2020 Hyundai Palisade: sudden loss of power

Filed Sep 18, 2026 · Engine · FL

I am reporting severe and recurring oil consumption in my 2020 Hyundai Palisade that could cause engine damage, engine seizure, stalling, or a sudden loss of power while driving. On April 14, 2026, at approximately 89,950 miles, an authorized Hyundai dealership documented that the engine had consumed approximately 1.3 quarts of oil in only 1,275 miles, equivalent to approximately one quart every 982 miles. The vehicle failed Hyundai’s initial oil-consumption test. Hyundai then authorized a combustion-chamber cleaning. On May 12, 2026, at 91,087 miles, the dealership completed the follow-up test and stated that the vehicle passed at that time. On September 14, 2026, at 95,512 miles, I returned to the dealership because the engine again had no measurable oil remaining. Only 4,425 miles had elapsed since the May oil change. The dealership’s repair order states that the vehicle “has no oil again.” I also reported that the vehicle had begun stuttering and rattling when pressing the brake and coming to a stop, creating concern that the engine may already have sustained damage from insufficient lubrication. The dealership initiated another oil-consumption test and instructed me to return after 1,000 miles. However, the earlier combustion-chamber cleaning did not correct the underlying problem. I am concerned that the vehicle may again consume its oil without adequate warning and could stall, seize, or lose power while being driven, placing the occupants and other motorists at risk. Hyundai should investigate the cause of the recurring oil loss and determine whether 2020 Hyundai Palisade vehicles have defective piston rings, cylinders, valve components, PCV systems, or other engine components causing excessive oil consumption. I am requesting that the federal safety agency document and investigate this potentially dangerous engine defect.

Filed Aug 18, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · NC

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.

Filed Jul 31, 2026 · Engine · NY

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)

Filed Jul 6, 2026 · Engine · TX

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.

Filed Jul 5, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · IL

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.

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 Mar 15, 2026 · Airbags, Engine · GA

I am filing a formal safety complaint regarding my 2020 Hyundai Palisade due to severe and ongoing engine oil consumption that presents a safety risk, combined with an active federal airbag safety recall. For approximately one year, my vehicle has been consuming excessive engine oil. Approximately 1,500–2,000 miles after an oil change, the vehicle becomes dangerously low on oil. On January 19, 2026, at 171,650 miles, the dealership initiated Hyundai’s official oil consumption test. At intake, the engine oil level was so low that nothing was visible on the dipstick. The dealership confirmed no external oil leaks were present and began the manufacturer’s oil consumption protocol. After driving approximately 1,000 miles, I returned on February 2, 2026, at 172,657 miles. The inspection showed the engine was 2.6 quarts low. The dealership stated combustion chamber cleaning was needed; however, Hyundai denied the repair based solely on mileage and the vehicle being out of warranty. This level of oil consumption presents a serious safety concern. Driving with critically low oil can cause sudden engine failure, stalling, or loss of power while traveling at highway speeds. This could create a crash hazard without warning. Additionally, my vehicle is subject to the federal safety agency Recall #26V034000 (Recall #292 – Ejection Mitigation), involving potential failure of the side curtain airbags for third-row passengers to deploy properly in certain crash scenarios. The remedy is not yet available. The combination of excessive oil consumption and an unresolved federal safety recall raises significant concerns regarding the overall safety and reliability of this vehicle. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate the engine oil consumption issue in the 2020 Hyundai Palisade, as excessive oil burning may indicate a broader manufacturing defect affecting engine integrity and driver safety. Ms. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Feb 25, 2026 · Engine · GA

I am reporting a safety concern involving repeated engine stalling while driving my 2020 Hyundai Palisade. The vehicle has stalled a total of seven times during normal operation. Most of the incidents occurred while slowing down or stopped at intersections and traffic lights. In these situations, the engine suddenly shut off without warning. I was forced to immediately shift the vehicle into park and restart the engine to continue driving. The check engine light did illuminate in connection with this issue. These incidents create a serious safety hazard, as sudden engine shutdown in active traffic increases the risk of rear-end collision. The loss of engine power occurs unexpectedly and without sufficient warning. The vehicle has been inspected, and I was informed that the issue may involve internal engine malfunction requiring major repairs. Because this vehicle has experienced multiple unexpected stalls in traffic, I am submitting this complaint due to the significant safety risk posed by sudden engine failure during operation.

