Last updated: 2026-03-04

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 avgEst. Annual Cost
$573
Major Repair Risk
N/A
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
6 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
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)
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
2021 Kia Telluride
Score: 63/100
2021 Toyota Highlander
Score: 70/100
2021 Volkswagen Atlas
Score: 44/100
2021 Honda Pilot
Score: 63/100
2021 Ford Explorer
Score: 62/100
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)
Recall Overview
6
recalls on record
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 soldSegment avg: 17
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.
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.
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.
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
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 14.3%
Safety Technologies
Hyundai Palisade Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based 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.
SEAT BELTS
90 complaintsOwners 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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
49 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
39 complaintsOwners 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (33 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
33 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
SUSPENSION (28 complaints)
SUSPENSION
28 complaintsOwners 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.
ENGINE (19 complaints)
ENGINE
19 complaintsOwners 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.
POWER TRAIN (15 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
15 complaintsOwners 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.
STEERING (12 complaints)
STEERING
12 complaintsOwners 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.
SERVICE BRAKES (7 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
7 complaintsOwners 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.
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)
AIR BAGS
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
When Do 2021 Hyundai Palisade Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
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.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 59/100 | Mixed |
| 2021 | 61/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 65/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 62/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 63/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 70/100 | Good |
Hyundai Palisade Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2021 Hyundai Palisade reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Hyundai Palisade?
How many recalls does the 2021 Hyundai Palisade have?
Is the 2021 Hyundai Palisade expensive to maintain?
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
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.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
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.
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.
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