2020 Hyundai Palisade
The Verdict
The 2020 Hyundai Palisade has 528 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are body (326 complaints) and engine (134 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 24/100, it earns a "Check Engine" rating. If you're shopping for a Hyundai Palisade, consider the 2025 model year which has 54% fewer complaints.
Safe Bet
The 2025 has 54% fewer complaints
View the 2025 Hyundai Palisade dashboard →
Klunk Score: Check Engine
More complaints than most vehicles. Known issues exist — budget for potential repairs.
How is this calculated?
The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.
Recalls 5
Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Palisade vehicles. The side curtain air bags for third-row occupants may deploy improperly in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to...
Risk
Improper side curtain air bag deployment increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
The remedy is currently under development. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed beginning March 13, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final re...
Reported Apr 10, 2026
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling 2020-2022 Palisade vehicles potentially equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Hyunda...
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 notifi...
Reported Apr 10, 2026
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Palisade vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may become inoperative, causing the wipers to fail.
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....
Reported Apr 10, 2026
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Palisade vehicles. The seat belt buckles in the driver, passenger, and second-row window seats may fail to latch.
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....
Reported Dec 9, 2025
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020 Palisade vehicles. The mounting bolts used to secure the side curtain air bags may damage the side curtain air bags during deployment.
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...
Reported Jul 11, 2019
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Under the Hood
Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.
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Complaints
My 2020 Hyundai Palisade (3.8L GDI Lambda II V6) consumes engine oil at a rate that empties the crankcase between scheduled oil changes, with no warning lamp illuminating before the oil is gone. This creates a risk of engine seizure and sudden loss of motive power in traffic. The vehicle has repeatedly run rough and felt as though it would stall when slowing or stopping. On 3/10/2025 at 57,026 miles I brought it to a Hyundai dealer because it felt like it was about to stall at traffic lights. The technician found no measurable oil on the dipstick, 4.5 quarts low, and found the camshafts out of time as a result. On 11/25/2025 at 69,851 miles the oil light flickered and the engine ran rough and stuttered. The dealer checked the dipstick and again found no oil on it at all. This was only 5,614 miles after a documented oil and filter change performed by that same dealer. No warning illuminated until the crankcase was already effectively empty, which I consider inadequate warning of imminent engine failure. Consumption has continued and worsened: 1 quart low at 77,202 miles (4/22/2026), 1.5 quarts low at 81,350 (5/14/2026), and 1.2 quarts low at 82,927 (8/11/2026), the last only 1,577 miles after an oil change. Hyundai TSB 23-EM-008H sets the failure threshold at 1 quart per 1,000 miles for all gasoline engines. The dealer twice billed Hyundai operation code 21000FCC, which that bulletin defines as payable only after an initial oil consumption test result of NG (failed). Two combustion chamber cleanings were performed at Hyundai's expense (1/2026 and 5/2026). Neither resolved the consumption. On 5/14/2026 the dealer submitted a request to Hyundai Motor America to replace the engine. Hyundai denied it verbally and has provided no written decision, case number, or reason. This is our family's primary vehicle and remains in service. I must check the oil weekly to keep the engine from running dry. Complete dealer service records are available.
The paint on the roof of my 2020 Hyundai Palisade is peeling off in large sheets, rather than typical chipping or wear. The peeling originates from the center of the roof and has begun spreading toward the area near the front windshield edge. This is not consistent with normal wear and tear, curb rash, or impact damage — the affected areas show clean separation of paint layers down to a lower coat/primer, consistent with a manufacturing defect in paint adhesion or application. Rust is beginning to be visible. Based on research, this appears to be a widespread issue among other 2020 Hyundai Palisade owners, many of whom report similar peeling on roofs, hoods, and wheels, suggesting a systemic paint defect rather than an isolated incident. Date first noticed July 2026 Current mileage 32,006
I believe this is related to RECALL 235, Veh was parked on the street, thank god. The Palisade then spontaniusly caught fire, fire department had to be called and insurance company says its a total loss. Fire started in the rear driver side.
