2020 Hyundai Palisade: sudden unintended acceleration

Filed May 3, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · AZ

I recently purchased this vehicle, and shortly after, it began having serious powertrain issues. When I accelerate, the vehicle intermittently loses power and starts shaking violently. It feels like the engine or transmission is slipping or failing. The RPMs surge and drop rapidly, and the vehicle hesitates, jerks, and sometimes briefly slows down before suddenly accelerating again. This creates an unsafe and unpredictable driving condition, especially when merging or driving in traffic. I’m concerned about a loss of propulsion while the vehicle is in motion. My mechanic indicated the issue may involve the torque converter clutch not engaging properly (possible “stuck off” or circuit performance issue), which would explain the shuddering and inconsistent power transfer. Despite how severe this is, there are no warning lights or check engine light, and no diagnostic codes, which raises concern that the failure is not being detected by the vehicle’s onboard systems. I am also experiencing low and fluctuating engine oil levels even after topping it off and a recent oil change, which may indicate an additional engine-related defect. The vehicle has a clean title and no accident history. - Failed system: Powertrain (engine/transmission), suspected torque converter clutch malfunction. Vehicle is available for inspection. - Safety risk: Intermittent loss of power, hesitation, and surging creates a high risk of collision, especially in traffic or at highway speeds. - Confirmation: My independent mechanic has identified as likely a torque converter related issue. - Inspection status: Not yet inspected by manufacturer or insurance. - Warnings/symptoms: No warning lights or codes. Symptoms began shortly after I purchased and have worsened over time.

Filed Oct 26, 2025 · Driver assistance, Electrical · OH · crash · 3 injuries

I was driving through town at a low rate of speed (20-30 mph) with 2-3 car lengths between me and the next vehicle. I continued through light to next light. This distance was on an upward incline. After traveling approximately 500 ft, I noticed the traffic slowing in front of me and took my foot off the accelerator to start to slow down. This is when the car suddenly accelerated (instead of slowing down as would be expected when traveling up an incline), picking up speed quickly. The car's response happened so quickly that I was unable to swerve to avoid hitting the car in front of me. I hit the car in front of me that was slowing down at the light which then subsequently hit several other vehicles that were in front of it that were also slowing/stopped for the light. The front airbag deployed as a result of the collision, knocking my glasses off. The vehicle was still continuing in forward motion after the collision….Traffic Crash Report states, “... [witness] went up to Unit 1 [Palisade], and the tires were still spinning…” As I was in shock after the collision, a bystander came up to the vehicle to turn it off and this is when the wheels/forward motion was completely stopped. This Palisade is equipped with Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA) system. There was no warning given nor did the vehicle attempt to slow down during the event so I believe that this system failed to operate which contributed to the collision. I also believe that there was a failure with the engine/electrical system, ETC, and/or transmission that caused the system to suddenly accelerate while traveling uphill AFTER I removed my foot from the gas pedal. The vehicle was totaled by my insurance company. They did say that they were sending an engineer to review the Event Data Recorder. I have not seen any results from that nor do I have the vehicle in my possession as it was totaled.

Filed Sep 16, 2025 · Brakes, Driver assistance · MD · crash · 1 injury

I was recently involved in an accident with my 2020 Palisade that I believe may have been caused by a brake failure. I was simply moving the vehicle from one part of a driveway to another when, as I drove over a drainage ditch, the brakes did not respond and the car suddenly accelerated into a tree. I sustained facial injuries and was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital. The vehicle is currently at Canby Motors in Bel Air and is available for inspection. The vehicle has only been inspected by Canby Motors to my knowledge at this time. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure.

Filed Aug 13, 2024 · Acceleration, Engine · AZ · crash

I had just pulled into a (handicapped) parking space at my bank in Marana Az. as I prepared to stop with the brake still depressed, the car suddenly surged, with the tach going to 5000rpm. The vehicle jumped the sidewalk (with rear wheels making drag marks on the sidewalk. Vehicle shot up the slight rise , hit and demolished a concrete bench and some plants and was heading toward the main entrance when I shut the engine off with the ignition key. The car stopped less than 10 feet from the bank entrance. the car came close to going through the entrance shattering the glass doors and possibly injuring bank customers and employees. There was no warning, but this car has had 3 or 4 sudden engine surges before - about one every 1 1/2 years. Hyundai service has checked and denied any problems. On line queries indicate the surging problems are not uncommon. They happen without warning and result in serious injury and damage to people and property. Hyundai is stonewalling. Other drivers have similar events occur for sudden unintended acceleration (SUA) and suggest problems with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) including throttle position sensors. Our Palisade has less than 40,000 miles on it and has been well maintained, but Hyundai people refuse to acknowledge any problems - my wife and I consider that this car is a potential death machine.

Filed Sep 15, 2022 · Steering, Wheels · PA · crash

Turned into a parking spot , my palisade immediately jumped forward accelerating on its own it began driving by itself, bouncing off of one vehichle to another and pushing the car in front of me backwards then sideways. i had no control over this car. i did not have my foot on the gas as i checked . i finally hit the park light and the car stopped. I need something done asap as i need a vehichle. My car as towed to the dealershipon sunday this is now thursday hyundai is supposed to be in touch but i have not heard anything