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.
Hyundai Palisade slipping problems
12 of the 2,515 owner complaints about the Hyundai Palisade describe transmission slipping, most of them for the 2020 model year.
- owner complaints
- 12
- worst model year
- 2020
By model year
- 20253
- 20241
- 20231
- 20221
- 20213
- 20203
Often reported together
Jerking 3Grinding brakes 3Shudder 2Hesitation 2Check engine light 2Transmission failure 1Sudden acceleration 1Overheating 1
What owners say
The vehicle is experiencing a transmission failure that causes sudden jerking, hesitation, and loss of smooth acceleration when the engine reaches approximately 1,500–2,000 RPM. When driving under normal conditions on both city roads and highways, the transmission appears to slip or fail to properly engage or shift gears within this RPM range. When this occurs, the vehicle jerks violently and momentarily loses power, creating a dangerous driving situation. This happens while accelerating in traffic and when attempting to maintain speed. The sudden hesitation and loss of proper transmission engagement creates a serious safety concern because the vehicle may not respond properly to acceleration, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision or crash, especially when merging onto highways or driving in traffic. This issue occurs regularly and has become progressively worse over time, indicating a potential transmission defect rather than a one-time malfunction. The problem was inspected and documented by Bill Luke Marana dealership in Tucson, Arizona. During their inspection, diagnostic data showed abnormal transmission input and output speed readings, confirming irregular transmission operation. The dealership marked the concern as requiring immediate attention. There were no consistent warning lights prior to the failure, despite the severity of the symptoms. The vehicle and the dealership diagnostic documentation are available for inspection upon request.
My location of work has metal grates (to close a metal gate) at the entrance and exit. I’ve experienced many many times at the exit as I am breaking the breaks slipping. I’ve noticed it other times as I break while driving over uneven surfaces. I finally started digging because that’s not normal and it was brand new. It appears others have had the same issue. It doesn’t look like a recall has been issued, but definitely needs to be.
many palisade owners and I have a same issue that the vehicle shaking when applying the brake the the car slipping jerking forward. that is really unsafe for us. please review this case
When driving over bumps (speed bumps, railroad tracks, sewer lids etc.) at a slow speed while pressing the brakes, the rear passenger brake produces a shuddering or a grinding sensation. This issue has been confirmed by other drivers who have operated my vehicle. When this occurs, it feels as though the vehicle is not stopping properly and the brakes are slipping. I have taken the vehicle to the dealership on two separate occasions; however, the technicians were unable to duplicate the concern. After the most recent inspection, the dealership stated that they could not identify an issue. There are no warning messages or lights displayed on the dashboard when this happens. Through further research, I have found that a number of other owners have reported experiencing the same problem on the federal safety agency site. This concerns me that others and myself are having this same issue and there has yet to be a recall or some type of technical service bulletin so the dealers will address this issue.
This car was just purchased brand new in April 2025. The ABS system is randomly malfunctioning. It causes my braking distance to change and I am concerned with the braking of my vehicle. The ABS system engages like I am slipping on ice or snow. It has happened 4 times on dry pavement during the summer. The dealer is unable to duplicate the issue and therefore cannot do any repairs to fix the issue.
Brake system failure. Driving on uneven surfaces (train tracks, pot holes, payment dips, rock, etc.) causes the brake system to fail to stop the vehicle. Causing a minimum of a 5-6 ft. stop. The car continues forward and the brakes fail to stop. The brakes feel like they are slipping during the slightest compression. The vehicle does not stop at all. The brakes grinding and hop to a stop eventually but only after several meters. There is automatic loss of brakes with the slightest uneven surfaces. No warning lights come on. Nothing is activated on the control system. No indicators show during the malfunction. Just terror and fear when attempting to break on anything but a brand new paved road. Car is currently in the manufacture dealership for inspection. Safety for my family and for other drivers cannot be maintained when I am unable to stop the vehicle if there is the slightest imperfection in the road.
The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that when the vehicle it was purchased, the VIN was included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V633000 (Trailer Hitches) and was repaired. The contact stated that after the recall repair was completed, the radiator suddenly failed, and the vehicle would overheat, and the heater failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the radiator had failed and needed to be replaced. The radiator was replaced. After having the repair completed, the vehicle would shake while accelerating and driving at various speeds. The contact stated that failure mostly occurred while the transmission was shifting into 2nd gear. The contact stated that engine was overheating and the coolant reservoir needed to be refilled every day. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Tasca Central Avenue Hyundai (111 S Central Ave, Hartsdale, NY 10530); and it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission was slipping and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was returned to the first dealer who diagnosed that the coolant hose had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact retrieved the vehicle from the dealer, and the transmission warning light was illuminated. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
My 2021 Hyundai Palisade has had some issues relating to the engine recently. We take extremely good care of our cars, and are early when due for our oil changes. A couple of months ago, my husband checked my Palisade's oil before a trip. There was NO oil showing on the dip stick! I had just gotten an oil change 2000 miles before. He added 6 quarts of oil, and it was still only showing half full. We brought it up to the dealer, and they did an oil change and $900 worth of replacing things that were not covered on the extended warranty. Last month, I drove it, and the engine light went on AGAIN. We brought it in, and they said there was no oil? We told them it is not leaking anywhere, but it might be burning off or slipping somewhere else. They did an oil change (which we had to pay for even though there was no oil) and told us to come back in 1,000 miles. We went back and they said it was burning over a half quart after 1,000 miles, but Hyundai won't do anything unless it burns more than 1 quart in that time. Then, 3 days later, my engine light comes back on, and here we are again. NO oil, not even 1,500 miles, and at the dealership again A WEEK LATER! This time, they are doing a combustion chamber cleaning? I understand there are procedures that need to happen, but this does not fix that my engine is burning my oil. 3 of my coworkers have had their engines replaced due to this issue of oil consumption and where it goes. This can cause my car to die on the side of the road, immediately, and combust! My family is at risk of being in the car, and so are others who drive around me if this happens. Why is Hyundai waiting for this to happen? This is completely negligent on their end!
My 2020 Hyundai Palisade slipped into neutral while slowing down in traffic. Was able to quickly pull over, brake and put back into drive. Happened 3 more times while slowing down for turns on my way home. All happened under 15 mph and had a slight grinding sound when placed back into park, drive then accelerating. Plan to take it to the Hyundai dealership tomorrow, but scared to drive it!
Related recalls
Power train: automatic transmission: fluid/lubricant: pump
- What is wrong
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025 Hyundai Palisade vehicles. An insufficient seal on the controller for the electric oil pump may allow moisture to accumulate in the printed circuit board, which can cause an electrical short and result in a fire.
- Risk
- A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the recall remedy is completed. Dealers will replace the electric oil pump controller, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 11, 2025. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1‑855‑371‑9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 278.
Recall number 25V291000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: fluid/lubricant: pump
- What is wrong
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Palisade Tucson, 2023 Sonata, Elantra, and Kona vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump controller to overheat.
- Risk
- An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
- Remedy
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed starting September 7, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1‑855‑371‑9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 246.
Recall number 23V526000 · Recall details
Questions about the Hyundai Palisade slipping
Which Hyundai Palisade years have transmission slipping problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2020 (3 complaints), 2021 (3 complaints) and 2025 (3 complaints).
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