Hyundai Recalls Over 122,000 Palisade and Palisade Hybrid SUVs for Power Seat Safety Risk

Source: NHTSA · United States

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Hyundai is recalling certain 2026 Palisade vehicles because second and third row power seats may fail to detect occupants, posing a risk of trapping passengers.

What this NHTSA vehicle recall tells you, and what most readers miss

This notice was issued by NHTSA on April 5, 2026 and geographically references United States. Its severity classification of "high" signals how the issuing agency weighs the risk of harm if no action is taken — "critical" and "high" tier alerts typically carry direct consumer actions, while "medium" and "low" tend toward informational guidance or monitoring advisories. The category it belongs to — Vehicle Recalls — determines the regulatory framework behind it, which shapes what remedies (refunds, replacements, recalls, evacuations) are available to affected individuals and who holds statutory responsibility for enforcement.

Most readers skim a notice like this, check whether they are personally affected, and move on. The more useful lens is to read it as a data point about the issuing system: how quickly NHTSA detected the hazard, how precise the geographic or product-identifier scope is, and whether similar notices have clustered in the same category or region in the last 90 days. Cluster patterns frequently precede a broader regulatory action — a single localized NHTSA vehicle recall is isolated; three of them within a quarter often indicate a supply-chain, infrastructure, or seasonal driver that will keep producing notices until something structural changes.

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What Happened

Hyundai Motor America has issued a recall for specific 2026 Palisade models due to a defect in the power seat assembly. The second and third row power seats may fail to detect a person or object in their path. As a result, the seat may continue to move after making contact during automated functions, such as one-touch tilt-and-slide or automatic power fold-and-stow operations.

Which Products Are Affected

The recall affects a total of 122,186 vehicles. The following models are included:

  • 2026 Hyundai Palisade (Limited or Calligraphy trim packages)
  • 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid (Limited or Calligraphy trim packages)

What You Should Do

Owners are advised to exercise extreme caution when operating the second and third row power seat functions until a repair is performed. Hyundai specifically warns that children should not be in the rear seats or near the rear seating area during any power-folding operation.

While a permanent remedy is currently under development, Hyundai will provide an interim repair consisting of a power seat control software update free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed by May 16, 2026. Concerned owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460 and reference recall number 296. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) will be searchable on the NHTSA website starting March 19, 2026.

Why This Matters

This defect poses a significant safety hazard as a person, particularly a child, could become trapped by a moving rear power seat, which increases the risk of physical injury.

Source

Data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Campaign Number 26V160000.

Original source: NHTSA Official Notice ↗

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this NHTSA vehicle recall.

What is this NHTSA vehicle recall about?
Hyundai is recalling certain 2026 Palisade vehicles because second and third row power seats may fail to detect occupants, posing a risk of trapping passengers.
Which agency issued this alert?
This alert was issued by NHTSA. The original notice is available at the source link at the bottom of this article.
How severe is this alert?
This alert is classified as "high" severity. Take precautions and monitor for updates.
What area is affected?
This alert affects United States. Check with NHTSA for the most current geographic scope.
Where can I find more Vehicle Recalls updates?
Browse the full Vehicle Recalls feed on Areazine at areazine.com/recalls/vehicles/ for the latest updates from NHTSA and other agencies.