Hyundai Palisade Years to Avoid: A Smart Buyer’s Guide

Buying a used Hyundai Palisade can feel a little like walking into a big, bright showroom with a coffee in your hand and optimism in your pocket. It looks premium, it has three rows, it feels more expensive than it often is, and on paper, it checks nearly every family-SUV box. But here is the honest question we need to ask before getting carried away: which Hyundai Palisade years should we avoid?

The Hyundai Palisade arrived for the 2020 model year, giving Hyundai a serious three-row SUV contender almost overnight. It brought a smooth V6, upscale cabin materials, lots of space, and a value-packed feature list. Still, like many first-generation vehicles, not every year is equally worry-free.

So, let’s cut through the fog. We are not here to panic-buy or fear every used listing. We are here to separate the “worth inspecting carefully” years from the “buy with more confidence” years.

The Quick Answer: Hyundai Palisade Years to Avoid

The Hyundai Palisade years most buyers should approach carefully are:

• 2020 Hyundai Palisade
• 2021 Hyundai Palisade
• 2022 Hyundai Palisade
• Early 2023 Hyundai Palisade examples, depending on condition
• Certain recalled 2026 Palisade and Palisade Hybrid units

That does not mean every Palisade from these years is bad. Far from it. Many owners have had a great experience. But these are the years where we would slow down, inspect harder, check recalls, and demand service records before handing over our money.

The main reasons include first-year teething issues, owner complaints about cabin smell and wind noise, tow-hitch wiring recall concerns, seatbelt-related recalls, suspension complaints, electronics glitches, and newer 2026 recall attention. NHTSA noted that 2020–2022 Palisade vehicles were involved in a tow-hitch harness recall where moisture could cause a short circuit and, in some cases, a fire risk. Hyundai also had a campaign page describing debris and moisture accumulation in the tow-hitch wire harness module as a possible fire-risk condition.

Why the Hyundai Palisade Became So Popular

Before we start throwing model years under the bus, let’s give the Palisade its flowers. This SUV became popular because it feels like Hyundai studied what families actually wanted.

We get a roomy cabin, adult-friendly seating, available captain’s chairs, a smooth ride, strong standard safety equipment, and an interior that often feels closer to luxury than mainstream. It is the kind of SUV that can carry kids, luggage, groceries, sports gear, and still look polished at a restaurant valet stand.

Why Some Palisade Years Are Riskier Than Others

Every vehicle has a learning curve. The first few production years often reveal things that engineers, suppliers, and factories later improve. With the Palisade, early model years had more owner chatter around refinement issues, recalls, and annoying quality concerns.

The big areas we should watch are:

• Tow-hitch wiring recalls
• Wind noise complaints
• Unpleasant interior odor reports
• Seatbelt recall concerns
• Suspension knocking
• Infotainment and USB connection problems
• Paint, glass, trim, and body hardware complaints
• Used-car neglect from previous owners

2020 Hyundai Palisade: The First-Year Model to Inspect Closely

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade is usually the first year we put on the caution list. Why? Because first-year vehicles often carry the most unknowns.

The 2020 Palisade introduced a new nameplate, new packaging, and a new ownership base. It was praised for value and comfort, but early owners reported several irritating issues. Some were minor, like wind noise. Others were more concerning, especially when paired with recall history.

Common 2020 Hyundai Palisade Concerns

The 2020 Palisade may have issues such as:

• Cabin odor complaints
• Wind noise around doors or windows
• Tow-hitch wiring recall exposure
• Infotainment quirks
• Body hardware concerns
• Early production quality inconsistencies

Should We Completely Avoid the 2020 Palisade?

Not completely. A well-maintained 2020 Palisade with verified recall completion, clean service history, and a strong pre-purchase inspection can still be a good buy. But we would not buy one casually. This is not the year to purchase blindly because the price looks tempting.

Think of the 2020 Palisade like the first pancake in the batch. It can still taste good, but we should check it before serving it to the family.

