Last updated: 2026-03-04

61
GoodReliability score: 61 out of 100, rated Good
2021 Hyundai Palisade

2021 Hyundai Palisade Reliability Score & Common Problems

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade scores 61/100 ("Good"). With 6 recalls and 354 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

2021 is year 2 of the First generation (LX2; 2018).

Recalls

6

Complaints

354

Complaint Rate

41

per 10k sold

Above avg

Est. Annual Cost

$573

Major Repair Risk

N/A

NHTSA Rating

5/5

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%
50/100 (Mixed)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%
70/100 (Good)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%
60/100 (Good)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%
72/100 (Good)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues

SEAT BELTS (90)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (49)VISIBILITY/WIPER (39)

6 recalls on record

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 2)

2021 is year 2 of the First generation (LX2; 2018).

  • Redesigned for the 2020 model year.
  • A refresh arrives in 2022.
  • 1st generation Palisade (US).

What this means for buyers

Year 2 is typically a safer pick than the first model year — early issues are more likely to be identified, but the platform is still new.

If you're comparing prices, check 2020 (redesign year) vs 2021+ pricing and recalls.

First generation (LX2; 2018)

2020redesign
2021selected
2022refresh
2023
2024
2025
Present

Should You Buy the 2021 Hyundai Palisade?

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade scores 61/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2021 is year 2 of the First generation (LX2; 2018).

Its complaint rate (41 per 10k sold) is above the SUV segment average of 17. The most common reports involve seat belts (90).

A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to seat belts (90). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.

Compared to the 2022 Hyundai Palisade, which scored 4 points higher. See also the 2020 Hyundai Palisade for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • Acceptable reliability score
  • 5-star NHTSA crash rating
  • Not a first-year model

Cons

  • Above-average recall count
  • Above-average complaint rate for SUV
  • SEAT BELTS issues reported (90 complaints)
  • 1 fire incident reported in owner complaints
  • Safety recall: park-outside advisory issued

Compare 2021 Hyundai Palisade With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

  • 6 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

  • SEAT BELTS (90)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (49)
  • VISIBILITY/WIPER (39)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (33)
  • SUSPENSION (28)
  • ENGINE (19)
  • POWER TRAIN (15)
  • STRUCTURE (13)
  • TRAILER HITCHES (12)
  • STEERING (12)
  • VISIBILITY (12)
  • SERVICE BRAKES (7)
  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (5)
  • SEATS (5)
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (4)
  • LANE DEPARTURE (3)
  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2)
  • AIR BAGS (2)
  • TIRES (1)
  • ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1)
  • Chest Clip (1)
  • EQUIPMENT (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

6

recalls on record

Park Outside

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade has 6 recalls on record, which is above average. A higher recall count can indicate multiple component concerns. However, recalls also demonstrate that the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

41

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 17

LowAvgHigh
High

Safety Incidents

Crashes

4

Fires

1

Injuries

7

Deaths

0

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2021 Hyundai Palisade Recall Details

6 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Hyundai Palisade. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

26V0340002026-01-23

AIR BAGS

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 comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."

Consequence

Improper side curtain air bag deployment increases the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy

The remedy is currently under development. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 23, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 292. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 24, 2026.

25V6070002025-09-12

SEAT BELTS

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.

Consequence

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. Dealers will replace the seat belt buckle assemblies, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed beginning October 23, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated February 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 283. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 13, 2025.

23V1800002023-03-17

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Palisade vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may operate intermittently or fail to operate due to snow or ice buildup on the windshield, causing the wipers to fail.

Consequence

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 May 15, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 243. This recall is an expansion of recall number 22V-627.

2021 Hyundai Palisade NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 14.3%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (None)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat, 3rd row)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Hyundai Palisade Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$573

Repair Frequency

0.4

unscheduled repair visits per year

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

When Buying a Used 2021 Hyundai Palisade

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.

  • Check for excessive oil consumption by inspecting oil levels and consumption history
  • Inspect rear shock absorbers for leaks or excessive bouncing
  • Test seat belts for proper latching and unlatching
  • Examine windshield for cracks or chips, especially at the edges
  • Verify that the sunroof opens and closes smoothly without noise
  • Test the child safety lock system for proper operation
  • Check for any unusual vibrations or noises from the powertrain during a test drive

Check Any 2021 Hyundai Palisade's History Before You Buy

Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2021 Palisade in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Hyundai Palisade with a free VIN lookup.

Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.

2021 Hyundai Palisade Common Problems by Component

354 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

90
49
39
68
SEAT BELTS (90)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (49)VISIBILITY/WIPER (39)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (33)SUSPENSION (28)ENGINE (19)POWER TRAIN (15)STRUCTURE (13)Other (68)

SEAT BELTS

90 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Hyundai Palisade frequently report issues with seat belts that either fail to latch or unbuckle unexpectedly, particularly in the second row. Common symptoms include seat belts that are difficult to latch, randomly unlatch while driving, or fail to retract properly, with some owners noting these issues since the vehicle was new. Complaints often mention mileage ranging from approximately 58,000 to 80,000 miles, and some owners express safety concerns due to the potential for seat belts to disengage during a crash. One injury is reported, highlighting the potential safety implications of these failures. These patterns suggest prospective buyers should be aware of potential seat belt reliability issues in this model.

90 complaints total1 injury

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

49 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report several recurring issues with the 2021 Hyundai Palisade, particularly involving child safety lock failures and sunroof malfunctions. The child safety lock issue often results in continuous locking and unlocking noises, with some owners noting that the locks disengage entirely, posing a potential safety risk for children. Sunroof problems include spontaneous glass shattering and wind deflector failures, with some incidents occurring while driving, which could potentially lead to driver distraction or injury. These issues are often noted within the first few months of ownership or around 70,000 miles. Additionally, there are reports of engine stalling, coolant leaks, and excessive oil consumption, which are less frequent but notable for potential reliability concerns.

49 complaints total1 crash1 injury

VISIBILITY/WIPER

39 complaints

Owners report two main issues with the 2021 Hyundai Palisade's visibility and wiper systems. First, there are frequent complaints about windshields cracking easily, often from minor impacts such as small rocks or pebbles, with some owners noting cracks developing without any noticeable impact. These cracks can quickly expand, impairing visibility, and are often reported within the first few months or at low mileages, such as 2,500 to 8,000 miles. Second, multiple owners describe wipers ceasing to function when snow accumulates in the recessed area beneath them, which can lead to dangerous driving conditions in snowy weather. These issues have safety implications, as they can lead to impaired visibility on highways and during snowstorms, potentially increasing the risk of accidents.

39 complaints total
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (33 complaints)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

33 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report that the 2021 Hyundai Palisade frequently experiences issues with the child safety lock system, which often results in a persistent clicking noise and a "Child Safety Lock Failure" message on the dashboard. These symptoms can occur both while driving and when the vehicle is parked, and they are sometimes accompanied by the rear doors unlocking, posing a safety risk for passengers, particularly children. Complaints also describe problems with the sunroof, where cracking noises and track misalignment prevent it from closing properly, and issues with the rearview mirrors, which fail to adjust correctly. These issues are reported at various mileage points, with some owners noting recurring problems despite dealership interventions. There is one report involving a crash, highlighting potential safety implications.

33 complaints total1 crash1 fire
SUSPENSION (28 complaints)

SUSPENSION

28 complaints

Owners report frequent issues with the rear suspension of the 2021 Hyundai Palisade, particularly involving the rear shock absorbers and insulators. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as excessive bouncing, popping noises, clunking, and leaking shocks, which are often confirmed by dealerships. These issues often arise between 30,000 and 75,000 miles, with some owners experiencing repeated failures at relatively low mileages. The described symptoms sometimes lead to compromised vehicle stability and control, with some owners expressing concerns about safety risks during driving. Buyers considering a used model should be aware of these recurring suspension problems and the potential need for repairs.

28 complaints total
ENGINE (19 complaints)

ENGINE

19 complaints

Owners report that the 2021 Hyundai Palisade frequently experiences excessive oil consumption, with some stating the vehicle burns more oil than it holds between standard oil change intervals. Typical symptoms include engine stalling, surging, or shutting down unexpectedly, often without warning lights illuminating to indicate low oil levels. Complaints commonly emerge around 60,000 to 90,000 miles, with some owners noting engine failure due to oil consumption. Several reports highlight safety risks such as sudden loss of power while driving, particularly on highways, posing potential hazards to occupants and other motorists. Prospective buyers should be aware of these issues, especially if considering a vehicle with higher mileage.

