2021 Hyundai Palisade
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 528 |
| 2021 | 426 |
| 2022 | 301 |
| 2023 | 391 |
| 2024 | 382 |
| 2025 | 236 |
| 2026 | 106 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
25% of complaints: seat belts — 108 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The second row seat belt is weak and unbuckles suddenly. My child's seatbelt will unclick spontaneously after driving. It is a hassle to click when putting seatbelt on.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240108
13% of complaints: electrical system — 54 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing speedometer/odometer and camera/sensor.
CRASH FIRE12% of complaints: engine — 53 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
Excessive oil consumption. Oil tank empty at 3 oil changes. Car was stalling at stops. Oil was empty 5000 miles prior to next suggested oil change. No low oil indicator light alarm
NHTSA ODI report, 20260729
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260727
Also filed under POWER TRAIN
11% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 48 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: suspension — 30 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
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.
Campaign 21V840000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 22V633000 — check if this car was fixed
Windshield Wiper Failure
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Palisade vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may become inoperative, causing the wipers to fail.
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.
Campaign 22V627000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 23V180000 — check if this car was fixed
Inadvertent Seat Belt Unlatch
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.
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.
Campaign 25V607000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 26V034000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2021 Hyundai Palisade — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (108 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (54 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (53 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 21V840000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V633000 (trailer hitches) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V627000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V180000 (visibility/wiper) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V607000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 26V034000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2021 Hyundai Palisade reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Hyundai Palisade is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Hyundai Palisade?
The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Hyundai Palisade have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.