2021 Hyundai Palisade: Better, But Still Worth Caution

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade improved in some ways, but it still sits close enough to the first production year that we would inspect it carefully.

Many 2021 models are comfortable, practical, and enjoyable. However, this year can still overlap with some early-generation complaints and recall-related concerns. The 2020–2022 Palisade recall involving accessory tow-hitch harness fire risk is one of the biggest reasons we would verify recall status before buying.

What Makes the 2021 Palisade Risky?

The risk is not that the SUV is fundamentally weak. The risk is that a used 2021 model may have unresolved recalls, old owner complaints, or wear that has been hidden by a quick detailing job.

We would check:

• Whether all recalls were completed
• Whether the tow package was installed
• Whether there is evidence of water intrusion near wiring
• Whether wind noise appears at highway speed
• Whether the cabin has unusual smells
• Whether electronics function consistently

2022 Hyundai Palisade: Watch the Tow-Hitch Recall and Suspension Complaints

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade is a tricky year. It often feels more refined than the earliest examples, but it still falls within the 2020–2022 tow-hitch harness recall population. NHTSA said the recall involved 245,030 model-year 2020–2022 Hyundai Palisade vehicles due to the possibility that moisture could enter the accessory tow-hitch harness module and cause a short circuit.

Consumer Reports owner feedback for the 2022 Palisade also includes complaints about rear knocking sounds, shocks, Android Auto connection issues, radiator replacement, and windshield cracking concerns.

Why the 2022 Palisade Is Not an Automatic No

The 2022 Palisade can still be a solid used SUV. In fact, many shoppers like it because it came before the 2023 facelift but after the earliest production period. Still, we would call it a yellow-light year, not a green-light year.

Best Way to Buy a 2022 Palisade

Before buying, we should:

• Run the VIN through Hyundai or NHTSA recall tools
• Confirm tow-hitch recall repair status
• Test every USB port and infotainment feature
• Drive over rough pavement and listen for rear suspension noise
• Inspect the windshield and glass edges
• Ask for maintenance records
• Avoid neglected examples with vague ownership history

2023 Hyundai Palisade: Facelift Year With Some Caution

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade received a noticeable refresh. It looked sharper, felt more modern, and gained updates that made it more appealing. But a refresh year can sometimes bring its own little quirks.

We would not label 2023 as a major year to avoid. Instead, we would say: buy carefully, especially early-build examples.

Some owners discussed road and wind noise in 2023 Palisade models, especially at highway speeds. That does not make the SUV unreliable, but it does mean a test drive should include real highway speeds, not just a slow loop around the dealership.

When a 2023 Palisade Is Worth Buying

A 2023 Palisade becomes more attractive when it has:

• Clean maintenance history
• No accident record
• No unresolved recalls
• Quiet cabin during highway driving
• Fully working technology
• No suspension clunks
• Reasonable mileage

2024 Hyundai Palisade: Generally Safer, But Still Check Recalls

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade is generally a better bet than the earlier 2020–2022 models. By this point, Hyundai had several years to refine the platform.

Still, we do not want to assume every 2024 model is perfect. NHTSA maintains complaint and recall data by model year, and buyers should still check the exact VIN before purchasing.

Why 2024 Is Usually More Appealing

The 2024 Palisade offers a mature version of the first-generation formula. For many used buyers, this is the sweet spot: new enough to feel modern, old enough to avoid the steepest new-car depreciation.

2025 Hyundai Palisade: One of the Better Used Picks

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade is generally one of the more attractive model years if the price fits the budget. It benefits from years of refinement and still belongs to the familiar first-generation shape.

IIHS notes that the Hyundai Palisade was introduced for the 2020 model year, and its ratings information applies across several later model years depending on build date and criteria.

Why the 2025 Palisade Makes Sense

We like the 2025 Palisade because it is late in the generation. Usually, late-generation vehicles are more polished than early ones. They may not be perfect, but they often have fewer surprises.

2026 Hyundai Palisade: New Generation, New Questions

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is a redesigned model, and that makes it exciting but also worth watching. A redesigned vehicle can bring new technology, new engines, new packaging, and new potential issues.

