Hyundai Palisade Common Problems & Reliability Guide
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Overview
The Hyundai Palisade is a three-row full-size SUV built on the Hyundai-Kia N3 platform, offering up to eight-passenger seating. Launched for the 2020 model year, it has earned strong reliability ratings overall. Known issues include panoramic sunroof drain clogs leading to interior water leaks, transmission shudder from the 8-speed automatic, occasional EVAP faults, and communication-bus codes tied to the BlueLink telematics and ADAS systems. The 3.8L Lambda II V6 engine is generally robust, though direct injection carbon buildup and catalytic converter efficiency codes appear at higher mileages.
Quick Summary
By Generation
Available Engines
Common OBD2 Codes
| Code | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| P0420 | Very Common | Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold Bank 1. Increasingly common after 60,000 miles on the 3.8L Lambda II GDI. Often preceded by lean fuel trim codes; verify upstream O2 sensors and injector health before replacing catalyst. |
| P0430 | Common | Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold Bank 2. Appears alongside P0420 on higher-mileage engines. Both cats share similar failure timelines on the V6. |
| P0456 | Common | EVAP system small leak detected. Frequently caused by a deteriorated or incorrectly seated fuel cap, failing purge valve, or cracked vapor hose near the charcoal canister. Check gas cap first — many cases clear after cap replacement. |
| P0455 | Common | EVAP system large leak detected. Can indicate a split EVAP hose, stuck-open purge solenoid, or compromised canister. Often co-exists with P0456 on vehicles with aging EVAP components. |
| P0741 | Common | Torque converter clutch solenoid circuit performance. Hyundai 8-speed automatic (8A51) is prone to TCC shudder felt as a vibration at 40–55 mph under light throttle. SP-IV-M ATF flush sometimes resolves early cases; solenoid or valve body replacement needed for persistent faults. |
| P0171 | Occasional | Fuel trim system too lean Bank 1. Can stem from a small vacuum leak at the intake manifold, dirty MAF sensor, or failing purge valve allowing excess purge on the Lambda II GDI engine. |
| P0300 | Occasional | Random/multiple cylinder misfire. On GDI engines, carbon accumulation on intake valves causes misfires at higher mileages. Walnut blasting at 80,000–100,000 miles is recommended preventive maintenance. |
| P0128 | Occasional | Coolant thermostat performance — engine running below regulating temperature. Thermostat sticks open causing poor heater output and reduced fuel economy. Replacement is straightforward and inexpensive. |
| U0100 | Occasional | Lost communication with ECM/PCM — can appear as a stored code when battery voltage drops or following battery disconnection. Also triggered by wiring faults in the CAN-C bus. Clear and verify; investigate wiring if persistent. |
| U0140 | Occasional | Lost communication with body control module. Commonly logged during low battery events or after OTA updates. Clears after battery recharge or ignition cycle if no underlying fault exists. |
| P0443 | Occasional | EVAP emission control purge control valve circuit malfunction. Purge solenoid failure is documented on early Palisades; replace solenoid and retest EVAP system integrity. |
| C0561 | Occasional | ABS system disabled — invalid data received. Typically stores when ABS wheel speed sensor signal is erratic due to debris, corrosion, or reluctor ring damage. Inspect all four wheel speed sensors. |
Known Problems
The large panoramic sunroof on the Palisade has front and rear drain channels that clog with leaf debris, pollen, and dirt. Blocked drains cause water to overflow into the headliner, drip down the A-pillars, and pool in the footwells. Carpet, wiring harnesses, and the sunroof motor are at risk. Hyundai issued TSB 23-SS-001H addressing improper drain tube routing on some vehicles. Owners should clear drains every spring and fall with a soft wire or compressed air.
Typical mileage: Any mileage; common after first rainy season
Shop parts for this repairThe 8-speed automatic (A8LF1/8A51) is known to shudder or vibrate at highway cruising speeds, typically between 40 and 55 mph under light throttle load. This is attributed to torque converter clutch (TCC) apply issues. Hyundai's approved fix is a complete ATF flush using updated SP-IV-M fluid; some vehicles also need a solenoid or valve body replacement. Multiple TSBs exist addressing this condition for 2020–2022 Palisades.
