NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Hyundai Palisade Safety Ratings
The 2021 Hyundai Palisade scores 81 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 6 recalls, and 408 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Hyundai Palisade achieved a 5 out of 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. All three crash-avoidance technologies are standard equipment. This performance contributes to a NHTSA Safety Index of 81/100, a strong showing. However, its defect record component scored only 5/20. Six recall campaigns were issued for the 2021 Palisade, including one directive for owners to park outside.
The 2021 Hyundai Palisade received a five-star overall crash rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 81/100 based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Hyundai Palisade ranks 74 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 81 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.9% |
| Recalls on file | 6 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 408 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 74 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Hyundai Palisade?
The 2021 Palisade sits one point below the 2020 model year's Index of 82/100, a modest but meaningful slip that traces almost entirely to the defect record component, which scored 5 out of a possible 20 points. Six recall campaigns accumulated against this model year, a notably active recall footprint for a single year. The crash protection component held strong at 66/70, consistent with the five-star overall NHTSA result and the perfect scores in frontal and side testing. The avoidance technology score reached the maximum 10/10, reflecting standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across the lineup. What distinguishes 2021 specifically from neighboring years is the combination of two separate wiper motor campaigns, one exclusive to 2021-2023 vehicles and one covering 2020-2021, plus the park-outside trailer hitch harness recall. The seat belt buckle recall, which spans 2020-2025 models, is particularly significant given that seat belts account for 103 of the 408 reported complaints, the single largest complaint category. The convergence of an active recall record and a dominant seat belt complaint cluster makes defect follow-through the defining safety story for this model year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Hyundai Palisade perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Palisade achieved a five star overall safety rating from NHTSA. This top score followed five star ratings in both the frontal and side crash protection tests. In rollover protection, the Palisade earned four out of five stars, with NHTSA measuring a 16 percent rollover risk. The dynamic tip test recorded no tip, and all categories received a rating.
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 // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Hyundai Palisade have any recalls?
Yes, six recalls cover this model year. Components include side and rear curtain air bags, seat belt buckle assemblies across all rows, two separate windshield wiper motor campaigns, and a trailer hitch harness issue. The trailer hitch harness recall carries a park-outside designation, meaning affected vehicles should not be garaged until the remedy is confirmed complete.
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. 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.
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. Final remedy owner letter
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Hyundai Palisade?
NHTSA has received 408 unverified consumer complaints against the 2021 Palisade. Alleged problem areas include seat belts (103 reports), electrical system (50), engine (49), and visibility or wiper components (47). Owners also allege 6 crashes and 18 injuries in these unverified filings. These are consumer allegations, not established findings.
408 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Hyundai Palisade?
Six recall campaigns, including one to address a trailer hitch harness fire risk and another for seat belt buckle security, have been issued for the 2021 Palisade. Prospective owners are advised to verify that all recall remedies have been completed by a Hyundai dealer prior to purchase.
- The 2021 Palisade is covered by a park-outside trailer hitch harness recall issued in August 2022, meaning fire risk concerns were serious enough to warrant keeping the vehicle out of enclosed spaces until the fix is verified.
- Two separate windshield wiper motor recalls apply to this model year, one shared with 2020 vehicles and one specific to 2021-2023 models, making wiper system remedy verification a priority on any used example.
- Seat belt buckle assemblies across all seating rows are subject to a recall, and seat belts are simultaneously the top complaint category with 103 unverified reports, a convergence that used-market buyers should treat as a critical VIN check item.
- The Safety Index dropped one point from 82 in 2020 to 81 in 2021, driven by a defect record score of just 5/20, while crash protection and avoidance technology scores remained at or near their maximums for this year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Hyundai Palisade places
The 2021 Hyundai Palisade qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Hyundai Palisade safety questions
Was the 2021 Hyundai Palisade crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Hyundai Palisade, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 81 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Hyundai Palisade crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Hyundai Palisade earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 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 2021 Hyundai Palisade have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 6 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Hyundai Palisade, including a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which is the most serious class of recall. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Hyundai Palisade?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 408 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Hyundai Palisade. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Palisade years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15130), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Hyundai Palisade 2021.
- 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 74 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- 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.