NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Safety Ratings
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid scores 77 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 94 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid enters the market with a NHTSA Safety Index of 77 out of 100, positioning it within the Average safety band. While federal crash-test results for the model year show strong performance in protecting occupants during a collision, the vehicle's notably low avoidance-tech score impacts its overall safety assessment. This, coupled with three early-production recalls, identifies specific areas for consumer awareness in this new model.
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid SUV HEV AWD received an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars and a NHTSA Safety Index of 77/100, sourced from federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 143 SUVs from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid ranks 138 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 77 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.9% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 94 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 138 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid?
A 5 out of 5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating, with a perfect score in the side impact test, establishes a clear strength in crash protection for the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid. This performance drives the crash-protection sub-score to 61 out of 70. However, the vehicle's overall Safety Index of 77/100 is significantly impacted by its avoidance technology rating. NHTSA data shows neither forward collision warning nor lane departure warning systems present for this specific configuration, resulting in an avoidance-tech sub-score of just 2 out of 10, despite standard electronic stability control. The defect record, at 13.75 out of 20, reflects three recalls issued for this first-year hybrid variant. These recalls address issues with seat hardware and instrument cluster electronics. The 94 owner complaints, with nearly half pertaining to seats, corroborate two of these recall campaigns, indicating these issues are already under manufacturer attention. The 77/100 Safety Index provides an early, but fair, assessment of a vehicle still in its initial phase of real-world safety data accumulation.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid achieved a perfect 5-star rating in the side-crash test, contributing to its overall 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Frontal impact protection and rollover resistance each received 4 out of 5 stars. The rollover risk for the Palisade Hybrid is 16 percent, with the dynamic tip test confirming a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21139
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid have any recalls?
Yes. Three recalls cover this model year. The first two, both from early 2026, address rear seat belt buckle assemblies and power-adjustable mid and rear seat assemblies on Limited and Calligraphy trims. A third, broader campaign covers the electrical instrument cluster and panel on a range of 2025-2026 Hyundai models including this vehicle. None have been designated park-outside or do-not-drive campaigns based on available NHTSA data.
SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY26V169000
Risk: A faulty seat belt status indicator may fail to alert occupants to an unfastened seat belt, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will install a wiring harness extension and replace the seat belt assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning May 8, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 297. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov March 21, 2026.
Reported 2026-03-20
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST26V160000
Risk: A person, especially a child, may become trapped by a rear powered seat, increasing the risk of injury or death.
Remedy: Owners are advised to exercise caution when operating the second and third row power seat functions until the repair is performed. Children are advised to not be in the rear seats or near the rear seating area during power-folding operation. The seat controller and the audio, visual, navigation software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notifica
Reported 2026-03-17
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL26V047000
Risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 24, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai's customer service at 855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 293. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 28, 2026.
Reported 2026-01-27
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid?
Owners have filed 94 unverified complaints with NHTSA, alleging 1 crash and 11 injuries. The most frequently reported components are Seats with 43 allegations, followed by the Electrical System with 26 and Vehicle Speed Control with 9. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
94 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid?
With three open recall campaigns already on record for the current model year, any shopper should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase. Confirmation that all three remedy procedures covering seat belts, seat assemblies, and the instrument cluster have been completed by a Hyundai dealer is advised.
- Three recalls were issued for the 2026 Palisade Hybrid before the model year was even fully underway, targeting rear seat belt buckles, power seat assemblies on upper trims, and the instrument cluster panel shared with other 2025-2026 Hyundai models.
- The NHTSA crash-test result is strong at 5 overall stars, but the avoidance-tech sub-score of 2 out of 10 reflects that forward collision warning and lane departure warning were not recorded as present in the tested configuration, which is a meaningful gap in the Index.
- Owners have already filed 94 unverified complaints with NHTSA, with 43 of those alleging seat-related problems, a pattern that directly mirrors the two seat-focused recall campaigns active for this model year.
- No prior-year Safety Index exists for the Palisade Hybrid, so the 77/100 Average score cannot yet be evaluated as an improvement or decline, and buyers should monitor NHTSA's database as additional complaint and test data accumulates.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid places
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid safety questions
Was the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 77 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 15.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 94 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Rivals in SUV (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 350e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 550e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander MHEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21139), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Hyundai Palisade Hybrid 2026.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 138 of 143 in the SUV class for 2026.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.