Hyundai Motor Company announced a temporary halt in sales of certain new Palisade SUV models in Canada and the United States due to power seat issues, leading to a large-scale recall of tens of thousands of vehicles. The decision followed a tragic incident in Ohio where a two-year-old girl lost her life. The affected models are the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Limited and Calligraphy trims, with reported issues in the functionality of the second- and third-row power seats failing to correctly detect contact with occupants or objects.
Approximately 68,500 vehicles are included in the recall, with around 8,000 units in Canada. Hyundai expressed condolences to the family of the deceased child and mentioned that the incident is still under investigation. The company is actively working on a solution for the recall and is providing rental vehicles to affected customers until a permanent fix is available.
Hyundai advised caution in using the second- and third-row power seat features and recommended ensuring no individuals or objects are in the seating area before activating the power seat. The automaker is currently developing an interim over-the-air software update, anticipated to be released by the end of March, which will improve the system’s responsiveness to contact with occupants or objects, introduce additional safety measures, and enhance overall system security.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has not yet responded to requests for comments regarding the issue.
