Hyundai Motor Company announced on Friday that it has temporarily stopped the sale of certain 2026 Palisade SUVs in both the United States and Canada amid safety concerns related to the vehicle’s power seat system. This decision comes after a tragic incident on March 7 in Ohio, where a two-year-old child lost her life, reportedly linked to the malfunction of the SUV’s power seats. The automaker has decided to recall affected vehicles to address this critical safety issue.
The models impacted by this halt and recall include the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Limited and Calligraphy trims. Hyundai explained that the problem lies with the second- and third-row power seats, which may fail to properly detect the presence of an occupant or an object. This malfunction could potentially lead to dangerous situations if the seats move unexpectedly or without recognizing someone seated or nearby. While Hyundai has not disclosed specific details about the Ohio incident, the company expressed its deepest condolences to the grieving family and emphasized that the investigation into the circumstances is still ongoing.
In response to the issue, Hyundai is actively developing a recall remedy and has committed to providing affected customers with rental vehicles until a permanent fix is implemented. The automaker has also issued a strong advisory urging vehicle owners to exercise extreme caution when using the power seat functions in the second and third rows. Drivers and passengers are reminded to always check that no person, especially children, or any objects are present in or near the seats before activating the power seat controls to prevent any accidental harm.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has yet to issue a statement or comment on the matter. However, Hyundai has confirmed that the recall will cover approximately 68,500 units of the 2026 Palisade Limited and Calligraphy trims, with around 60,500 vehicles located in the United States and an additional 8,000 in Canada. This sizable recall highlights the seriousness of the issue and Hyundai’s commitment to customer safety.
Meanwhile, Hyundai is also working on an interim solution to address the problem more swiftly. The company plans to release an over-the-air software update by the end of March, which will improve the system’s ability to detect contact with occupants or objects. This update aims to introduce enhanced safety features and additional operational safeguards to prevent similar incidents while the full recall repair is being finalized. This proactive approach reflects Hyundai’s dedication to maintaining high safety standards and protecting its customers.
