2026 Hyundai Palisade

The issue involves a safety defect affecting the second- and third-row seating system in my 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy. The defect has been identified through an active manufacturer recall indicating a risk of injury to passengers in these seating positions. The vehicle has been out of service and in the dealership’s possession since April 3, 2026, and is available for inspection upon request. This defect poses a direct safety risk, particularly to children. I have two young children, who would regularly occupy these seats. Due to the recall and lack of an effective repair, I am unable to safely use these seating positions, significantly limiting the safe operation and intended use of the vehicle. The issue has been confirmed by the manufacturer through a safety recall and stop sale. The dealership acknowledged the defect and accepted the vehicle for service; however, after attempted repairs, the condition remained unresolved. When I tested the vehicle at the dealership, both I and a technician observed that the seats continued to present a safety hazard. Specifically, the seat mechanism did not stop or resist as expected and continued moving in a manner that could cause injury. The seat did not stop under pressure and could potentially trap or crush an occupant, even with applied resistance. The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized Hyundai dealership following direction from a Hyundai Motor America case manager. There has been no involvement from police or insurance representatives. There were no warning lamps or prior symptoms. The defect was identified through a manufacturer-issued recall on or about March 29, 2026. The defect presents a foreseeable risk of injury during normal use and has not been corrected despite manufacturer awareness and attempted repair.

I own a 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy. A recent over-the-air software update removed the ability to control rear seats through the infotainment system, which was a key feature at the time of purchase. This change was made without meaningful notice or consent and significantly alters how the vehicle is used. In some situations, it now requires physically reaching or repositioning to operate seats, which may create new safety or usability concerns when managing passengers or cargo. I relied on this feature while managing kids in the car. I was accustomed to this feature and it was a large reason we purchased the car. It was not “convenience” but a function that allowed us to manage our kids saftey I am submitting this complaint because a major vehicle function was removed after purchase, and I believe post-sale software changes that reduce functionality should be reviewed.

While loading the rear of the vehicle at the end of a camp trip, my child was seated in the second row seat. When I was loading equipment into the trunk, some of the equipment bumped the button that activates folding the seat in the second row. The seat sensor did not identify my child was in the seat, and it began to close on my child. My child was able to open the door and escape the seat before he was crushed. There is a known recall for this hazard.

The contact owns a 2026 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that while checking all the vehicle features, the second-row passenger seat independently started to fold. The contact believed it was operator’s error since the vehicle was recently purchased. The contact received notification of NTHSA Campaign Number: 26V160000 (Seats). The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the remedy was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 3,744.

Rear drivers side third row seat did not stop closing when child was sitting in the seat (button was accidentally pressed by child). Thankfully we were loading the trunk and were able to move the child out of the way while another one of us hit the button to lift the seat back up. Child was [XXX] lbs/ [XXX] old. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The vehicle is a 2026 Hyundai Palisade equipped with second- and third-row power seats subject to Recall #296. The power seat system may fail to detect contact with an occupant or object during operation, including folding and tilt functions. This creates a safety risk because the seat can continue moving despite contact with a person, increasing the risk of injury, particularly to children in the rear seating area. This defect has been associated with a reported child fatality. The issue is known and confirmed by the manufacturer through the recall. I became aware of the condition in early March 2026. There were no prior warning messages or indicators before learning of the defect. At this time, no repair or remedy is available and no timeline for correction has been provided. The vehicle remains in service with this unresolved safety defect. Hyundai has been engaged in delay tactics rather than customer service. The condition has not been independently repaired or corrected. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.

I own a 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Hybrid, VIN [XXX] le is included in two safety recalls: 1.Second- and third-row power-folding seats may fail to detect a person or object, creating a risk of trapping or crushing a child. 2.[Second recall issue—e.g., seat sensor/seatbelt defect] may prevent proper seat operation or restraint, further endangering passengers. I transport a toddler daily, and have another little one on the way. While these recalls are unresolved, I cannot safely use the vehicle. No accident or injury has occurred, but the defects pose a significant risk of child injury or death. I am filing this complaint to document these serious safety risks and request that the NHTSA ensure Hyundai addresses both defects promptly. 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)

Component/system: Second- and third-row power seat assemblies (Recall 26V160000) and third-row driver-side seat belt buckle wiring (Recall 26V169000). Both components are available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: The power seat system may fail to detect an occupant during folding operation, creating a crushing hazard. This defect is linked to the death of a [XXX] child in [XXX] on March 7, 2026, and multiple reported injuries. The seat belt defect may cause a false latch indicator, leaving a rear passenger unrestrained without the driver's knowledge. Confirmed by dealer/manufacturer: Yes. Hyundai Motor America has formally acknowledged both defects via official safety recalls. Hyundai issued a stop-sale order on all unsold 2026 Palisade Calligraphy vehicles. Inspected by manufacturer: Yes. Hyundai has issued an interim over-the-air software update under Recall 26V160000, which it acknowledges is not a permanent fix. No permanent remedy exists for either recall as of April 2, 2026. Warning symptoms: Owners received in-vehicle dashboard alerts via Bluelink and direct communications from Hyundai. We purchased this vehicle September 15, 2025 with 33 miles on the odometer. We have submitted a formal written buyback demand to Hyundai Motor America and are simultaneously filing complaints with the Missouri Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division. We are requesting NHTSA investigate whether owners are entitled to a buyback under federal law. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Some time around November the third row seat didn’t close, so I opened it back up, didn’t see anything stopping it, hit the button again, and then it closed but I heard a crunching noise - I reopened to discover there was a plastic storage box that ended up getting completely crushed. I didn’t think much about it, not even after the recall, until this week. The same left side of third row was closed. I went to open it to get ready to pack out for spring break and it opened half way and got stuck at a 45 degree open angle. It wouldn’t close or open again. During this same time trying to figure it out, my teenager opened the driver side rear door to get into the rear seat to see if something was getting it stuck. At the same time I opened the driver door and the driver seat automatically started moving backwards like always, but with my teenager being the driver seat and her foot got stuck under the driver seat because that sensor as well in the front seat didn’t stop when she was behind it. I think it is beyond just the serving and third rows and the front toe doesn’t have a proper sensor either. This was Friday at 4:50. I immediately called my dealer to see if they could help us get something fixed so we could leave for spring break as planned the next day and they said managers were already gone for the day and told my Hyundai corp needed to handle and gave me that phone number. Hyundai Corp. opened a ticket for me, but said that this was definitely something the dealer would have to handle in regards to getting me a rental and any matter of recourse. I called my local dealer back who said that no one would be able to talk to me until Monday so we had to delay our spring break trip and we are still in limbo, wondering what is going to happen tomorrow. My Husband is absolutely refusing to put our family of four children in the car at this moment because of the safety issues unresolved.

My 9 year old daughter was sitting in middle row, as her sisters were getting in as well, the recliner button was pressed and she was being pinned against the front row seat. She wiggled her way out but suffers from Spina bifida and wears AFO braces for her feet. Her foot braces were caught and they snapped but luckily she was able to wiggle out.