I am experiencing an issue with the power liftgate struts on my 2020 Hyundai Palisade SEL that appears to be a common problem among other Palisade owners. The liftgate support struts are beginning to fail, causing the liftgate to no longer stay fully open. When the liftgate is opened, it slowly falls back down instead of remaining securely in the fully open position. The struts appear to have lost their ability to properly support the weight of the liftgate and are essentially failing. This is particularly concerning because the liftgate can unexpectedly fall while someone is loading or unloading the vehicle, creating a potential safety hazard. Given the number of similar complaints from other Palisade owners, this appears to be a recurring issue with the liftgate struts. I would like Hyundai to recognize this as a potential common defect and provide a proper repair or replacement of the failing liftgate struts.
This vehicle has suffered two identical, catastrophic electrical failures causing an immediate and total loss of engine power while traveling at highway speeds. The first incident occurred after the engine was replaced under a Hyundai extended warranty. The dealership service department blamed that failure on a loose engine ground strap and released the vehicle back to me. On August 3, 2026, the exact same failure occurred for a second time while driving at high speed on the highway. The vehicle lost all propulsion, leaving me exposed to oncoming traffic with zero engine power. The vehicle was towed to a Hyundai dealership. The dealership identified a blown "Sensor 4" fuse causing an intermittent dead circuit, but they have been unable to locate the short circuit after two weeks of troubleshooting. After demanding the diagnostic data logs, the dealership abruptly halted all repairs and ordered me to pick up the vehicle. Furthermore, due to excessive, repetitive diagnostic cranking and idling in 90+ degree heat while under the dealer's care, the vehicle's starter solenoid has now suffered collateral failure. The vehicle is currently completely disabled, undrivable, and the underlying highway stalling hazard remains completely unresolved. This is a recurring, severe life-safety issue that leaves the vehicle prone to sudden stall events in high-speed traffic without warning.
Sunroof was opened and a slim metal piece fell down into the car landing in the console. I wasn’t sure where it came from so I tried to close the sunroof. It would slide to close but would not go down the last inch or so on the back. I tried to open and close it a couple times to see if it was just sticking and another slim metal piece fell down. I am afraid to drive much and over 25-30 mph because I am afraid the roof may fly out. A long silver piece was flopping around (I assume a wind deflector) so I laid it in the backseat. It’s a shame that I have a vehicle that’s basically unusable on rainy or windy days and can’t drive over 30 mph because roof may fly out and hit someone. I also cannot lock and set alarm because roof shows open and horn blows. I care for my elderly parent with dementia so this is not helpful when nearest doctor visits or Hyundai dealer is minimum 45 minutes away drive.
In my 2020 Palisade with automated third and second row seats, the third row automated seat button was accidentally pushed and started to close on my grandchild who was sitting in the third row. The seat did not detect that anyone was sitting in it and kept closing. Luckily I was able to hit the button to stop it. This same problem also happened in the automated second row seat with a grandchild in it. Another [XXX] old child pushed the button on the entry side of the captain’s seat and the seat did not detect that there was someone sitting in it and began to close on them. Once again we were lucky and was standing there and able to push the button to stop it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. Several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the engine seized. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with spark plug and ignition coil failures. The contact was informed that the spark plugs and ignition coils needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact was informed that the oil was a quart and a half low. The contact was advised to add a quart of oil to the engine every 1,000 miles. The failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed solenoid. The contact was informed that the solenoid needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact stated that since the vehicle was purchased, the vehicle had displayed nineteen fault codes. The contact stated that months later, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger's side sunroof arm deflector detached. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was confirmed that the passenger's side sunroof arm deflector had detached. In addition, the contact was informed that the driver's side sunroof arm deflector was fractured. The dealer attempted a temporary repair using tape, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and the dealer reapplied tape, but the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the temporary application of tape and debris had detached. The force of the wind caused the driver's side sunroof arm deflector to detach. In addition, the contact stated that the loud sound and the debris from the sunroof were over the contact's head. In addition, the contact's minor child was an occupant of the vehicle at the time of the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who removed the fractured deflectors. The independent mechanic reapplied tape, and the sunroof was left in the open position. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was scheduled for an appointment. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 107,223.
