Hyundai Stops Sales, Recalls 60K Palisade SUVs After Child Death

Hyundai has issued a stop sale and is planning a recall of over 60,000 of its Palisade SUVs following a fatal incident that is currently under investigation, a company news release says.

The Palisade is a popular midsize family SUV model and close relative to the Kia Telluride. It’s the South Korean automaker’s largest SUV and one of its few three-row models.

Hyundai’s Palisade has been getting plenty of attention from vehicle reviewers and fans of the brand after its 2026 model year redesign. Why is it being recalled and what should Palisade owners do to avoid incidents?

Why Is Hyundai Recalling the Palisade?

Hyundai is recalling the Palisade because “in certain situations, the second and third-row power seats may not detect contact with an occupant or object as intended” according to Hyundai’s release regarding the issue.

Power-operated second- and third-row seats experiencing this detection issue could continue to fold whether or not a person or object is occupying the row of seats.

The tragic death of a 2-year-old girl in Ohio on March 7 is under investigation in relation to the Palisade, according to the company’s stop sale notice.

“While Hyundai does not yet have the full details and the incident is still under investigation, a young child lost her life. Hyundai extends its deepest sympathies to her family,” a company statement said.

Which Hyundai Palisade Models Are Being Recalled?

One model year and two trims have been recalled:

2026 Hyundai Palisade Limited
2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy

These upper trims come standard with power-folding third-row seats. Hyundai Motor North America issued a stop sale of 2026 Palisade Limited and Palisade Calligraphy models in the United States and Canada.

What Should You Do if Your Hyundai Palisade Is Recalled?

“Hyundai urges owners to use caution when operating the second and third-row power seat functions and to ensure that no person or object, including children, is in the seat or seat-folding area before operating the power seat,” the company said in a statement.

If you own a 2026 Hyundai Palisade Limited or Palisade Calligraphy, “avoid pressing the seatback button during entry or exit,” Hyundai advised.

The safest course of action if you must use second- and third-row power-folding features, is to only use them when the vehicle is completely empty. This will allow owners to adjust their seating or cargo space to their needs without risking injury to passengers.

Owners who are aware of this recall should take extreme caution using these features before a fix is issued and implemented.

What Is Hyundai Doing to Address the Power-Folding Seat Issue?

Hyundai is submitting finalized recall details to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. A recall repair is “currently under development” and Hyundai will offer rental vehicles to customers “until a full remedy is available.”

An over-the-air software update is also being developed that will “enhance the system’s response to contact with occupants or objects.” This update will be available by the end of March according to Hyundai. While it may not solve the recall, it can help avoid tragedies until all impacted vehicles are repaired.

Owners can contact Hyundai’s customer assistance center for questions regarding the recall.

Charles Singh is an Autos Connect Reporter for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY network. Contact him at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hyundai stops sales, recalls 60K Palisade SUVs after child death

Reporting by Charles Singh, USA TODAY

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