Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: a solid ownership case with specific caveats below.
Owners have filed 530 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Hyundai Palisade, and it carries 5 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility/wiper | 98 | 18% |
| Engine | 66 | 12% |
| Suspension | 49 | 9% |
| Unknown or other | 48 | 9% |
| Seat belts | 36 | 7% |
| Structure | 18 | 3% |
| Power train | 16 | 3% |
| Electrical system | 14 | 3% |
| Visibility | 12 | 2% |
| Power train | 11 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
I am reporting a serious safety defect involving the A/C system on my 2020 Hyundai Palisade. The A/C system has failed due to a manufacturer acknowledged defect in the compressor pulley and hub assembly. Hyundai has issu
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
On August 14, 2026, while driving and decelerating, I heard a knocking sound from the engine and the vehicle had difficulty downshifting. As the transmission shifted from second gear to first, the engine stalled immediat
NHTSA complaint: Power train
My 2020 Hyundai Palisade (3.8L GDI Lambda II V6) consumes engine oil at a rate that empties the crankcase between scheduled oil changes, with no warning lamp illuminating before the oil is gone. This creates a risk of en
NHTSA complaint: Engine
The paint on the roof of my 2020 Hyundai Palisade is peeling off in large sheets, rather than typical chipping or wear. The peeling originates from the center of the roof and has begun spreading toward the area near the
NHTSA complaint: Structure
I believe this is related to RECALL 235, Veh was parked on the street, thank god. The Palisade then spontaniusly caught fire, fire department had to be called and insurance company says its a total loss. Fire started in
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
I am experiencing an issue with the power liftgate struts on my 2020 Hyundai Palisade SEL that appears to be a common problem among other Palisade owners. The liftgate support struts are beginning to fail, causing the li
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
This vehicle has suffered two identical, catastrophic electrical failures causing an immediate and total loss of engine power while traveling at highway speeds. The first incident occurred after the engine was replaced u
NHTSA complaint: Power train
Sunroof was opened and a slim metal piece fell down into the car landing in the console. I wasn’t sure where it came from so I tried to close the sunroof. It would slide to close but would not go down the last inch or so
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2020 Hyundai Palisade. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020 Palisade vehicles. The mounting bolts used to secure the side curtain air bags may damage the side curtain air bags during deployment.
Risk: Damaged side curtain air bags may not inflate properly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover on the mounting bolts, free of charge. The recall began December 20, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-85
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Palisade vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may become inoperative, causing the wipers to fail.
Risk: Windshield wiper failure can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the driver-side windshield wiper arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 13, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. H
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling 2020-2022 Palisade vehicles potentially equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Hyundai dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (
Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a new fuse and wire extension kit, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notificat
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.
Risk: Seat belt buckles that fail to latch may not properly restrain occupants in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: 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. De
| Reliability raw | 70 | good |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 74 | good |
| Maintenance | 75 | good |
| Depreciation | 75 | good |
| Performance | 59 | average |
| Efficiency | 41 | below average |
| Safety | 93 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 530 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and visibility/wiper is the most reported area with 98 of them (18%). There are 5 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 70/100 (good) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 74/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2020 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: worth a look, because a solid ownership case with specific caveats below. Its overall ownership score is 71/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.