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Hyundai Palisade
SUV · Gas · 9 versions · owner report
Ranked #4 of 19 midsize SUVs on owner data, price and fuel economy
Every generation
Power
Combined, EPA 2027
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide.
8 problems reported (1 very frequent, 3 recurrent, 4 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentExcessive engine oil consumption (primarily 2020-2021 models)
Severe oil burning, often requiring engine replacement under warranty, typically manifesting around 60,000 miles.
- RecurrentTransmission failure
Complete transmission failure reported as early as 87,000 miles; also includes reports of lagging, slipping between gears, and losing power, making the vehicle unsafe to drive.
- RecurrentFuel system/engine performance issues
Intermittent loss of acceleration despite engine revving (codes P0087, P0661, P021A0 cited), potentially linked to failing fuel injectors or sensors.
+ 5 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentRecall and warranty service disputes
Dealers unable to replicate intermittent issues despite owner video evidence; cases of vehicles sold with active, undisclosed safety recalls that prevent delivery.
- IsolatedClimate system inefficiency
Heater blowing lukewarm air even on high settings, slow-to-heat driver's seat, particularly noted in a 2025 model.
- IsolatedWeird fuel gauge/sensor behavior
Incident reported where fuel gauge showed empty shortly after fill-up, car ran out of gas despite trip computer indicating range, with no visible leak.
- IsolatedPush-button shifter annoyance
The shifter design is cited as persistently annoying even after long-term ownership.
- IsolatedRear differential coupler failure
Noted as a common issue on a 2020 model, requiring replacement.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a definitive "best" trim. The Calligraphy trim is noted by the manufacturer as the expected volume seller and represents the fully-featured version. For the SEL Premium trim, the optional second-row bench seat (as opposed to standard captain's chairs) is mentioned as a desirable but hard-to-find configuration that maximizes passenger capacity.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Kia Telluride, Toyota Grand Highlander, Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-90 and Toyota Highlander.
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Overall sentiment
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. The vehicle is widely praised for its exceptional value proposition, offering a high level of comfort, spaciousness, and premium features (e.g., ventilated second-row seats, advanced driver assistance systems, abundant storage) at a competitive price point. Many owners express strong satisfaction with the smooth ride, family-friendly design, and technology content. However, significant and recurrent criticism centers on mechanical reliability, particularly for the 2020-2021 model years. These early models are frequently reported to suffer from severe engine oil consumption issues and transmission failures, leading to costly repairs and warranty disputes. Later models (2022+) are perceived as more reliable, though concerns about long-term durability and brand reputation persist. The consensus indicates high initial owner satisfaction that can be severely undermined by major powertrain problems outside of warranty coverage.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a feature-rich, value-oriented alternative to more established three-row SUVs. It is consistently noted as offering more standard technology, comfort features, and interior space for the money compared to the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. The Kia Telluride is acknowledged as a direct platform sibling, with the Palisade often seen as having a slightly more refined or conservative styling. Against the Toyota Grand Highlander, the Palisade is viewed as having superior interior ambiance and "X Factor" but is perceived as less reliable long-term. Premium competitors like the Acura MDX are considered to have better driving dynamics and brand cachet but at a significantly higher cost. The Palisade is frequently described as providing a "Kirkland-brand Range Rover" experience: offering near-luxury features at a mainstream price, which is its primary appeal.
Recommended configurations
AWD is recommended for improved traction, with the HTRAC system specifically praised for good performance in ice, snow, and sand. For used models, purchasing Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) is strongly and frequently recommended to secure the remainder of the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, as the warranty does not fully transfer to a second private owner on a non-CPO vehicle. For new models, discounts of up to $4,500 off MSRP are reported as achievable.
General recommendations
Suitable for families prioritizing interior space, comfort, and technology features on a budget. Highly recommended for purchase new or as a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle to ensure full warranty coverage. NOT recommended for purchasing a used 2020-2021 model outside of warranty due to high risk of expensive engine and transmission repairs. For any used purchase, a thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on oil consumption and transmission health is critical. Owners should verify the vehicle is not subject to any open safety recalls prior to purchase, as there are reports of sales being completed with undisclosed active recalls that prevent delivery.
