Hyundai Palisade Safety Recall: Urgent Stop-Sale and Global Recall Issued for 2026 Models
Hyundai Motor has issued an urgent stop-sale and global recall for the 2026 Hyundai Palisade due to a critical safety defect in the vehicle's power-folding seats. The recall was prompted by a tragic incident in Ohio where a two-year-old girl lost her life after becoming trapped by the SUV's power seats. Sales of specific trims in the United States, Canada, and South Korea have been suspended as a precaution.
The safety recall targets vehicles produced through March 11, 2026, and includes a significant number of domestic units in South Korea. The stop-sale order affects the Limited and Calligraphy trims equipped with the power-folding seat feature, while models with manual lever-operated seats are not part of the recall.
Hyundai identified that the second- and third-row electric seats of the Palisade may fail to detect contact with an occupant or object, leading to a potential entrapment risk for children and pets. The "anti-pinch" or jam-prevention function may not work correctly, causing the seat to continue moving even when encountering an obstruction.
Hyundai is working with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and South Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to address the issue. Owners are advised to exercise extreme caution and visually confirm that no person or object is in the seat-folding area before using any power seat functions.
In light of this safety concern, Hyundai has taken swift action to ensure the well-being of its customers and prevent any further incidents. The company is committed to resolving the issue promptly and working closely with regulatory authorities to implement necessary solutions. Owners of affected vehicles are encouraged to follow the safety guidelines provided by Hyundai to prevent any potential risks associated with the power-folding seats.