Hyundai Motor America has been notified of the safety issue through the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, which required Hyundai to provide a written response within ten business days. Hyundai has not responded to the Attorney General, has not responded to follow‑up attempts, and has not provided any guidance or corrective action. The local dealership reports that Hyundai Corporate will not authorize warranty diagnostics or repairs, leaving the vehicle in an unsafe condition with no manufacturer support.
On or about XXX I brought my vehicle into the dealership as my 2020 Hyundai palisade suffered a severe, sudden engine malfunction while driving at highway speeds. The vehicle began shaking violently, losing power, and making loud mechanical noises forcing me to navigate dangerous highway traffic to get it to the dealership. Prior to the failure, in XXX, the vehicle was brought into an authorized dealership as the vehicle would not drive properly, very slow acceleration and the vehicle feeling like it was stalling causing a danger to the road. . The dealership performed an inspection on the vehicle and diagnosed "carbon buildup due to mileage and age," they performed an authorized emissions software update, changed the oil, and performed a paid fuel injection cleaning. The dealership did not issue a safety warning or advise against driving the vehicle long distance back to [XXX]. A few months after this service, the vehicle suffered total engine failure. Professional teardown of the Hyundai Lambbda ll V6 engine show that unresolved carbon buildup and software defects lead to piston ring failure, severe misfires, oil starvation, and sudden loss not motive power. Operating a vehicle experiencing severe mechanical shaking and power loss at highway speeds poses an immediate risk of an accident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
When attempting to use engine braking to control descent on mountain roads, the vehicle failed to slow. Engine RPMs increased and speed increased requiring significant brake usage. Last year the vehicle performed as expected as deceleration was controlled via downshifting with much less brake usage. The only change was the application earlier this year of Hyundai service campaign 9C9.
Car seat when you press to collapse the third row press it once the seat activates to collapse if my granddaughter’s in the rear seat and she’s not sitting properly, it’ll collapse on her. Causing death or injury. It won’t retract unless there’s significant pressure to make it retract again. The press and hold will prevent accidental injury.
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Palisade. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V034000 (Air Bags) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list because the recall repair was completed by an authorized dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Palisade. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V607000 (Seat Belts). The contact stated that while parked on several occasions, the second-row driver-side and passenger-side seat belts buckles failed to latch and required three to four attempts to latch securely. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was determined that an object might be stuck in the buckle assembly, and the seat belt buckle assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred approximately a week later. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
The vehicle suffers from a severe manufacturing defect causing excessive engine oil consumption (burning more than 2+ quarts per 1,000 miles) with no warning lights or oil pressure indicators activating. With little to no warning, I could be driving and experience catastrophic engine failure. This defect creates an immediate safety hazard, as sudden engine seizure or stalling at highway speeds risks loss of power braking and steering, creating an imminent risk of a high-speed collision. The dealership has confirmed the oil consumption issue after we noticed the vehicle stalling and performing sluggishly until the oil was changed.
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Palisade. The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V607000 (Seat Belts). The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the rear passengers' seat belts buckles unlatched inadvertently. The contact was able to rebuckle the seat belts securely after each failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Palisade. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V607000 (SEAT BELTS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced the failure.
Was driving 70mph on the highway, all instrument cluster speed gauges go to 0mph and I lose ability to manage speed through cruise control. Was driving blind and had no clue what speed I was going and was extremely worried for my safely. Dealership said my instrument cluster has failed, won’t cover under warranty or as a safety issue. Ridiculous a 80k 6 year old car has a main gauge part fail.
Cylinder 1 and 6 rod bearing failure, plus complete destruction of piston number 6. On highway engine failed, sudden loss of power to move vehicle.
I bought this car used from Albion Ford and I didn't have it 3,000 mile when my check engine light came on. Took it in and they said nothing was wrong with it. A couple days later it stalled in the middle of the road at a stop sign. It happened a mile later, I stopped at the store and there was absolutely not oil on the dip stick. I put 2 quarts in and it was at the very bottom of the dipstick. It's still under warranty and they did an oil consumption test and said it was normal. It's burning 5.5 quarts every 3,000 miles.
528 total