Remarks
A significant reliability divide exists between the 2020-2021 model years and subsequent years. Owner discussions strongly suggest Hyundai addressed the severe oil consumption and related engine issues in the 2022+ model years, though long-term data past 60,000 miles is still emerging. The powertrain warranty is a critical differentiator, but its value is heavily dependent on proper transfer (CPO) and dealer service department cooperation, which receives mixed reviews. The vehicle's strength is its packaging and perceived value when new, but its long-term ownership cost is viewed as a gamble compared to more established Japanese competitors. Analysis based on owner discussions spanning model years 2020 to 2026.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearNo year grades F. Best year: 2022Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 119 | 3 | seats |
| 2025 | 245 | 3 | service brakes |
| 2024 | 385 | 5 | service brakes |
| 2023 | 398 | 5 | service brakes |
| 2022 | 306 | 5 | seat belts |
| 2021 | 435 | 6 | seat belts |
| 2020 | 536 | 5 | engine |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices32 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2026 · electrical system: instrument cluster/panelcampaign 26V047000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Tucson Hybrid, Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 IONIQ 5, Santa Cruz, Kona, Palisade, Palisade Hybrid, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Hybrid, Sonata, Sonata Hybrid, and Tucson vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays."
2026 · seats:mid/rear assembly:power adjustcampaign 26V160000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2026 Palisade and 2026 Palisade Hybrid vehicles equipped with a Limited or Calligraphy trim package. The second and third row power seats may fail to detect a person. The seat may continue to move after contacting a person during powered seat functions, such as one-touch tilt-and-slide or automatic power fold-and-stow.
2026 · seat belts: rear/other:buckle assemblycampaign 26V169000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2026 Hyundai Palisade and 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid vehicles equipped with "Limited" and "Calligraphy" trim packages. The internal wiring within the third-row driver-side seat belt buckle may become damaged and result in a permanent display of a belted third-row driver-side seat on the instrument panel.
2025 · power train:automatic transmission:fluid/lubricant:pumpcampaign 25V291000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025 Hyundai Palisade vehicles. An insufficient seal on the controller for the electric oil pump may allow moisture to accumulate in the printed circuit board, which can cause an electrical short and result in a fire.
2025 · seat belts: rear/other:buckle assemblycampaign 25V607000
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.
2025 · air bags:side/window:curtaincampaign 26V034000
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."
2024 · power train:automatic transmission:fluid/lubricant:pumpcampaign 23V526000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Palisade Tucson, 2023 Sonata, Elantra, and Kona vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump controller to overheat.
2024 · air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passengercampaign 23V599000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024 Palisade vehicles equipped with dark premium suede seats. The Occupant Detection System (ODS) may fail to detect an occupant and deactivate the passenger-side front air bags. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
2024 · engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanicalcampaign 24V106000
Hyundia Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024 Palisade vehicles. The engine valve springs may break while driving, which can result in a loss of drive power and possibly create a hole in the engine block.
2024 · seat belts: rear/other:buckle assemblycampaign 25V607000
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.
2024 · air bags:side/window:curtaincampaign 26V034000
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."
2023 · visibility/wipercampaign 23V180000
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.
2023 · service brakes, hydraulic:power assistcampaign 23V415000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023 Palisade vehicles. The brake booster diaphragm may become misaligned and cause an internal vacuum leak, which can result in a loss of power brake assist.
2023 · power train:automatic transmission:fluid/lubricant:pumpcampaign 23V526000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Palisade Tucson, 2023 Sonata, Elantra, and Kona vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump controller to overheat.
2023 · seat belts: rear/other:buckle assemblycampaign 25V607000
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.
17 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
XRT Pro 3.5 V6 HTRAC
3.5L 6-cylinder · 287 hp · AWD · automatic
Built 2025–2026