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Hyundai Palisade sudden acceleration problems

20 of the 2,515 owner complaints about the Hyundai Palisade describe sudden unintended acceleration, most of them for the 2020 model year.

owner complaints
20
worst model year
2020
Is there a fix? No recall or service bulletin covers this area of the car yet.

By model year

  • 2026
    4
  • 2025
    3
  • 2024
    4
  • 2023
    1
  • 2022
    2
  • 2021
    1
  • 2020
    5

What owners say

Filed Oct 27, 2026 · Body · FL · crash

My car was at a complete stop at a traffic light with the auto hold feature engaged. After about a minute, my car lunged forward and hit the car in front of me even though I was hit hitting the brake and trying to stop it.

Filed Oct 18, 2026 · Acceleration, Brakes · TX · crash

The driver was pulling onto a driveway and braking to slow to a stop near the entrance of a garage. Suddenly the car surged ahead striking a stone column at the garage entrance severely damaging the column and damaging the front hood, bumper and licence plate area of the car. The air bags did not deploy. This incident occurred at night. At the same time the car surged forward the interior lights and control panel lights went out completely. They came back on after the vehicle hit the garage column. There were two adults and two children in the vehicle. All known recalls (7) at that time had been completed on the vehicle (2022 Hyundai Palisade).

Filed Oct 11, 2026 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · FL · crash

On September 21, 2026, at approximately 9:20 AM, while attempting to turn off the engine of the parked vehicle, the engine failed to shut down as commanded. Due to severe ECM misfire and erratic anti-stall compensation, the engine surged uncontrollably and propelled the vehicle forward. The Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) completely failed to detect the obstacle, alert the driver, or apply emergency braking, resulting in an unavoidable low-speed collision and slight front-end body damage. The following day, on September 22, 2026, at approximately 2:49 PM, the vehicle abruptly triggered a powertrain fail-safe mode in traffic, forcefully restricting speed to roughly 20 mph (limp-in mode), when my wife found it when trying to running faster from a STOP mode, to prevent catastrophic catalytic converter damage caused by persistent combustion misfires. It is impossible to be the wrong operation of my wife since limp-in mode cannot be activated during low speed running. On September 23, 2026, the vehicle was taken to an authorized Hyundai dealership to apply pending TSB 26-01-068H (Campaign 9D6). While the dealer completed the software update and reported no active DTCs remained afterward, Hyundai Motor America has flatly denied manufacturer liability for the property damage incurred directly prior to this safety remedy. Hyundai's ECM software logic flaw poses a critical safety risk involving unintended acceleration, complete shutdown failure, and active safety system non-intervention. I request the federal safety agency investigate this defect and Hyundai's refusal to remediate related incident damage.

Filed Aug 31, 2026 · Acceleration · KY · crash

On August 30, 2026, I was driving my 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy and was stopped in a fast-food drive-through line for approximately 15 minutes. Auto Hold was engaged, and for most of that time I also had my foot on the brake. Immediately before the incident, I believed the truck in front of me was finally beginning to move, so I recall beginning to release my foot from the brake. Without any intentional accelerator input from me, the engine suddenly revved very loudly, as though the accelerator had been fully depressed, and the vehicle rapidly accelerated forward. I did not press the accelerator pedal. The truck was approximately 5 to 10 feet in front of me. I was unable to stop the vehicle before striking the rear of the truck with significant force. The truck’s trailer hitch penetrated the front grille/radiator area and became lodged in my vehicle. A tow truck had to separate the vehicles, and coolant was pouring onto the pavement. There were no warning lights, hybrid-system warnings, A/C issues, or other noticeable abnormalities before the sudden acceleration. The vehicle is currently locked at a collision center, and I have possession of the key. I have requested that it be preserved without repair, teardown, diagnostic clearing, or alteration until relevant electronic and video data can be retrieved. The vehicle is equipped with an Event Data Recorder and Hyundai’s factory-integrated Dash Cam system. I am reporting this as a suspected sudden unintended acceleration or other vehicle-control malfunction and request review for similar complaints involving the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid.

Filed Jul 23, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · FL · crash

On 7/22/26 at about 5:15pm, I was operating my vehicle, a 2022 Hyundai Palisade in the Parking lot of Publix Supermarket at Valrico Commons and was attempting to enter a parking space. I made a right from the parking thruway to enter a right parking space. I felt one of the right wheels graze the pedestrian sidewalk as I was driving about 5 miles per hour, next thing the vehicle lunged forward out of control and though I tried applying the brakes, the brakes would not respond. As a result, my vehicle ending up hitting a parking pole, which resulted in two vehicles parked opposite to me being hit by the pole. There was no one in the parked vehicles.

