Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: a solid ownership case with specific caveats below.
Owners have filed 432 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Hyundai Palisade, and it carries 6 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Seat belts | 97 | 22% |
| Unknown or other | 52 | 12% |
| Visibility/wiper | 41 | 9% |
| Engine | 28 | 6% |
| Electrical system | 25 | 6% |
| Suspension | 20 | 5% |
| Power train | 11 | 3% |
| Trailer hitches | 11 | 3% |
| Structure | 10 | 2% |
| Visibility | 9 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
I opened my sunroof and heard a noise, I was not able to close it. I took it to a repair shop to see if they could get it closed, they advised a break in the assembly and needs to be replaced. My car is out of warranty a
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that while the liftgate was open to retrieve objects from the trunk of the vehicle, the second-row passenger’s side seat collapsed on her disabled daughter. Th
NHTSA complaint: Seats
My car started having the airbag light come off and on randomly the end of January 2026. I caught the first photo February. My car engine shut off the first time March 18. 2026. I was at a traffic light, auto off turned
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
I am reporting a potential safety defect involving my 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy AWD. The vehicle has experienced repeated engine and drivability problems and multiple breakdowns following replacement of the engi
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
I purchased a used 2021 Hyundai Palisades Limited addition , 24 days ago, On August 7th 2026, the car had 57,033 miles at the time of purchase. It now has 57,844. I started to open the sunroof for the 3rd or 4th time sin
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Rear Exhaust System How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Fire hazard as it was similar to a blowtorc
NHTSA complaint: Structure
Ive had recalls and they have not been fixed and Hyundai think its ok for me to use this vehicle with no compassion for the safety of my family disgraceful
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
While the vehicle was being driven, the sunroof became inoperable, stuck in the tilt position. The motor could be heard running but the glass panel would not move in either direction. There were no warning lamps, message
NHTSA complaint: Structure
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2021 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 2021 Palisade vehicles. The brake fluid may be contaminated, which can cause the brake master cylinder inner-cup seals to swell, and reduce braking performance.
Risk: Reduced braking performance can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, and flush the brake fluid, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 24, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at
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 2021-2023 Palisade vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may operate intermittently or fail to operate due to snow or ice buildup on the windshield, 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 May 15, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai
| Reliability raw | 72 | good |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 75 | good |
| Maintenance | 75 | good |
| Depreciation | 69 | 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 432 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and seat belts is the most reported area with 97 of them (22%). There are 6 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 72/100 (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 75/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2021 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.