My 2020 Hyundai Palisade experienced repeated instances of the engine cooling fan continuing to operate after the vehicle was completely shut off. In one instance, the fan ran for about 90 minutes after shutdown. After the vehicle was driven again, it ran for approximately another 45 minutes after shutdown. On a subsequent occurrence, the fan continued running until it discharged the battery enough that the vehicle would not start. Southtowne Hyundai in Newnan, Georgia subsequently diagnosed the cause as an internal PCB block failure and replaced the engine-room PCB block pursuant to Hyundai Technical Service Bulletin 26-EE-007H, which addresses battery drain caused by continuous cooling-fan operation after the vehicle is turned off. The dealer installed PCB block part number 91959-S8000-FFF. The failure was intermittent and did not occur every time the vehicle was shut off. My concern is that the defect could unexpectedly discharge the battery while the vehicle is parked, leaving it unable to restart. I am filing this complaint so the federal safety agency has a record of the failure and can determine whether similar failures are occurring in other Hyundai Palisades.
2020 Hyundai Palisade: engine failure
48 of the 543 complaints about the 2020 Hyundai Palisade describe engine failure.
- owner complaints
- 48
- of this car's complaints
- 9%
- recalls
- 0
Engine failure by model year
What owners say
My 2020 Hyundai Palisade (3.8L V6) suffered an engine failure at approximately 108,000 miles. On September 3rd,2026 , while driving at about 65 mph, the engine began knocking loudly. There was no warning before this happened and the engine light had not come on. The vehicle was taken to Shottenkirk Hyundai, an authorized Hyundai dealer, which diagnosed a connecting rod bearing failure. The repair order states: "Replace engine assembly due to piston slap on front bank caused by rod bearing failure." The dealer says the entire engine must be replaced. The vehicle has been maintained with regular oil changes. The failure was internal and was not caused by a crash, impact, or outside damage. I believe this is a safety defect. A connecting rod bearing failure can cause the engine to stall or seize without warning while driving, including at highway speed, creating a risk of a crash. A failed rod can also break through the engine block and leak oil onto hot engine parts, which is a fire risk. The vehicle is past Hyundai's 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. I have opened a case with Hyundai Consumer Affairs (case # 43347615) and am waiting for a decision. The vehicle and failed engine are available for inspection at the dealer. I am asking the federal safety agency to investigate connecting rod bearing failures in the 3.8L V6 engine in the 2020 Hyundai Palisade.
Defect & Safety Hazard: Severe internal manufacturing defect causing catastrophic engine oil consumption and sudden, un-warned engine stalling. The vehicle completely shuts down at highway speeds, on inclines, and at stops. This sudden loss of motive power deactivates power steering and braking assists, creating an immediate multi-vehicle collision risk. No low-oil or dashboard indicators illuminate prior to stalling, stripping the driver of any ability to take proactive safety measures. Indisputable Failure Data: Between 99,xxx miles (under warranty) and 103,xxx miles, the engine consumed 5.5 quarts of oil over a 3,000-mile interval. This equals an extreme burn rate of 1.83 quarts per 1,000 miles. Hyundai’s maximum corporate failure limit (1.0 qt/1,000 miles). Secondary diagnostics indicate this massive volume of un-combusted oil is actively pushing into the exhaust system, creating restrictive backpressure that induces stalling. Timeline & Dealer Obstruction:Rusty Wallace Hyundai: Inspected vehicle under 100,000 miles and initiated the first 1,000-mile consumption test, but subsequently refused documentation and further warranty services. A corporate national claim and customer service complaint were filed against them.Grayson Hyundai: Completed a second 1,000-mile test documenting a definitive failure. They confirmed this is a common, known systemic issue and recommended full engine replacement.Federal Violations: Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, because the defect was reported to a dealer before warranty expiration, Hyundai is legally required to cover the defect. Forcing a vehicle that burns 5.5 quarts of oil onto public roads also violates strict EPA Clean Air Act emissions compliance standards. Hyundai's current demand for out-of-pocket payment must be rescinded for full corporate coverage.