Filed Jul 5, 2026 · Electrical · AL · crash

Vehicle Incident Statement – 2021 Hyundai Palisade Driver/Owner: [Your Name] Vehicle: 2021 Hyundai Palisade Date of Incident: [Insert Date] Location: Restaurant drive-thru (vehicle stopped in line) Summary of Incident On the date listed above, I was stopped in a restaurant drive-thru lane with the vehicle in drive and Auto Hold engaged. The vehicle had recently had a battery replacement performed at a Hyundai dealership on the day prior to the incident (repair order available). While stopped, I pressed the accelerator to move forward in the drive-thru line. The vehicle did not respond immediately. There was a brief delay, followed by a sudden and unexpected surge of acceleration. Vehicle Behavior The vehicle accelerated rapidly after a short delay in response to accelerator input The brake pedal felt normal when pressed Applying the brake did not appear to slow or stop the vehicle effectively The vehicle continued moving forward and struck another vehicle Additional Relevant Information The Idle Stop & Go (auto start/stop) system had not been functioning for approximately one year prior to the incident On the day of the incident (after battery replacement), the auto start/stop system began functioning again unexpectedly The vehicle had no known prior issues with unintended acceleration No floor mat or physical obstruction was present affecting the accelerator pedal (to the best of my knowledge) Vehicle Condition The vehicle has not yet been repaired or inspected and is currently being held pending evaluation. I am requesting that all diagnostic data, including vehicle event data recorder (EDR) information and control module logs, be preserved and reviewed. Request I am requesting a full diagnostic and safety review of the vehicle’s electronic throttle, braking, and Auto Hold systems, including any stored fault codes and event data. Check engine light was on for a week prior to service at dealership and dealership told me they could not service it at that time.

Filed Jun 11, 2026 · Acceleration, Fuel system · NJ

We lease a 2026 Palisade with only 4k miles. Several weeks ago I was going through a toll plaza, car would not accelerate after slowing down, as if it was in neutral. All of a sudden it kicked into gear and car lunged forward. 10 min later at a traffic light car failed to accelerate after a complete stop. Press the accelerator sluggish response, then kicked back into gear. Very Scary. I pulled over and notified the dealer. Then set an appoint. Dealer did a diagnostic, found no issues, could not replicate problem on test drive . Everything was fine a few weeks. My son took the car. Had the same exact issue with vehicle not accelerating. Then kicked into gear really hard and vibrating. This was scary for him because he was in a parking lot. Luckily there was no accident as a result. However, this time an error code (check engine light) came on and the Hyundai app showed a DTC CODE- P001600 (powertrain / engine). Car was immediately taken to dealer on May 28th 2026. It is now Jun 11th. Still no time frame for fix. The THINK it a software issue and Hyundai is still "working" on a solution.

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 Apr 2, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · FL

2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy, VIN [XXX] , purchased March 6, 2026 with under 2,200 miles at time of incident. SAFETY INCIDENT: While operating under adaptive cruise control at highway speed, the vehicle experienced sudden unintended acceleration followed by severely delayed braking response. At least three trailing vehicles were forced into emergency evasive action to avoid a multi-vehicle collision. Family members were present. This event represents a direct and immediate threat to the safety of vehicle occupants and the public. The root cause has not been definitively identified or resolved. The authorized dealership confirmed CAN-Bus resistance irregularities — 160 ohms versus the designed 120-ohm specification — governing acceleration, braking, and all driver assist systems. Prior symptoms included flickering interior lighting. An initial module replacement failed. Repair has escalated to full wiring harness replacement with no parts availability and no confirmed timeline. The safety event remains undiagnosed and unresolved. The vehicle carries three simultaneous active safety recalls — 293, 296, and 297 — all involving electrical and wiring systems on the Calligraphy trim exclusively. None have permanent remedies. The vehicle has been in dealer custody since March 21, 2026 and is available for inspection. Hyundai Motor America active case — No. XXX. This vehicle is not safe to operate. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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.

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Questions about the Hyundai Palisade sudden acceleration

Which Hyundai Palisade years have sudden unintended acceleration problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2020 (5 complaints), 2024 (4 complaints) and 2026 (4 complaints).

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