NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Hyundai Palisade Safety Ratings
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade 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 achieves an Average safety rating, with a NHTSA Safety Index of 77/100. This places it below the 2025 model's 79/100. While the vehicle demonstrated strong performance in NHTSA's physical crash tests, its overall score was significantly impacted by a low 2/10 rating for crash-avoidance technology and the issuance of three recall campaigns early in its model year.
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade received a 5-out-of-5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 77/100, sourced from NHTSA federal safety 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 ranks 137 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 | 15.5% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 94 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 137 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Hyundai Palisade?
The 2026 Palisade enters its model year carrying a Safety Index of 77/100, a two-point drop from the 2025 model's 79/100, both sitting in the Average band. That modest decline is explained largely by the defect record component, which stands at 13.75 out of a possible 20, weighed down by three recall campaigns that arrived early in the model year. The crash-protection component is genuinely strong at 61 out of 70, consistent with the 5-star overall NHTSA rating, and the side-impact 5-star result is the standout figure. The frontal and rollover scores at 4 stars each represent the ceiling on that component. Where the 2026 year specifically underperforms is crash-avoidance technology, scoring only 2 out of 10. NHTSA records forward collision warning and lane departure warning as not present on this configuration, leaving electronic stability control as the sole credited active-safety feature. The seat-related recalls are particularly notable given that Seats also tops the complaint data with 43 alleged reports, suggesting an alignment between the recall campaigns and early owner concerns that safety shoppers should weigh carefully.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Hyundai Palisade perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Palisade secured a strong 5 out of 5 stars in its overall NHTSA crash-test rating. Its side-impact protection was particularly robust, earning a perfect 5-star result. Frontal crash protection and rollover resistance were rated at 4 out of 5 stars. The vehicle demonstrated a 16 percent rollover risk, with dynamic tip testing concluding in a No Tip result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21137
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Hyundai Palisade have any recalls?
Yes, three recall campaigns cover this model year. Two were issued for Limited and Calligraphy trim vehicles: one addresses rear seat-belt buckle assemblies and a separate campaign targets power-adjustable mid and rear seat assemblies. A third recall, shared with other Hyundai models, covers the electrical system instrument cluster and panel. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the available campaign 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?
NHTSA has received 94 unverified owner complaints for the 2026 Palisade. Alleged problem areas include Seats (43 reports), the Electrical System (26), and Vehicle Speed Control (9). These are unverified consumer allegations reported to NHTSA and have not been independently confirmed.
94 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Hyundai Palisade?
Three open recall campaigns bear directly on this model year's safety performance: the seat belt buckle, power seat, and instrument cluster. For any potential owner, checking the VIN through the NHTSA recall database is a critical step to confirm these remedies have been completed.
- The 2026 Palisade's Safety Index dropped two points to 77/100 compared to the 2025 model's 79/100, driven primarily by three recall campaigns issued within this model year.
- Two of the three recalls specifically target Limited and Calligraphy trim levels, covering rear seat-belt buckle assemblies and power-adjustable seat mechanisms, making trim level a key factor when checking VIN-specific recall status.
- The crash-avoidance technology score of 2 out of 10 reflects the absence of forward collision warning and lane departure warning on this tested configuration, which is a meaningful gap in the overall Safety Index score.
- Unverified NHTSA complaints for this model year already total 94, with Seats accounting for 43 of those alleged reports, a concentration that mirrors the active seat-related recall campaigns.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Hyundai Palisade places
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Hyundai Palisade safety questions
Was the 2026 Hyundai Palisade crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Hyundai Palisade, 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 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 Hyundai Palisade 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 15.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2026 Hyundai Palisade have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Hyundai Palisade. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Hyundai Palisade?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 94 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Hyundai Palisade. 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.
Other Palisade years
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 21137), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Hyundai Palisade 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 137 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.