I am filing this safety complaint regarding excessive oil consumption in my 2020 Hyundai Palisade, which presents a direct vehicle stalling and engine failure hazard while driving at highway speeds. My vehicle is currently consuming approximately 5 quarts of engine oil every 3,000 miles. This severe oil loss occurs rapidly between scheduled maintenance intervals without any illuminated dashboard warning lights, low oil pressure indicators, or visible oil leaks on the ground. The oil is burning internally within the combustion chamber. This creates an extreme safety risk. If the oil level drops dangerously low before the next service, the engine is at risk of sudden catastrophic failure, severe overheating, or immediate stalling while in motion. A sudden loss of propulsion while driving in heavy traffic or at highway speeds places myself, my passengers, and other drivers at risk of a serious collision. Furthermore, the lack of an early warning sensor or dashboard indicator for low oil volume means the driver is left entirely unaware of the hazard until the engine begins to fail. Hyundai is well aware of this widespread oil-burning defect in their V6 engines, yet because my vehicle has reached 160,000 miles, they refuse to provide any diagnostic support, remedy, or warranty assistance. I am requesting that the federal safety agency open a formal investigation into the 2020 Hyundai Palisade engine oil consumption defect to compel the manufacturer to issue a safety recall before a catastrophic stalling event causes a fatal accident.
I do not understand how Hyundai can approve its required testing process, have the vehicle fail that test, and then deny the engine replacement resulting from those findings. This is unfair and raises serious concerns about how Hyundai is applying its warranty procedures.Hyundai’s published oil-consumption procedures establish a process for diagnosing excessive oil consumption and determining when further repairs, including engine replacement, may be warranted. I am requesting that Hyundai explain exactly what requirement my vehicle allegedly failed to meet and provide documentation supporting the denial.I am requesting that Hyundai reverse the denial and fully cover the necessary engine replacement under warranty. I also request a complete review of my maintenance history, repair records, oil-consumption test results, diagnostics, and the dealership’s submission. This vehicle has been properly maintained and has only approximately 80,000 miles. I purchased it expecting a reliable vehicle that would last many years. An engine developing excessive oil consumption at this mileage is unacceptable, and I believe Hyundai should stand behind its product and warranty obligations.
My 2020 Hyundai Palisade (3.8L GDI Lambda II V6) consumes engine oil at a rate that empties the crankcase between scheduled oil changes, with no warning lamp illuminating before the oil is gone. This creates a risk of engine seizure and sudden loss of motive power in traffic. The vehicle has repeatedly run rough and felt as though it would stall when slowing or stopping. On 3/10/2025 at 57,026 miles I brought it to a Hyundai dealer because it felt like it was about to stall at traffic lights. The technician found no measurable oil on the dipstick, 4.5 quarts low, and found the camshafts out of time as a result. On 11/25/2025 at 69,851 miles the oil light flickered and the engine ran rough and stuttered. The dealer checked the dipstick and again found no oil on it at all. This was only 5,614 miles after a documented oil and filter change performed by that same dealer. No warning illuminated until the crankcase was already effectively empty, which I consider inadequate warning of imminent engine failure. Consumption has continued and worsened: 1 quart low at 77,202 miles (4/22/2026), 1.5 quarts low at 81,350 (5/14/2026), and 1.2 quarts low at 82,927 (8/11/2026), the last only 1,577 miles after an oil change. Hyundai TSB 23-EM-008H sets the failure threshold at 1 quart per 1,000 miles for all gasoline engines. The dealer twice billed Hyundai operation code 21000FCC, which that bulletin defines as payable only after an initial oil consumption test result of NG (failed). Two combustion chamber cleanings were performed at Hyundai's expense (1/2026 and 5/2026). Neither resolved the consumption. On 5/14/2026 the dealer submitted a request to Hyundai Motor America to replace the engine. Hyundai denied it verbally and has provided no written decision, case number, or reason. This is our family's primary vehicle and remains in service. I must check the oil weekly to keep the engine from running dry. Complete dealer service records are available.
This vehicle has suffered two identical, catastrophic electrical failures causing an immediate and total loss of engine power while traveling at highway speeds. The first incident occurred after the engine was replaced under a Hyundai extended warranty. The dealership service department blamed that failure on a loose engine ground strap and released the vehicle back to me. On August 3, 2026, the exact same failure occurred for a second time while driving at high speed on the highway. The vehicle lost all propulsion, leaving me exposed to oncoming traffic with zero engine power. The vehicle was towed to a Hyundai dealership. The dealership identified a blown "Sensor 4" fuse causing an intermittent dead circuit, but they have been unable to locate the short circuit after two weeks of troubleshooting. After demanding the diagnostic data logs, the dealership abruptly halted all repairs and ordered me to pick up the vehicle. Furthermore, due to excessive, repetitive diagnostic cranking and idling in 90+ degree heat while under the dealer's care, the vehicle's starter solenoid has now suffered collateral failure. The vehicle is currently completely disabled, undrivable, and the underlying highway stalling hazard remains completely unresolved. This is a recurring, severe life-safety issue that leaves the vehicle prone to sudden stall events in high-speed traffic without warning.