19 complaints total
POWER TRAIN (15 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

15 complaints

Owners report several powertrain issues with the 2021 Hyundai Palisade, most notably excessive oil consumption and premature engine and transmission failures. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as engine knocking, loss of power, jerking, and vibrations, often occurring between 30-35 mph and 50-60 mph. These issues are reported at various mileage ranges, with some engine failures occurring as early as 86,000 miles and transmission failures around 98,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, including sudden loss of power and hesitation during acceleration, which can increase the risk of crashes. Prospective buyers should be aware of these patterns, particularly regarding oil consumption and all-wheel-drive system issues, which are also commonly reported.

15 complaints total
STEERING (12 complaints)

STEERING

12 complaints

Owners report several steering-related issues with the 2021 Hyundai Palisade. Complaints frequently mention the steering wheel seizing, particularly at lower speeds or when coming to a stop, with power steering warning lights often illuminated. Some owners describe a persistent pull to the right, even after alignment attempts, and a few note noises from the steering system, including a sandpaper-like sound or a jerking motion when auto-off reengages. Mileage at the time of these issues varies, with some reports at approximately 250 miles and others at higher mileages around 102,000. Safety implications include difficulty maintaining lane control and potential loss of steering, which could increase the risk of a crash.

12 complaints total
SERVICE BRAKES (7 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

7 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Hyundai Palisade report several issues with the service brakes, primarily involving brake caliper malfunctions and brake pedal responsiveness. Complaints frequently mention frozen rear brake calipers leading to rapid wear of brake pads and rotors, with some owners noting metal-on-metal grinding within a day. Additionally, multiple owners describe intermittent brake pedal softness or lack of proper response, sometimes accompanied by automatic braking due to false forward collision alerts. These issues often arise without any warning lights or system alerts, raising safety concerns about potential brake failure and unexpected vehicle stops. Some reports involve wheel sensor problems contributing to ABS malfunctions and brake skipping, leading to near-miss incidents. These problems are noted across various mileage ranges, with no specific pattern in terms of vehicle age.

7 complaints total
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)

AIR BAGS

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2021 Hyundai Palisade report issues with airbag deployment during crashes. Complaints frequently mention that the front passenger airbag may not deploy correctly, inflating upwards rather than toward the passenger, and shattering the windshield, which poses a risk of sending glass into the passenger compartment. Additionally, in severe side-impact collisions, owners describe instances where no airbags, including side airbags, deploy at all. These incidents, which involve significant injuries, suggest potential safety implications for occupants during collisions. Buyers should be aware that these issues are reported without specific mileage patterns, indicating they may occur at various points in the vehicle's lifespan.

2 complaints total2 crashes4 injuries

When Do 2021 Hyundai Palisade Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

60,000–90,000 milesExcessive oil consumption
30,000–75,000 milesRear shock absorber failures
98,000–114,000 milesTransmission failures

Best & Worst Hyundai Palisade Years

Best Hyundai Palisade Years to Buy

The best Hyundai Palisade year is 2025 with a reliability score of 70/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2022 (65/100) and 2024 (63/100).

Hyundai Palisade Years to Avoid

No Hyundai Palisade years are statistical outliers in our data — all years score consistently.

See full Hyundai Palisade years-to-avoid analysis →

Hyundai Palisade Reliability Score Trend

Hyundai Palisade reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 63/100.

avg 63
20
21
22
23
24
25

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Hyundai Palisade reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
202059/100Mixed
202161/100Good
202265/100Good
202362/100Good
202463/100Good
202570/100Good

Hyundai Palisade Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202665/100 (predicted)Predicted223
202570/100+7Good3139
202463/100+1Good5304
202362/100-3Good5326
202265/100+4Good5241
2021(selected)61/100+2Good6354
202059/100Mixed7521

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2021 Hyundai Palisade reliable?
The 2021 Hyundai Palisade has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 61/100. It is reasonably reliable with 6 recalls and 354 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Hyundai Palisade?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 Hyundai Palisade include: SEAT BELTS (90 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (49 complaints), VISIBILITY/WIPER (39 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (33 complaints), SUSPENSION (28 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2021 Hyundai Palisade have?
The 2021 Hyundai Palisade has 6 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2021 Hyundai Palisade expensive to maintain?
The 2021 Hyundai Palisade has estimated annual repair costs of $573/year. With a reliability score of 61/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

See incorrect data? Report an issue