Hyundai has issued a major safety recall for 568,580 of its popular Palisade SUVs due to a potentially faulty seatbelt latch mechanism. The recall covers a wide range of model years, from 2020 to 2025. According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the issue could prevent seatbelts from latching securely, posing a significant safety risk.
Hyundai estimates that approximately 1 percent of the recalled vehicles have the defect. Here is everything owners need to know about the problem, the solution, and what to do next.
The Problem: What Owners Need to Know
The recall focuses on the seatbelt buckle assemblies for the driver, front passenger, and second-row outboard (window) seats. The core issue is that the buckle may not latch correctly when the seatbelt is fastened. In the event of a collision, an improperly latched seatbelt would not provide adequate protection, increasing the risk of injury.
The cause has been traced back to out-of-spec components provided by a supplier. These parts can create excess friction within the latching mechanism, especially in colder ambient temperatures, which may prevent the buckle from fully and securely engaging.
Affected Models and How to Spot the Issue
The recall specifically impacts the following vehicles:
Owners of these vehicles might notice a subtle warning sign when using their seatbelts. According to the recall report, the defect can produce a “lighter-than-normal ‘click’ sound” when the belt is fastened. As a secondary failsafe, the Palisade is also equipped with standard visual and auditory seatbelt warnings on the dashboard, which will activate if a belt becomes unlatched while driving.
Is It Safe to Drive? Official NHTSA Guidance
For owners concerned about driving their vehicle, the NHTSA has provided specific advice. According to the safety agency, it is safe for owners to continue driving the recalled Palisades. However, drivers and passengers are strongly advised to take extra precautions.
The NHTSA recommends that occupants fasten their seatbelts “with a quick and direct motion” and then manually pull on the belt to double-check that it is fully and securely latched before driving.
The Solution: What Hyundai Will Do for Owners
Hyundai will handle the recall through its dealership network. The company will send official notification letters to the owners of all affected vehicles.
The remedy involves the following steps:
- Owners will be instructed to bring their Palisade to an authorized Hyundai dealer.
- A technician will inspect the seatbelt buckle assemblies in the driver, passenger, and second-row seats.
- If any buckles are found to be faulty, they will be replaced with new parts.
This inspection and any necessary replacement will be performed completely free of charge to the customer, regardless of whether the vehicle is still under its original warranty.
Owners of a 2020-2025 Hyundai Palisade should be vigilant about checking their seatbelts and watch for the official recall notice from Hyundai for instructions on how to schedule their free repair.
