MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2020 Hyundai Palisade

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2020 Hyundai Palisade

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

5Recalls
507Complaints
1Investigations
ABOUT THE HYUNDAI PALISADE

The Hyundai Palisade is a three-row family SUV that competes directly against the Toyota Highlander and Kia Telluride in the mainstream midsize segment. Launched for 2020, it targets families who want genuine eight-passenger capacity, a composed highway ride, and a premium-leaning interior at a non-luxury price. It has become one of Hyundai's most visible volume sellers in North America.

VERDICT

Despite a strong crash-test showing, the 2020 Hyundai Palisade carries a park-outside or stop-driving recall, so read the recall section first. Both frontal and side crash protection reached the full 5 stars. It has 5 recalls on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally regard the Palisade as one of the more refined entries in the midsize three-row SUV class, praising its well-appointed cabin materials, composed ride comfort, and strong value proposition relative to near-luxury competitors. Driving dynamics are described as smooth and confidence-inspiring for a vehicle of this size, and interior space draws consistent praise across all three rows.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 14.3%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14545

Index breakdown

Crash protection66/70
Avoidance tech10/10
Defect record6/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

Park outside / do not drive This vehicle has a recall advising owners to park away from structures or stop driving until repaired. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN26V034000

Risk: Improper side curtain air bag deployment increases the risk of injury during 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. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated June 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall

Reported 2026-01-23

SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY25V607000

Risk: Seat belt buckles that fail to latch may not properly restrain occupants in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

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. 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. Additional letters will b

Reported 2025-09-12

TRAILER HITCHES22V633000

Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

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. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 235.

Reported 2022-08-18

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR22V627000

Risk: Windshield wiper failure can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

Reported 2022-08-15

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW19V802000

Risk: Damaged side curtain air bags may not inflate properly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover on the mounting bolts, free of charge. The recall began December 20, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 186.

Reported 2019-11-07

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

507 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

13reported crash
6reported fire
16reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsEngine 116Visibility/Wiper 114Unknown Or Other 82Suspension 60Seat Belts 47Electrical System 41

Other Palisade years

Rivals in SUV (2020)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 14545), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Hyundai Palisade 2020. Class rank 61 of 107 in SUV 2020. Methodology · Disclosure