Typical mileage: 15,000–60,000 miles
Shop parts for this repairThe 3.8L Lambda II engine uses gasoline direct injection (GDI), meaning fuel never contacts the intake valves to wash them clean. Carbon deposits accumulate on valve stems and seats over time, causing rough idle, hesitation on cold starts, misfires, and reduced power. Walnut blasting or manual cleaning is required; intake valve deposits are not covered under standard warranty. Interval: approximately every 60,000–80,000 miles.
Typical mileage: 60,000–100,000 miles
Shop parts for this repairBoth catalytic converters on the 3.8L V6 show efficiency decline after approximately 60,000–80,000 miles, particularly on vehicles used primarily for short-trip driving. P0420 and P0430 codes set, triggering the check engine light. The Lambda II GDI engine's tendency to run rich on cold starts accelerates catalyst degradation. Replacement catalysts (OEM or CARB-compliant aftermarket) are required to clear the fault permanently.
Typical mileage: 60,000–100,000 miles
Shop parts for this repairThe EVAP purge control solenoid valve commonly fails on 2020–2022 Palisades, causing check engine light illumination with purge circuit or leak codes. A stuck-open purge valve can also cause rough idle or hard starts because excess fuel vapor enters the intake at the wrong time. Purge valve replacement is a straightforward repair.
Typical mileage: 30,000–70,000 miles
Shop parts for this repairMultiple early owners and NHTSA complaints document FCA/autonomous emergency braking triggering sudden, unexpected stops at highway speed with no actual obstruction present. Hyundai released software calibration updates (TSB) to refine radar and camera sensitivity. Unresolved cases may require sensor replacement or recalibration. This is a safety-critical concern.
Typical mileage: Any mileage
Shop parts for this repairThe BlueLink connected car module can intermittently lose CAN bus communication, storing U-series network codes and occasionally causing loss of remote start, remote lock, or in-app vehicle status. Battery drain from the telematics module has also been reported when the vehicle sits unused for more than a week. Dealer software updates and, in some cases, module replacement have been required.
Typical mileage: Any mileage
Shop parts for this repairRecalls
Instrument cluster software may display an incorrect fuel level, potentially indicating more fuel than is actually in the tank and causing the vehicle to run out of fuel unexpectedly. Dealers reprogram instrument cluster software at no charge.
The rearview camera may display a frozen or delayed image when the transmission is shifted into Reverse, preventing the driver from seeing current obstructions. Dealers reprogram the audio/video navigation unit software to correct camera response time.
The ABS hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU) may experience an internal short circuit that can cause a fire even when the vehicle is parked and the ignition is off. Dealers inspect the ABS module and install an external fuse relay kit to interrupt the circuit if overheating occurs.
The second-row center seat belt buckle pretensioner retainer clip may not be properly attached, allowing the buckle to pull free during a crash and increasing occupant injury risk. Dealers inspect and properly secure or replace the retainer clip.
Available Engines
Common OBD2 Codes
| Code | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| P0420 | Common | Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold Bank 1 — carried over concern from pre-facelift; appears earlier than expected on vehicles with high short-trip usage. |
| P0430 | Common | Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold Bank 2. Mirrors P0420 pattern; both catalysts on the 3.8L V6 are susceptible on higher-mileage examples. |
| P0456 | Common | EVAP small leak detected. Gas cap seal and purge valve remain primary causes. Updated purge valve part numbers available for 2023+ vehicles. |
| P0741 | Common | TCC solenoid performance — torque converter shudder. Continues on facelift model; Hyundai updated transmission calibration software for 2023+, but some vehicles still require fluid service or valve body work. |
| P0300 | Occasional | Random/multiple misfire — GDI carbon buildup concern persists. Walnut blasting interval applies equally to facelift 3.8L engines. |
| P2096 | Occasional | Post-catalyst fuel trim system too lean Bank 1. Downstream O2 sensor degradation or small exhaust leaks after the catalyst are typical causes. |
| P0171 | Occasional | Fuel trim system too lean Bank 1. More common on 2.5T XRT models; check for boost leaks, dirty MAF sensor, or EVAP purge valve stuck open. |
| P0128 | Occasional | Thermostat performance — engine running too cool. Consistent across both the 3.8L V6 and the 2.5T I4 introduced for 2024. |
| U0100 | Occasional | Lost communication with ECM/PCM. More frequently stored on facelift models after OTA infotainment updates that transiently disrupt the vehicle CAN network. |
| U0155 | Occasional | Lost communication with instrument panel cluster. Occasionally logged after low-voltage events or following body control module software updates. |
| P0234 | Occasional | Turbocharger overboost condition — specific to the 2.5T engine on XRT trim. Typically from a stuck wastegate or boost leak; verify charge-air plumbing before replacing turbocharger. |
| C0265 | Occasional | EBCM relay circuit malfunction — ABS/ESC-related fault. Can appear on vehicles with corroded wheel speed sensor connectors or following battery replacement. |
Known Problems
The panoramic roof drain issue identified on 2020–2022 Palisades persists on the facelift model despite minor sealing changes. Blocked drains overflow into headliner and cabin. Hyundai issued an updated drain tube routing TSB applicable to 2023+ models as well. Regular preventive drain cleaning remains the primary mitigation.
