2021 Hyundai Palisade recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2021 Hyundai Palisade and 448 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are seat belts (113), unknown or other (83), engine (62). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 21–22 mpg combined, depending on configuration. 1 recall carries a Park It or Park Outside warning.
The 2021 ranks #6 of 7 Palisade model years for fewest complaints (2020–2026), with more complaints than the average year (358). It has 6 recalls vs. an average of 4.6 per model year.
Recalls 6
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2021 Hyundai Palisade. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Air bags · side/window · curtain
Problem: 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."
Risk: Improper side curtain air bag deployment increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: 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. Final remedy owner letters will be mailed in phases, beginning in June 2026 and expected to continue through December 2026. 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 on NHTSA.gov on January 24, 2026.
Seat belts · rear/other · buckle assembly
Problem: 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.
Risk: Seat belt buckles that fail to latch may not properly restrain occupants in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: 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. Final remedy owner letters will be mailed in phases, beginning in June 2026 and expected to continue through December 2026. 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.
Visibility/wiper
Problem: 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.
Risk: Windshield wiper failure can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Trailer hitches
Problem: 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.
Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Visibility · windshield wiper/washer · motor
Problem: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Palisade vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may become inoperative, causing the wipers to fail.
Risk: Windshield wiper failure can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Service brakes, hydraulic · fluid
Problem: 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.
Risk: Reduced braking performance can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
Vehicle Information: 2021 Hyundai Palisade Limited (3.8L V6 Engine) Complaint Description: While driving at highway speeds, the vehicle suddenly began making a loud engine knocking noise, followed immediately by a total and catastrophic structural failure of the engine. A connecting rod bearing seized and the rod broke, punching a hole directly through the metal engine block. T…
I am the original owner of a 2021 Hyundai Palisade SEL AWD (74,225 miles) reporting repeated engine shutdowns in traffic, severe rough idling, and an unresolved safety concern. The problem began XXX. I first brought the vehicle to Hyundai on XXX and have sought service approximately four times since June. Despite technicians stating they could not reproduce the issue, the engi…
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Palisade. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V607000 (Seat Belts); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue.
Safety ratings
2021 Hyundai Palisade SUV FWD
2021 Hyundai Palisade SUV AWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2021 Hyundai Palisade.
Palisade AWD
Auto (S8) · 6 cyl · 3.8 L
Regular
Palisade FWD
Auto (S8) · 6 cyl · 3.8 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Hyundai Palisade have?
NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2021 Hyundai Palisade, most recently for air bags · side/window · curtain (01/23/2026). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Hyundai Palisade?
Based on 448 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are seat belts (113), unknown or other (83), engine (62).
Is the 2021 Hyundai Palisade safe?
The 2021 Hyundai Palisade earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings. It has 1 recall with a Park It or Park Outside warning, so check your VIN.
Is the 2021 a good year for the Hyundai Palisade?
The 2021 ranks #6 of 7 Palisade model years for fewest complaints (2020–2026), with more complaints than the average year (358). It has 6 recalls vs. an average of 4.6 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Hyundai Palisade get?
EPA ratings for the 2021 Hyundai Palisade range from 21 to 22 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
Own a 2021 Hyundai Palisade in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved November 2, 2026. NHTSA model names used: PALISADE, Palisade.