Safety alerts don't usually go unnoticed, but when they affect a high-volume, family-oriented model, the impact is multiplied. Hyundai Motor America has officially confirmed the recall of 568,576 Hyundai Palisade vehicles in the United States, corresponding to model years 2020 through 2025. The reason is a potential defect in the third-row side curtain airbags, which may not deploy correctly in certain accident situations. The information was communicated through documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), placing the case under the highest regulatory scrutiny. The Palisade is one of the country's best-selling three-row SUVs, a common choice among families who prioritize space and safety, which raises concerns among owners. The airbag that doesn't meet regulations: The focus of the problem lies in the side curtain airbags that protect the occupants of the third row. According to a joint investigation conducted by Hyundai and the NHTSA, these components do not meet the requirements established by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard FMVSS No. 226, known as Ejection Mitigation, designed to reduce the risk of occupant ejection in side collisions or rollovers. The defect came to light during routine compliance testing of a 2025 Hyundai Palisade. In those tests, the head displacement of the test dummy exceeded the permitted limit of 100 millimeters, a clear indication that the airbag may not provide adequate protection in certain impact scenarios. This behavior increases the risk of head injuries for third-row passengers. A particularly sensitive issue in a vehicle marketed as a safe solution for large families and long journeys.

A problem analyzed over months

Far from being an isolated incident, the defect has been the subject of a prolonged investigation. Between April and December 2025, Hyundai, the NHTSA, and several technical partners conducted an extensive battery of additional tests. These included evaluations across various Palisade trim levels to confirm whether the issue was isolated or recurring. The results were consistent: in multiple configurations and crash scenarios,the third-row side curtain airbags did not reliably meet the required federal standard. In January 2026, airbag supplier Autoliv provided additional analysis and video reviews of crash tests, reinforcing the conclusion that a genuine defective condition existed. With all the evidence in hand, Hyundai's North America Safety Decision Authority (NASDA) determined that a recall was necessary for the affected vehicles in the US market. Affected Models and Recent Background The recall includes 2020, 2021, and 2026 Hyundai Palisade models. 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025, manufactured for sale in the United States within specific production periods.

It is noteworthy that this group largely coincides with another recall announced last September, related to seat belts, a precedent that has generated concern among some owners.

Hyundai has clarified that the affected vehicles are no longer in production, so the problem does not impact new units currently leaving the factory.

What owners should do

For the time being, the brand continues working on the definitive technical solution to correct the airbag defect. Hyundai has confirmed that the repair will be completely free, even for vehicles no longer under warranty. In addition, the company will reimburse out-of-pocket expenses for those who have paid for repairs related to this issue, according to the plan approved by the NHTSA. Owners will receive official notification by certified mail starting March 23, 2026. In the meantime, it is possible to check if a vehicle is affected by entering the VIN on the official NHTSA website or the Hyundai USA portal. Although SUVs can continue to be driven normally, authorities recommend exercising extra caution with third-row passengers until the relevant review is completed.