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Hyundai Halts Sales, Recalls Palisade Models After Tragic Incident
Hyundai Motor North America has announced a halt in sales for certain 2026 Hyundai Palisade models and is preparing a recall for over 68,000 vehicles following a tragic incident that resulted in the death of a child.
The automaker stated on Friday that these actions are being taken due to a potential issue with the second and third-row power seats. According to Hyundai, the controls for these seats may fail to detect contact with a person or object when the seat is folding or sliding.
Specifically, Hyundai is pausing sales of 2026 Hyundai Palisade Limited and Calligraphy trims equipped with these power seats. The impending recall will encompass 60,515 vehicles manufactured in the U.S. and an additional 7,967 vehicles in Canada.
“The recall repair is currently under development and, once finalized, will be performed at no cost to owners,” Hyundai confirmed in its notice. In the interim, the company is developing an over-the-air software update, which is expected to be available by the end of March.
Incident Under Investigation
Hyundai’s decision comes after a child’s death involving a Palisade vehicle. The company acknowledged on Friday that the incident remains under investigation and full details are not yet available. “Hyundai extends its deepest sympathies to her family,” the statement added.
Reuters reported on Friday that the incident involved a 2-year-old girl who was killed in Ohio on March 7. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirmed to CBS News that it “is aware of this recent tragic incident and is in communication with Hyundai to gather additional information.”
Hyundai Urges Caution to Owners
Owners of the affected 2026 Hyundai Palisade models are advised to exercise extreme caution when operating the second and third-row power seat functions. Hyundai’s notice recommends ensuring that no objects or individuals, particularly children, are in the seat or seat-folding area before operating the power seats.
Furthermore, customers are cautioned to avoid pressing the seatback button during entry or exit when utilizing the second-row one-touch tilt-and-slide feature to access the third row.