Typical mileage: Any mileage; common after the first rainy season
Shop parts for this repairDespite revised transmission calibration software introduced with the facelift, some 2023–2025 Palisades continue to exhibit TCC shudder at 40–55 mph cruising speeds. Owners report the sensation as a vibration or flutter through the floor. ATF flush with SP-IV-M fluid and software re-flash are the first-line repairs; persistent cases may require valve body or torque converter replacement.
Typical mileage: 10,000–50,000 miles
Shop parts for this repairThe Lambda II GDI engine continues to accumulate intake valve deposits on facelift models. At approximately 60,000–80,000 miles owners may notice hesitation, rough idle on cold starts, and reduced fuel economy. Walnut blasting remains the standard remedy; no OEM catch-can solution is offered from the factory.
Typical mileage: 60,000–100,000 miles
Shop parts for this repairThe 2.5L turbocharged engine offered on the 2024 XRT trim carries known high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) noise and potential reliability concerns shared with other Hyundai-Kia 2.5T applications. Owners report a pronounced ticking or knocking from the fuel pump at idle. Hyundai issued a service campaign on related vehicles; dealers inspect and replace affected pumps.
Typical mileage: Under 30,000 miles
Shop parts for this repairThe updated Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2) and FCA radar introduced on the facelift can trigger false forward-collision alerts and brief phantom braking events on highway on-ramps, overpasses, or in rain. Hyundai has released incremental OTA and dealer software calibration updates. Persistent false braking may indicate a misaligned or contaminated radar sensor.
Typical mileage: Any mileage
Shop parts for this repairThe 12.3-inch CCnav infotainment system on facelift models can freeze, exhibit slow touch response, or enter reboot cycles following OTA updates gone wrong. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connections are the most commonly affected features. Dealer re-flashing of the head unit or hard reset (power disconnect) usually resolves acute episodes.
Typical mileage: Any mileage
Shop parts for this repairFacelift Palisades with BlueLink and OTA update capability can experience 12V battery drain when the vehicle sits unused for one to two weeks. Background processes for OTA downloads and BlueLink keep-alive signals maintain elevated parasitic draw. Owners who store the vehicle or leave it parked long-term may return to a dead battery. A software update to limit parasitic draw is available at dealers.
Typical mileage: Any mileage
Shop parts for this repairThe optional power-folding third-row seats on Calligraphy and Limited trims can become stuck in mid-fold or fail to return to the upright seating position. Root cause is a motor controller software fault or physical binding in the fold rail. Dealer software recalibration or mechanism replacement is needed; parts availability has been limited on newer facelift trim levels.
Typical mileage: Any mileage, often under 20,000 miles
Shop parts for this repairRecalls
On vehicles equipped with the factory trailer tow package, a wiring harness fault can prevent the trailer turn signal lamps from illuminating, reducing visibility of turning intentions and increasing crash risk. Dealers inspect and repair or replace the trailer wiring harness.
The FCA system software may command an emergency brake application in the absence of an actual collision threat, creating a rear-end crash risk from following traffic. Dealers reprogram the front radar sensor control unit and ADAS camera module with revised detection logic.
Second-row outboard seat belt buckle pretensioner mounting fasteners may not have been tightened to specification at the assembly plant, potentially allowing the buckle assembly to move under crash forces and reducing occupant restraint effectiveness. Dealers inspect and re-torque or replace fasteners.