The Hyundai Palisade, a popular three-row crossover, is facing scrutiny from the NHTSA due to reports of seatbelts unexpectedly unlatching. The agency has opened an investigation into the issue, which has affected vehicles from the 2020 to 2023 model years. All 37 complaints received so far point to a problem with the buckle assembly, which can fail without warning.
If the investigation concludes in a safety recall, it could impact a significant number of Palisade owners. The NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation has received 37 complaints alleging inadvertent unlatching of the seatbelts in Hyundai Palisade crossovers produced for the 2020 through 2023 model years.
According to the preliminary evaluation opened by the ODI, the unlatching occurs without prior warning. All 37 reports have been filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration through the US auto regulator’s website. If this investigation concludes in a safety recall, Hyundai Motor America may be required to fix as many as 332,288 examples of the Palisade.
It’s not known if the South Korean automaker changed the design of the buckle assembly for model year 2024. We also don’t know if the Palisade’s seatbelts are different from those of the Kia Telluride, which is technically similar to the mid-size crossover from South Korea.
Given time, ODI’s preliminary evaluation will shine a light on the root cause for these inadvertent unlatching events. Although joined at the hip, the Palisade and Telluride are produced in different parts of the world. Many parts come from different suppliers, for the distance between the suppliers’ plants and the vehicle assembly plants weighs heavily on the vehicle’s price.
Named after the Pacific Palisades of Los Angeles, the Hyundai Palisade for the US market is assembled exclusively in South Korea at the flagship Ulsan plant. By comparison, the Kia Telluride hails from Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia in West Point.
Both rolled out for the 2020 model year, with both facelifted in April 2022 for 2023 at the New York International Auto Show. Three-row crossovers that compete against Ford’s Explorer and Toyota’s Grand Highlander, the Palisade and Telluride feature a direct-injected V6 connected to an eight-speed automatic.
The Grand Highlander and the electrified Kia Carnival represent two distinct approaches to the spacious and versatile vehicle segment. While the Grand Highlander adheres to the traditional crossover blueprint, offering a blend of SUV-like attributes and car-like handling, the Carnival leans more toward minivan territory, despite its SUV-like styling.
This unique positioning has contributed to the remarkable sales success of both models in the US market. In the first half of 2024, the Hyundai Palisade, a key player in the Grand Highlander segment, sold 53,747 units. Meanwhile, the Kia Telluride, a direct competitor to the Grand Highlander, moved 53,700 units. Notably, the Kia Sportage, another Kia model, outperformed both, with 79,853 deliveries.
The Palisade received a significant refresh in 2023, featuring a more aggressive front fascia, improved infotainment capabilities, and additional standard features. The introduction of the XRT trim level, also in 2023, further enhanced its appeal to those seeking a more rugged and capable vehicle.
However, while the XRT offers improved off-road performance, it’s important to note that it doesn’t match the extreme capabilities of a Wrangler Rubicon. Both the Grand Highlander and the electrified Kia Carnival have carved out their niches within the spacious and versatile vehicle market.
The Grand Highlander provides a traditional crossover experience, while the Carnival offers a more minivan-like approach with SUV-inspired styling. The continued success of these models demonstrates the growing demand for vehicles that combine practicality, comfort, and versatility.
