Hyundai pauses 2026 Palisade Limited & Calligraphy sales in the US and Canada after a tragic Ohio accident. Learn the recall details and next steps.
Hyundai Motor America announced an immediate halt to sales of two 2026 Hyundai Palisade trim levels – the Limited and Calligraphy – across the United States and Canada. The decision follows a heartbreaking incident in Ohio where a two‑year‑old girl lost her life after the vehicle’s second‑row power‑adjustable seat malfunctioned.
What Happened?
On March 7, 2024, a family in Ohio reported that the child was seated in the rear third‑row seat when the electric seat‑adjustment system engaged unexpectedly. The seat moved while the child was present, leading to fatal injuries. While an official investigation is still underway, Hyundai identified a potential flaw in the sensor logic that may fail to detect occupants or objects in the seat’s path.
Recall Scope
The recall targets approximately 68,500 Palisade units from the 2026 model year:
- ~60,500 vehicles in the United States
- ~8,000 vehicles in Canada
Only the Limited and Calligraphy trims equipped with the second‑ and third‑row power‑adjustable seats are affected.
Hyundai’s Response
Hyundai expressed deep condolences to the victim’s family and pledged swift corrective action. The automaker is launching a two‑phase remedy:
- Dealer‑based recall: Technicians will inspect the seat‑adjustment system, replace faulty sensors, and recalibrate the software.
- Over‑the‑air (OTA) update: A provisional software patch slated for release by the end of March 2026 will improve the system’s ability to sense occupants and prevent unintended movement.
While the recall is being processed, Hyundai will provide temporary rental vehicles to owners who need transportation.
What Owners Should Do
Owners of the affected Palisade models are urged to:
- Contact their local Hyundai dealer immediately to schedule a recall service.
- Avoid using the power‑adjustment function on the second‑ and third‑row seats until the issue is resolved.
- Ensure that no children, pets, or objects remain in the seat’s travel path before activating the mechanism.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming OTA update is expected to add enhanced safety checks, such as increased sensor sensitivity and fail‑safe protocols that stop seat movement if resistance is detected. Hyundai says the fix will be part of a broader effort to boost overall vehicle safety and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Consumers can stay informed through Hyundai’s official website and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall portal.