There has already been recall attention around certain 2026 Palisade and Palisade Hybrid SUVs related to power-folding third-row seat concerns, according to Consumer Reports.

Car and Driver also reported that the 2026 V6 Palisade is slower than the previous model in testing, while the hybrid offers stronger acceleration. That is not a reliability flaw, but it matters if we care about performance.

Should We Avoid the 2026 Palisade?

Not automatically. But we should treat it like any first-year redesign: promising, polished-looking, but still fresh out of the oven. If we are buying used later, we would check recall status carefully and review long-term owner feedback.

Best Hyundai Palisade Years to Buy

Now that we have covered the caution years, which Palisade years look better?

You might be interested in this content.Hyundai Palisade Fuel Economy: Real MPG, Hybrid Savings, and What Drivers Should Expect

Our safer picks are:

• 2024 Hyundai Palisade
• 2025 Hyundai Palisade
• Well-maintained late 2023 Hyundai Palisade
• Carefully inspected 2022 Hyundai Palisade with completed recalls

The best value may come from a clean 2024 or 2025 model. These years usually give us the strongest mix of modern features, refinement, and reduced early-production uncertainty.

Hyundai Palisade Years to Avoid Ranked From Riskiest to Safer

Here is a practical ranking:

Most Cautious: 2020 Hyundai Palisade

First model year, more early complaints, and more reason to inspect everything closely.

Still Cautious: 2021 Hyundai Palisade

Improved but still close to the early-production period and included in major recall discussions.

Moderate Caution: 2022 Hyundai Palisade

Potentially good, but recall verification and suspension/electronics checks are important.

Light Caution: Early 2023 Hyundai Palisade

Refresh year. Usually better, but test for wind noise and tech issues.

Watch Closely: 2026 Hyundai Palisade

New generation. Interesting, but early redesign years deserve patience and recall checks.

Common Hyundai Palisade Problems Buyers Should Know

Let’s talk about issues in plain English. Not every Palisade will have these problems, but these are the areas we would inspect before buying.

Interior Odor

Some early Palisade owners complained about an unpleasant cabin smell. This became one of the more talked-about issues in the early ownership community.

Wind Noise

Wind noise can appear around mirrors, windows, or door seals. It may not ruin the SUV, but once we hear it, we cannot unhear it. Always test drive at highway speed.

Tow-Hitch Wiring Recall

This is one of the most important checks for 2020–2022 models. Moisture entering the tow-hitch harness module could create an electrical short and fire risk.

Seatbelt Recall Concerns

Hyundai recalled more than 500,000 Palisade SUVs from model years 2020 to 2025 for a possible seatbelt latch issue, according to Car and Driver.

Suspension Knocking

Some owners have reported rear knocking or shock-related concerns. This is why rough-road testing matters.

Infotainment and Connectivity Problems

Wired Android Auto and USB issues have been reported by some owners, particularly in 2022 feedback.

How to Inspect a Used Hyundai Palisade Before Buying

A used Palisade can look gorgeous in photos. But photos do not show smells, noises, recall history, or sloppy maintenance. We need to inspect like detectives.

Before the Test Drive

Ask for:

• VIN
• Maintenance records
• Recall completion proof
• Accident history report
• Ownership history
• Tire replacement history
• Warranty status

During the Test Drive

Pay attention to:

• Wind noise at 55–75 mph
• Steering feel
• Brake smoothness
• Suspension clunks
• Transmission shifts
• Infotainment response
• USB and phone connection
• Air conditioning performance
• Seat functions
• Strange smells

After the Test Drive

Look underneath the SUV if possible. Check for leaks, rust, damaged tow wiring, uneven tire wear, and signs of poor repair work.

Which Hyundai Palisade Trim Is Safest to Buy Used?

The trim itself is usually less important than condition, but some trims carry more technology and therefore more things to inspect.

SE and SEL

These trims are simpler and may be easier to own long-term. Fewer luxury features can mean fewer electronic headaches.

