Hyundai issued a stop sale on the 2026 Palisade Calligraphy and Limited trims in the U.S. and Canada. The stop sale comes after the death of a 2-year-old girl on March 7.
While the incident is still under investigation, Hyundai is attributing the incident to an issue with the power-folding second and third-row seats. According to a release from Hyundai, “In certain situations, those seats may not adequately detect contact with an occupant or object as intended. This condition may occur during second and third-row power‑folding operations, as well as during use of the second-row one‑touch tilt‑and‑slide function.”
Hyundai is taking the following steps to address the issue:
Recall
A recall will be submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The recall will include about 68,500 2026 Hyundai Palisades in the aforementioned trims. If necessary, Hyundai will assist customers with renting a car while repairs are being made.
Over-the-Air Update
An over-the-air software update should enhance the system’s response to contact with objects or occupants and introduce additional safeguards.
Notifications
Owners are being informed about the issue via email, phone, and in-vehicle pop-up notifications.
Additional Precautions
Hyundai urges the utmost caution when operating the second and third-row power seat functions. Ensure there is no object or person in the seat or seat-folding area before operating the power seat.
Customers should also avoid pressing the seatback button during entry or exit when using the second-row tilt-and-slide feature to access the third row.
The Hyundai Consumer Assistance Center can be reached for further questions.
Again, this issue affects only the Calligraphy and Limited trims of the 2026 Hyundai Palisade.
