Hyundai Announces Recall and Suspends Sales of 68,500 2026 Palisade Units Due to Power Seat Safety Risk

On Friday, Hyundai announced a halt in sales for the 2026 Palisade in the top Limited and Calligraphy trims following a tragic incident that resulted in the death of a two-year-old child in Ohio on March 7. A recall for 68,500 Palisades is being finalized, according to Hyundai.

The problem originates from the power-operated second- and third-row seats failing to recognize contact with a person or object, which could lead to the power-folding seats crushing an occupant or item.

Hyundai is advising consumers to exercise caution when utilizing the second- and third-row power seat functions to ensure that no individual or object, especially children, is in the seat or folding area before activating the feature.

Hyundai is aware of the incident involving the death of a two-year-old child due to this issue on March 7 in Ohio. Complete details about the incident have not yet been disclosed, and an investigation is in progress.

The contact detection problem is reported to exist both during power-folding operations and when using the second-row one-touch tilt-and-slide feature, which tilts the second-row seat forward while power sliding the seat ahead in one motion for third-row access.

The automaker has stated it’s developing a temporary software update to enhance contact detection and improve safety. This interim software will be rolled out as an over-the-air update by the end of March. Hyundai clarified that this will not serve as a permanent recall remedy, but rather to improve the system’s response in detecting contact with occupants and objects.

A formal recall is being prepared, and the automaker is already reaching out to owners to inform them of the situation. The formal recall will be submitted to the NHTSA.

Hyundai has mentioned that a recall repair is in development and will be performed at dealerships at no charge to owners when available. A timeline for when the remedy will be accomplished has not yet been provided.

Hyundai stated it will provide customers with a rental vehicle through its dealers until a complete fix is ready.

Consumers with inquiries are encouraged to reach out directly to the Hyundai Consumer Assistance Center here.

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**Hyundai Announces Recall and Stops Sales of 68,500 2026 Palisade Units Due to Power Seat Safety Concern**

Hyundai has declared a major recall impacting about 68,500 units of its 2026 Palisade SUV due to a safety concern related to the power seat system. This action follows the automaker’s identification of a possible issue that could endanger the safety of passengers in the event of an accident.

The recall specifically affects vehicles that come with power-adjustable front seats. The concern stems from a malfunction that may prevent the seat from securely locking into position, heightening the risk of injury during a crash. Hyundai has reaffirmed that customer safety is of utmost importance, leading to an immediate suspension of sales for the impacted models until the problem is resolved.

Owners of the 2026 Palisade are encouraged to verify their vehicle identification numbers (VINs) against the recall list provided by Hyundai. The company has promised to inform affected customers and will provide free repairs to address the power seat issue. Hyundai dealerships will be prepared to carry out the necessary repairs, which may include replacing components of the power seat assembly to guarantee proper performance and safety.

In addition to the recall, Hyundai has enacted a temporary suspension of sales for the 2026 Palisade to avoid any more vehicles being sold with the identified flaw. This proactive step is intended to safeguard consumers and uphold the brand’s reputation for safety and dependability.

Hyundai has indicated that it is collaborating closely with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to guarantee adherence to safety regulations and to facilitate an efficient recall process. Customers can anticipate receiving comprehensive information regarding the recall, along with guidance on what to do if they own an affected vehicle.

As the automotive industry continually prioritizes safety, this recall highlights the necessity of regular vehicle maintenance and remaining informed about potential safety concerns. Hyundai urges all vehicle owners to stay alert and report any atypical behavior or worries regarding their vehicles to their local dealerships.

For additional updates and information about the recall, customers may visit Hyundai’s official website or get in touch with their customer service hotline.