Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2021 Hyundai Palisade
The 2021 Hyundai Palisade has faced a variety of issues, with most complaints centered around seat belts, engine, and electrical system. There have been six recalls, addressing issues from airbags to windshield wipers. Though this data highlights certain concerns, owner feedback and recalls together provide a mixed picture. No catastrophic faults identified, but be cautious of recurring issues during inspection.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2021 Hyundai Palisade has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 448 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 #23V180000 Windshield Wipers 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 #21V840000 Brake Fluid Contamination NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Seat Belts 113 complaints
- Unknown or Other 83 complaints
- Engine 62 complaints
- Electrical System 56 complaints
- Visibility/Wiper 48 complaints
- Suspension 31 complaints
Of the 448 complaints on file, 8 report a crash and 1 a fire; across all 448 complaints, owners report 20 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Improper airbag deployment
How to check: Ensure recall work for airbags is completed.
Contaminated brake fluid
How to check: Check for recalls and inquire about brake performance.
Engine complaints reported
How to check: Inspect engine for unusual noises or leaks.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises.
Red flag: Loud knocking or squealing
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for dashboard warnings.
Red flag: Persistent warning lights
- 03
Low-speed maneuvers
What to check: Test brakes for smooth operation.
Red flag: Grinding or poor stopping
- 04
City driving
What to check: Electrical features like lights and signals.
Red flag: Flickering or non-working features
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Engine smoothness and response.
Red flag: Hesitation or power loss
- 06
Cruising
What to check: Steering alignment and handling.
Red flag: Pulling to one side
- 07
Parking
What to check: Reverse camera and sensors.
Red flag: Malfunctioning or unresponsive
- 08
Shutdown
What to check: Look for unusual sounds or smoke.
Red flag: Smoke or burning smell
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag recall been addressed?
- Any issues with the brake system?
- Any engine problems or repairs done?
- Have the wipers failed in bad weather?
- Is the trailer hitch harness safe?
- Are there any unresolved electrical issues?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair documentation
- Service and maintenance records
- Warranty coverage details
- Title and registration
- Accident history report
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2021 Hyundai Palisade at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2021 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.