Hyundai recalls about 68,500 Palisade SUVs in US/Canada over seat sensor issue

Hyundai Motor has paused sales in the United States and Canada for certain 2026 Palisade models and launched a voluntary recall affecting about 68,500 vehicles, specifically the Limited and top-tier Calligraphy trims. The action covers Palisade crossovers sold in those two markets.

The move follows a death in Ohio on the 7th of a 2-year-old girl, with concerns emerging over a possible defect in the vehicle’s power seats. Hyundai says the investigation is ongoing and has not confirmed all details.

Hyundai’s safety notice explains a potential issue where the second- and third-row electric seats may fail to detect contact with a passenger or object. The company urges customers to ensure there is no child or object in the seat before operation.

The automaker has expressed condolences to the family involved and reiterated that the incident is being investigated. Hyundai notes that the recall is a precaution while it works to determine the exact cause and scope.

During the recall repair period, Hyundai will provide customers with alternative transportation. The company also plans a temporary over-the-air software update by the end of the month to improve how the seat detects occupant or object contact and to add additional safety features.

For U.S. readers, this matters beyond Korea because the Palisade is a widely sold mid-size SUV in North America, and safety recalls can affect consumer confidence, dealership operations, and the pace of vehicle updates. The episode highlights ongoing attention to seat safety systems in modern vehicles and how automakers manage recalls and software fixes.

Hyundai emphasizes that the recall is being conducted transparently in the United States and Canada and that customers will be notified with instructions on next steps and replacement transportation as needed. The case underscores the broader importance of safety engineering and timely responses to potential defects in popular family vehicles.