Limited

The Limited trim feels premium and adds comfort features, but we should test every powered item carefully.

Calligraphy

The Calligraphy is beautiful, but it has more equipment. That means we should inspect seats, screens, cameras, sensors, and interior trim with extra patience.

Is the Hyundai Palisade Reliable Overall?

Overall, the Hyundai Palisade is not a vehicle we would call unreliable. It is more accurate to say that some model years require more homework than others.

The Palisade has a strong basic formula: naturally aspirated V6 in the first generation, practical layout, comfortable ride, and generous equipment. The problems are often related to recalls, refinement complaints, electronics, body hardware, and specific early-production issues rather than one universal catastrophic flaw.

Hyundai Palisade vs Kia Telluride: Are the Avoid Years Similar?

The Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride are closely related. They share a platform and many mechanical foundations. Because of that, some recall and ownership themes overlap, especially around the tow-hitch harness issue for certain 2020–2022 models. NHTSA’s consumer alert included both 2020–2022 Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride vehicles in fire-risk recall information.

The Telluride may have a slightly different personality, while the Palisade often leans more elegant and upscale. But when shopping used, our logic is similar: check recalls, inspect condition, and do not buy based only on reputation.

The Best Buying Strategy for a Used Hyundai Palisade

Here is the strategy we would use:

1. Prioritize 2024 and 2025 models if the budget allows.
2. Consider a clean 2023 after a full test drive.
3. Be cautious with 2020–2022 models, especially if tow equipment is involved.
4. Avoid any Palisade with unresolved recalls.
5. Never skip a pre-purchase inspection.

A good Palisade can be a brilliant family SUV. A neglected one can become a rolling invoice with leather seats.

Red Flags That Should Make Us Walk Away

Some warning signs are too loud to ignore.

Walk away if the Palisade has:

• Unresolved safety recalls
• No service history
• Persistent cabin odor
• Heavy wind noise the seller dismisses
• Suspension knocking
• Water damage signs
• Accident repair with poor panel alignment
• Warning lights on the dash
• Transmission hesitation or harsh shifts
• Electrical glitches during the test drive

A seller saying “they all do that” is not a diagnosis. It is a fog machine.

Final Verdict: Which Hyundai Palisade Years Should We Avoid?

If we are shopping used, the 2020 Hyundai Palisade is the year we would inspect most carefully or avoid unless it is exceptionally clean. The 2021 and 2022 Palisade also deserve caution, mainly because of recall history and early-generation complaints. The 2023 Palisade is better but still worth testing carefully for wind noise and tech quirks. The 2024 and 2025 Palisade are generally stronger used choices. The 2026 Palisade is exciting, but as a new generation, it deserves patience and recall awareness.

The smartest move? Buy the newest, cleanest, best-documented Palisade we can afford. Do that, and this SUV can feel less like a risky used purchase and more like a quiet, comfortable family command center.

FAQs About Hyundai Palisade Years to Avoid

What is the worst Hyundai Palisade year to buy?

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade is usually the most cautious year because it was the first model year and had more early-owner complaints and recall considerations.

Is the 2021 Hyundai Palisade a bad SUV?

No, the 2021 Palisade is not necessarily bad. However, buyers should check recall completion, inspect for wind noise, and review service history before buying.

Are 2020–2022 Hyundai Palisade models affected by recalls?

Yes, 2020–2022 Palisade models were included in a tow-hitch harness fire-risk recall involving moisture intrusion and possible short circuit concerns.

What is the best used Hyundai Palisade year?

The 2024 and 2025 Hyundai Palisade are generally among the better used choices because they are later in the generation and benefit from more refinement.

You might be interested in this content.Hyundai Palisade vs Mazda CX-90: Which Three-Row SUV Feels Like the Better Buy?

Should we buy a used Hyundai Palisade with high mileage?

Only if it has excellent maintenance records, completed recalls, no major accident history, and passes a professional inspection. Condition matters more than mileage alone.