Hyundai Halts Sales, Recalls 60K Palisade SUVs After Child Dies
The Hyundai company has announced that it will stop and plan to recall more than 60,000 of its Palisade vehicles following a serious incident that is currently being investigated, said a company report.
The Palisade is a mid-size family SUV model and is closely related to the Kia Telluride. It is South Korea’s largest SUV and one of its few models with three rows.
Hyundai’s Palisade has been getting a lot of attention from car reviewers and fans of the brand after its 2026 model year redesign. Why is it being recalled and what should Palisade owners do to avoid incidents?
Why does Hyundai remember Palisade?
Hyundai is recalling the Palisade because “in some cases, the second and third row power seats may not detect contact with an occupant or object as intended” according to Hyundai regarding the issue.
Power-operated second- and third-row seats that experience this detection problem may continue to fold even if a person or object is sitting in the row of seats.
The tragic death of a 2-year-old girl in Ohio on March 7 is being investigated in connection with Palisade, according to the company’s notice of suspension of sales.
“Although Hyundai does not yet have full details and the incident is still being investigated, a young child lost his life. Hyundai expresses its condolences to his family,” said the company’s statement.
Which Hyundai Palisade Models Are Being Recalled?
One model year and two parts have been recalled:
- 2026 Hyundai Palisade Limited
- 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy
These top trims come standard with power-folding third-row seats. Hyundai Motor North America has announced the sale of the 2026 Palisade Limited and Palisade Calligraphy models in the United States and Canada.
What Should You Do If Your Hyundai Palisade Is Recalled?
“Hyundai urges owners to be careful when using the second and third row power seats and to ensure that no person or object, including children, is sitting on the seat or in the folding area before using the power seat,” the company said in a statement.
If you own a 2026 Hyundai Palisade Limited or Palisade Calligraphy, “avoid hitting the reverse button while getting in or out,” Hyundai advises.
The safest way if you have to use the second and third row power folding features, is to only use them when the car is completely empty. This will allow owners to adjust their accommodation or cargo space to their needs without risking injury to passengers.
Owners who are aware of this recall should be very careful using these features before the repair is issued and used.
What is Hyundai doing to deal with the issue of power folding seats?
Hyundai is sending the completed recall information to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The fix for the cars is “currently under development” and Hyundai will offer rental cars to customers “until a complete solution is found.”
Over-the-air software updates are also being developed that “will improve the system’s response to contact with internal persons or objects.” This update will be available at the end of March according to Hyundai. While it may not solve the recall, it can help avoid accidents until all affected vehicles are repaired.
Owners can contact Hyundai’s customer service center for questions about the recall.
Charles Singh is the Autos Connect Reporter for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY network. Contact him at [email protected].
This article first appeared in USA TODAY: Hyundai halts sales, recalls 60K Palisade SUVs after child’s death
Reporting by Charles Singh, USA TODAY
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