Filed Jan 4, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · LA

The GDI v6 motor that’s in it shudders and rattles when at idle. There’s metallic shavings and gas smell on the dipstick. It’s always low on oil and smokes a little at idle aswell. It’s completely ran out of oil and been to the shop 3x so far in a years time. Add oil to it every 2-3 weeks at this point ,It’s not leaking oil it’s definitely burning it. Once the dealership even had to come tow it to the shop the car shut off in the middle of the road and then again in the driveway as my wife was trying to turn into the driveway she lost all power and steering she ended up in the middle of the front yard, thank god she was just getting home at the time of the incident. I’ve heard of the same engine giving problems and having an open recall for similar issues pertaining to a bearing and or rings being damaged or broken allowing for the oil to be dripping or being burnt. The vehicle is a family vehicle and gets driven daily by my wife to and from the kids school and the grocery store it’s not driven hard or for very long periods of time. I would like to know if there’s anything that could be done about this issue. I’ve looked to see if the recall was open for this model palisade but it only shows for the Santife models even though it’s the same engine. The shop and dealers always tell me it’s nothing and just keep up with oil changes but that’s near impossible when it runs out of oil before the next oil change is due.

Filed Dec 11, 2025 · Engine · PA

On July fourth, while driving, the vehicle began to shake and make a rattling noise, shifted into park, and the dashboard lights lit up. While attempting to reach the safe side of the road while driving downhill on a busy road, the car lost power. I was able to pull over, restart the car, and reach a safe destination. I took the vehicle to the mechanic, who initially said I needed new tires, so all four tires were replaced. Three days later, the incident with the car shifting and losing power occurred again. The second time, I took it to the Hyundai dealership, which determined that only an oil change was needed, although I had completed regular maintenance on the vehicle. In November, the vehicle began shaking again and lost power while in motion. Again, the vehicle was taken to the Hyundai dealership, which stated that there were possible issues with the oil consumption.

Filed Nov 13, 2025 · Engine · TX

This report describes a catastrophic engine failure, framing the event in the context of the widespread Hyundai GDI engine oil consumption issue and its impact on oil-dependent systems like the CVVT/OCV. ​Description of Incident @ 148,000 miles my vehicle oil was changed. ​On May 15, 2025, @ 151,000 miles my 2020 Hyundai Palisade was serviced at Patterson Hyundai Tyler (3120 S SW Loop 323, Tyler, TX 75701) for the replacement of the oil intake valve (OCV/CVVT solenoid). With reports of oil consumption. This type of service is often necessitated by sludge or contamination from excessive oil consumption clogging the valve screens and restricting oil flow to the VVT system. ​Shortly after this service, on 05/22/25, the engine experienced a catastrophic failure. There was an immediate and loud metallic grinding noise (consistent with severe internal bearing/connecting rod damage), followed by complete loss of engine power and instantaneous stalling. ​The failure is assessed to be a result of the underlying GDI defect related to excessive oil consumption, which can lead to internal engine starvation. This starvation may have been triggered or exacerbated by a failure within the oil circulation path (potentially involving the recently serviced OCV or adjacent components). The vehicle is part of the population of Hyundai GDI engines known for issues where low oil levels—due to consumption—or contamination lead to bearing and connecting rod failure. The vehicle has all maintence records and can provide them. ​The vehicle is currently located at Greenville Hyundai at 5395 I-30 Frontage Rd, Greenville, TX 75402 and is available for inspection upon request. Service Manager is Isaac.

Filed Aug 25, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · TX

While merging onto a highway, my 2020 Hyundai Palisade abruptly lost all engine power and stalled. This immediate and complete failure occurred at a critical moment, posing an extreme safety risk. All dashboard warning lights illuminated, but provided no specific diagnosis. The vehicle was towed to a dealership, where technicians determined the engine was consuming oil at an abnormal rate, despite a lack of visible leaks. I was instructed to participate in an "oil consumption test," a three-part process that required multiple oil changes and inspections over several months. Each time, the vehicle had burned over a quart of oil—a clear indication of a defect. Despite this evidence, Hyundai denied my warranty claim, accusing me of negligence for being unable to produce oil change records between 29,600 and 46,900 miles. This is a common and unacceptable tactic used to avoid accountability for a widespread issue. My experience is not isolated. Hundreds, if not thousands, of owners of 2020-2023 Hyundai models, including the Palisade, report identical engine oil over-consumption issues and subsequent power loss. This issue is a **severe safety hazard** that can lead to sudden, catastrophic engine failure and potential accidents. Hyundai's refusal to acknowledge this defect and issue a recall is **gross negligence**. They are knowingly allowing thousands of unsafe vehicles to remain on the road. There are currently federal lawsuits against Hyundai for this very issue. The transportation authority must force Hyundai to issue an immediate recall and remedy this critical defect before a tragedy occurs.