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. Several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the engine seized. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with spark plug and ignition coil failures. The contact was informed that the spark plugs and ignition coils needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact was informed that the oil was a quart and a half low. The contact was advised to add a quart of oil to the engine every 1,000 miles. The failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed solenoid. The contact was informed that the solenoid needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact stated that since the vehicle was purchased, the vehicle had displayed nineteen fault codes. The contact stated that months later, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger's side sunroof arm deflector detached. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was confirmed that the passenger's side sunroof arm deflector had detached. In addition, the contact was informed that the driver's side sunroof arm deflector was fractured. The dealer attempted a temporary repair using tape, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and the dealer reapplied tape, but the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the temporary application of tape and debris had detached. The force of the wind caused the driver's side sunroof arm deflector to detach. In addition, the contact stated that the loud sound and the debris from the sunroof were over the contact's head. In addition, the contact's minor child was an occupant of the vehicle at the time o
On or about XXX I brought my vehicle into the dealership as my 2020 Hyundai palisade suffered a severe, sudden engine malfunction while driving at highway speeds. The vehicle began shaking violently, losing power, and making loud mechanical noises forcing me to navigate dangerous highway traffic to get it to the dealership. Prior to the failure, in XXX, the vehicle was brought into an authorized dealership as the vehicle would not drive properly, very slow acceleration and the vehicle feeling like it was stalling causing a danger to the road. . The dealership performed an inspection on the vehicle and diagnosed "carbon buildup due to mileage and age," they performed an authorized emissions software update, changed the oil, and performed a paid fuel injection cleaning. The dealership did not issue a safety warning or advise against driving the vehicle long distance back to [XXX]. A few months after this service, the vehicle suffered total engine failure. Professional teardown of the Hyundai Lambbda ll V6 engine show that unresolved carbon buildup and software defects lead to piston ring failure, severe misfires, oil starvation, and sudden loss not motive power. Operating a vehicle experiencing severe mechanical shaking and power loss at highway speeds poses an immediate risk of an accident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The vehicle suffers from a severe manufacturing defect causing excessive engine oil consumption (burning more than 2+ quarts per 1,000 miles) with no warning lights or oil pressure indicators activating. With little to no warning, I could be driving and experience catastrophic engine failure. This defect creates an immediate safety hazard, as sudden engine seizure or stalling at highway speeds risks loss of power braking and steering, creating an imminent risk of a high-speed collision. The dealership has confirmed the oil consumption issue after we noticed the vehicle stalling and performing sluggishly until the oil was changed.
Cylinder 1 and 6 rod bearing failure, plus complete destruction of piston number 6. On highway engine failed, sudden loss of power to move vehicle.
My properly maintained 2020 Hyundai Palisade suffered catastrophic engine failure at 77,000 miles. Importantly, prior to the engine failure, no check engine lights, low oil warnings, or other warning indicators were active or displayed. The vehicle gave no indication of an imminent catastrophic engine failure or lack of oil. In researching this matter, I have found numerous reports, as well as active and settled litigation, involving Hyundai engine failures and oil consumption concerns. Severe oil starvation due to engine manufacture issues caused a thrown rod which can result in fire. The car was being driven by my teenage son after dark and the engine completely shut down putting him in harm's way in the middle of the road. Hyundai has repeatedly refused my requests for assistance in repairing this known issue due to my being a second owner with a lesser warranty that is given to 1st owners. This issue is a safety concern and a known issue to HCA and should be a recall to insure it stops happening.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Engine oil leakage at the engine oil filter housing assembly due to deterioration of the housing seal
- Engine oil leakage at the engine oil filter housing assembly due to deterioration of the housing seal
- Higher-than-expected engine oil consumption
- Higher-than-expected engine oil consumption
- Certain Palisade (LX2) vehicles equipped with 3.8L GDI Lambda II engines may not meet engine-out NOx...
- Certain Palisade (LX2) vehicles equipped with 3.8L GDI Lambda II engines may not meet engine-out NOx...
- Certain Palisade (LX2) vehicles equipped with 3.8L GDI Lambda II engines may not meet engine-out NOx...
- This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2020 Hyundai Palisade engine failure
Is engine failure a common problem on the 2020 Hyundai Palisade?
48 of 543 owner complaints about the 2020 Hyundai Palisade (9%) mention engine failure. The model year with the most reports is 2020.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2020 Hyundai Palisade?
There are 0 recalls and 19 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2020 Hyundai Palisade
Oil consumption 82Windshield crack 71Stalling 42Check engine light 33Wipers 25Knocking 22Loss of power 18Fire or smoke 15Seat belt 14Harsh shifting 13Sunroof shattered 10Jerking 9Misfire 8Warning lights 8Hesitation 7Shudder 7Grinding brakes 6Fuel gauge 6Transmission failure 6Collision warning 5Sudden acceleration 5
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