Hyundai Motor has issued an urgent stop-sale and global recall for the 2026 Hyundai Palisade following a tragic incident in Ohio, according to Reuters report. The automaker confirmed on March 14 that sales of specific trims have been suspended in the United States, Canada, and South Korea due to a critical safety defect in the vehicle’s power-folding seats. The recall follows a devastating event on March 7, where a two-year-old girl lost her life after becoming trapped by the SUV’s second- or third-row power seats.
Global Recall and Impacted Units
The safety action targets vehicles produced through March 11, 2026. While initial estimates focused on North America, the recall has expanded to include a significant number of domestic units in South Korea.
| Region | Estimated Affected Units |
| North America | ~74,965 |
| South Korea | ~57,474 |
| Total Global Units | ~132,439 |
The stop-sale order specifically affects the Limited and Calligraphy trims, which are equipped with the power-folding seat feature. Models with manual lever-operated seats are not included in this recall.
Critical Safety Malfunction: “Jam Prevention” Failure
Hyundai identified that under certain conditions, the second- and third-row electric seats of the Palisade may fail to detect contact with an occupant or object. This failure of the “anti-pinch” or jam-prevention function prevents the seat from stopping or reversing when it encounters an obstruction, posing a severe entrapment risk for children and pets.
Hyundai’s Safety Roadmap and Remedies
Hyundai is coordinating with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to implement the following solutions:
- Software Sensitivity Update: An over-the-air (OTA) update will be released by the end of March to increase occupant detection sensitivity.
- Operational Restrictions: The updated system will restrict the power seat folding function so it can only be operated when the tailgate is open, providing better visibility for the operator.
- Rental Assistance: Owners who prefer not to drive their vehicle until a permanent remedy is installed can contact their local dealer for a complimentary rental car.
Official Statement from Hyundai
In a formal apology, a Hyundai spokesperson stated:
“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused to our customers. We will continue to do our best to increase customer trust and satisfaction by thoroughly inspecting all issues with customer safety as our top priority.”
Hyundai urges all owners to exercise extreme caution. Before activating any power seat functions, visually confirm that no person or object is in the seat-folding area.
