Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2020 Hyundai Palisade
The 2020 Hyundai Palisade has several notable recalls, including issues with airbag deployment and seat belt latching, suggesting potential safety concerns. Complaints about the engine and wipers are relatively high, indicating areas to focus on during inspection. Overall, while the vehicle has some reliable features, careful evaluation is advised due to these complaints and recalls.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2020 Hyundai Palisade has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 542 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #26V034000 Side Curtain Air Bag May Deploy Improperly/FMVSS 226 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V607000 Seat Belt Buckles May Fail NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V633000 Tow Hitch Harness Fire While Parked or Driving NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V627000 Windshield Wipers May Fail NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V802000 Side Curtain Air Bags May Be Damaged By Bolts NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Engine 134 complaints
- Visibility/Wiper 115 complaints
- Unknown or Other 87 complaints
- Suspension 61 complaints
- Seat Belts 51 complaints
- Electrical System 46 complaints
Of the 542 complaints on file, 13 report a crash and 7 a fire; across all 542 complaints, owners report 16 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Curtain airbags may deploy improperly
How to check: Verify recall completion and inspect airbags for wear.
Seat belt buckles may fail to latch
How to check: Test seat belt latching in all positions.
Various engine-related complaints
How to check: Listen for unusual noises upon startup.
Tow hitch harness can short circuit
How to check: Inspect tow hitch area for signs of debris or corrosion.
Windshield wiper motor may fail
How to check: Operate wipers; ensure smooth, reliable function.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Engine starts smoothly without strange noises.
Red flag: Loud knocking or ticking sounds.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for dashboard warning lights.
Red flag: Persistent warning lights present.
- 03
Low-speed maneuvering
What to check: Test the seat belts for secure latching.
Red flag: Seat belts fail to latch properly.
- 04
City driving
What to check: Operate wipers and check visibility.
Red flag: Wipers fail or smear windshield.
- 05
Normal acceleration
What to check: Listen for engine response to acceleration.
Red flag: Lag or abnormal engine noise.
- 06
High-speed driving
What to check: Ensure smooth steering and control.
Red flag: Steering wheel vibration or drift.
- 07
Parking
What to check: Inspect tow hitch if present for wear or rust.
Red flag: Signs of significant rust or wear.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag recall been addressed?
- Are there any issues with the engine?
- Have the seat belt recalls been completed?
- Do the wipers work reliably in rain?
- Has the tow hitch had any problems?
- Were there any electrical issues resolved?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Service and maintenance records
- Proof of recall repairs
- Vehicle history report
- Owner's manual
- Previous inspection reports
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2020 Hyundai Palisade at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2020 Hyundai Palisade? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.