Hyundai Halts Sales of 2026 Palisade Limited and Calligraphy

Hyundai has stopped sales of certain 2026 Palisade SUVs and is preparing a recall after discovering a potential safety issue involving the vehicle’s power-operated rear seats.

The automaker announced that sales of 2026 Hyundai Palisade Limited and Calligraphy trims in the United States and Canada have been temporarily suspended while it works with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on a recall plan. The issue involves the SUV’s second- and third-row power seats, which in some situations may not properly detect contact with an occupant or object.

According to Hyundai Motor North America, the problem can occur during power-folding operations for the second and third rows, as well as when using the second-row one-touch tilt-and-slide feature designed to make it easier for passengers to access the third row.

The company said it is aware of a tragic incident involving a Palisade in which a young child died. The circumstances of the incident remain under investigation, and Hyundai said it does not yet have all of the details. The automaker expressed its condolences to the child’s family.

In the meantime, Hyundai is urging owners to exercise caution when using the second- and third-row power seat functions. Drivers are advised to make sure no people or objects — including children — are in the seat or folding area before activating the power seats. The company also recommends that customers avoid pressing the seatback button while passengers are entering or exiting the third row when using the tilt-and-slide function.

Hyundai said the recall will affect approximately 68,500 model-year 2026 Palisade Limited and Calligraphy vehicles, including 60,515 units in the United States and 7,967 in Canada. The company is still developing the official repair, which will be performed at no cost to owners once finalized. Hyundai dealers will also offer rental vehicles to customers who request one until the permanent remedy becomes available.

As a temporary measure, Hyundai is working on an over-the-air software update expected by the end of March. The update is intended to improve the system’s ability to detect contact with occupants or objects and add additional safeguards to the seat operation system, though it will not replace the final recall repair.

Hyundai said it is notifying owners through email, vehicle telematics alerts, phone calls, and media announcements, and will provide further details about both the interim software update and the final recall remedy once they are available.

Owners seeking more information can contact the Hyundai Consumer Assistance Center through Hyundai’s owner website.

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