Hyundai issued a stop sale on Friday of certain versions of the 2026 Palisade in the U.S. and Canada after a 2-year-old child was killed in Ohio. The recall notice has not yet been finalized or published, but the issue is with the power-operated second- and third-row seats on the Palisade Limited and Calligraphy trims.
Hyundai Aware of ‘Tragic Incident’
These top-trim versions of the 2026 Hyundai Palisade have power operation of the second- and third-row seats. They can slide, tilt, and fold using electric motors rather than manual movement. In a statement, Hyundai said, “In certain situations, those seats may not adequately detect contact with an occupant or object as intended.”
Hyundai said that it was “aware of a tragic incident involving a Palisade,” but did not elaborate. The company said that the incident, which reportedly occurred on March 7, was still under investigation and that it did not have full details. The automaker confirmed the death of a child and said that “Hyundai extends its deepest sympathies to her family.”
The automaker is working on a formal recall, which will be submitted to the NHTSA as well as safety regulators in other countries where the Palisade is sold. The recall remedy is currently under development, and Hyundai will notify customers when it has been finalized.
Recall Coming, Temporary Fix First
Hyundai said that it will offer customers a rental vehicle until a full fix is available. It is also working on a system enhancement that it can roll out over-the-air before the end of March. This won’t be a permanent fix, but “is intended to enhance the system’s response to contact with occupants or objects, introduce additional operating safeguards, and enhance overall system safety.”
In the meantime, Hyundai says that it “urges owners to use caution when operating the second and third-row power seat functions and to ensure that no person or object, including children, is in the seat or seat-folding area before operating the power seat.” The automaker also warns that customers should avoid pressing the second-row seatback tilt button when getting in or out.
Hyundai is working to notify customers through email, phone calls, media notifications, and even through the vehicle’s infotainment system. Affected owners can contact the Hyundai Consumer Assistance Center for more information.
