NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Hyundai Palisade
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
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.
Despite a strong crash-test showing, the 2021 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 6 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
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
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15130
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record
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
VISIBILITY/WIPER23V180000
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 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.
Reported 2023-03-17
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
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID21V840000
Risk: Reduced braking performance can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Hyundai's number for this recall is 212.
Reported 2021-10-27
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
408 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.