warranty due to age.
The sunroof failed to totally open or close after an initial engagement. Further inspection revealed the sunroof wind deflector frame slides and shoes were broken, and cables were loose and out of position. Keep in mind, the sunroof has been used only a handful of times. After doing some research and learning Palisades had a history of exploding sunroofs, I worried that continuing to drive the ca...
The engine in my 2021 Hyundai Palisade experienced sudden loss of oil leading to engine failure. The vehicle had been regularly serviced and maintained at a Hyundai dealership according to recommended intervals. During multiple service visits, the dealership informed me the vehicle was low on oil. An oil consumption test was performed but the results were inconclusive. At approximately 99,500 mil...
Excessive oil consumption. The vehicle is burning nearly 4 quarts of oil between changes. This started at around 100,000 miles with no warning lights. The only indication was a strange tapping noise coming from the engine.
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that while attempting to park, the rear parking sensor became inoperable, and a message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that no audible alert was heard while reversing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the rear parking sensor wiring harness had failed and needed to...
Recall for safety seat belts not repaired in a timely manner. It’s been 2.5 months, I called the first time after one month to see how much longer for the parts to come in and was basically told it is what it is, most people wait over 2 months, that was in January. It is now March and still no repairs done. Finally on an expedited list after this second phone call. Hopefully not too much longer be...
Seatbelts in front and middle row do not latch right away most of the time. We have to double check the every time and push extra hard to get them to click in.
This vehicle is still using the defective style piston rings causing oil consumption of 1.5qts in 1000miles, With only 100,000miles. This has been ongoing since we purchased the vehicle with 94,000 miles. This needs to be issued as a recall to replace piston rings or the engine entirely. My valuemax level 4 extended warranty is refusing to repair the issue stating hyundai/kia has carbon buildup on...
Middle row passenger seat locking mechanism fails causing seat to collapse and move forward while passengers are seated in it. The button that engages the seat motor is extremely sensitive and is engaging without anyone pressing it.
We have been in Hyundai’s “oil consumption” protocol for the past 8-10 months. We’ve had 6 oil changes in that time. Each oil change was right a 1,000 miles. My engine is burning between 1.5 - 2.5 quarts of oil EVERY 1,000 MILES. They have been trying to drag this out not having to take ownership of the issue. After reading online, clearly there is an issue with 2021 Palisades and a recall needs t...
The engine is burning oil at a rapid rate. It's burning one liter every 70 miles.
OIL FILTER HOUSING IS LEAKING. PLASTIC PART IS WARPED AND DOES NOT ALLOW FILTER TO SEAL. LEAKING OIL IS A FIRE HAZARD AND COULD CAUSE ENGINE FAILURE.
When driving at low speeds and going over bumps and speed bumps there is a thumping noise coming from the driver’s side rear. I’ve had the issue for quite some time now and there is a TSB on it for a faulty shock insulator. Between 2 different dealerships they have replaced it 3 times now and it’s doing it all over again. The last dealership has told me it is normal noise for the age and mileage o...
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
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
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 pr...
Showing 20 of 371 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2021 Hyundai Palisade
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer
Opened 2022-12-02 · Closed 2023-05-26
On August 15, 2022, Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) filed a safety recall (NHTSA Recall 22V-627) of 122,919 model year (MY) 2020-2021 Hyundai Palisade vehicles produced from April 10, 2019 to November 30, 2020. This recall addressed windshield wipers that may function intermittently or stop functioning when impeded by the accumulation of snow and/or ice at the bottom of the windshield. Intermittent or inoperative windshield wipers could reduce driver visibility while operating the vehicle in inc...
Component: Seat Belts
Opened 2024-08-07 · Closed 2025-12-12
On August 7, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE24021 to investigate complaints alleging inadvertent unlatching of seat belts in model year (MY) 2020-2023 Hyundai Palisade vehicles manufactured by Hyundai Motor America. The complaints alleged that, without warning, the seat belts sometimes inadvertently unlatch, increasing the risk of injury due to full loss of seat belt protection in the event of a crash. As a result of information exchanged as part of the investigation, on ...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Hyundai Palisade
Has the 2021 HYUNDAI PALISADE been recalled?
Yes, the 2021 HYUNDAI PALISADE has 6 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2021 HYUNDAI PALISADE have?
The 2021 HYUNDAI PALISADE has 371 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 4 involved crashes. 8 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2021 HYUNDAI PALISADE?
The 2021 HYUNDAI PALISADE received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 HYUNDAI PALISADE?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 HYUNDAI PALISADE involve seat belts (90 complaints), unknown or other (43 complaints), visibility/wiper (40 complaints). Other affected components include engine, electrical system, suspension.
How many crash reports does the 2021 HYUNDAI PALISADE have?
There are 4 crash reports associated with the 2021 HYUNDAI PALISADE out of 371 total complaints (1.1% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2021 HYUNDAI PALISADE have?
There are 1 fire reports for the 2021 HYUNDAI PALISADE out of 371 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2021 HYUNDAI PALISADE?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 HYUNDAI PALISADE.
How many injuries are reported for the 2021 HYUNDAI PALISADE?
8 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 HYUNDAI PALISADE. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2021 HYUNDAI PALISADE?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 HYUNDAI PALISADE is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 371 complaints, 6 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2021 HYUNDAI PALISADE?
The components with the most failures on the 2021 HYUNDAI PALISADE are: 1. SEAT BELTS (90 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (43 complaints), 3. VISIBILITY/WIPER (40 complaints), 4. ENGINE (24 complaints), 5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (23 complaints). SEAT BELTS is the single most-reported problem area with 90 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2021 HYUNDAI PALISADE?
Be aware of recalls for seat belts and air bags, and check for transmission and oil consumption issues. The 2021 HYUNDAI PALISADE has 371 NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2021 HYUNDAI PALISADE?
The 2021 HYUNDAI PALISADE receives a reliability score of 5/100, indicating below-average reliability. This is based on 371 owner complaints, 6 recalls, and 5 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Seat belts and Air bags.
What are the known issues with the 2021 HYUNDAI PALISADE?
Known issues with the 2021 HYUNDAI PALISADE include: Seat belts, Air bags, Visibility and wipers, Service brakes. These are based on patterns found across 371 NHTSA complaints. 6 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2021 Hyundai Palisade?
Yes, there are recalls for seat belts, air bags, and visibility/wiper systems.
What are the common problems with the 2021 Hyundai Palisade?
Common problems include transmission failures, excessive oil consumption, and service brake fluid issues.
How can I check for recalls on my 2021 Hyundai Palisade?
Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website or contact Hyundai directly.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of recalls for seat belts and air bags, and check for transmission and oil consumption issues.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Hyundai Palisade
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Hyundai Palisade. The data includes 371 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 6 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 4 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 8 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2021 Hyundai Palisade an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16