The fix has been implemented for the 2026 Hyundai Palisade’s rear-seat recall. Following several weeks of development, Hyundai has released a definitive solution for the well-publicized rear-seat issues.
Justin BannerWriterApril 08, 2026
001 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy
Late last month, news broke that Hyundai issued a recall for the 2026 Palisade and Palisade Hybrid Limited and Calligraphy trims due to their second- and third-row seats failing to properly detect passengers and objects. Unfortunately, a single fatality and four minor injuries occurred before a subsequent and permanent fix could be issued. Now, however, Hyundai has announced that a software revision has been released and owners can download it through an over-the-air update (if they have an active Bluelink subscription) or by visiting their local dealership for an in-person installation in their midsize three-row SUV.
As noted in the previous article, Hyundai did send out a temporary update to reprogram its powered rear-seat software to help reduce the risk of injury, but that was not intended to be a fully certified fix. As of April 3, 2026, the manufacturer has released a proper software update that serves as a permanent solution to prevent suffocation and other injuries from the inadvertent activation of the folding and tilt (or “walk-in” as Hyundai calls it) functions of the powered second- and third-row seats.
What Changes Were Made to Prevent This from Happening Again?
The software update for the powered seats introduces significant changes to how the folding and tilt functions are activated and where they can be activated, while also improving occupant and object detection. First, the folding and stowing controls are disabled from being used within the infotainment screen. Next, the seat and cargo area switches will now require a press-and-hold operation and will no longer allow one-touch folding.
The second-row tilt function will also require holding the button, but the one-touch function will remain for the return command. You will also need to press and hold the button for seat-back reclining during the return operation. The software has also updated the seat’s logic to detect a person or object in the seat and stop the folding and tilting functions from fully occurring. Finally, the liftgate must be open to use the fold-flat seat stowage function.
What About the Kia Telluride That Is Also Under Recall?
As of this moment, Kia has not officially released a software update for its powered second-row seats on the 2027 Telluride Hybrid SX Prestige and the X-Line SX Prestige with the Executive package. Kia’s official statement regarding the 2026 Hyundai Palisade recall indicates that while the two vehicles share a manufacturing platform, they are distinct products and are handled through separate quality assurance and recall procedures. The company advised Kia owners to follow the instructions issued in their official notification letters from Kia America.
For those who require additional clarification regarding their 2027 Kia Telluride, the manufacturer recommends contacting their local authorized Kia dealership or visiting the official Kia website for more information. Kia also directed customers to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website to verify recall information for any specific vehicle.
Get This Recall Done ASAP
With any recall action, the software update will be provided free of charge to owners of affected Hyundai Palisades. For owners who need to visit a dealer to receive the update, that dealer will also be able to advise them on the soonest they can have this repair completed. Dealers should also be able to assist with rental and/or transportation while the vehicle is being fixed, but affected customers will want to read up on the rental reimbursement agreement Hyundai has for recall repairs.
How to Find Out If Your Vehicle Has a Recall
There are several ways vehicle owners can verify if their car has a recall.
NHTSA Website: The most reliable source for recall information is the official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website. You can enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into the NHTSA VIN Lookup tool to check for any open recalls on your specific vehicle. This is often the most up-to-date resource, as recalls are added as soon as they are verified.
Manufacturer Websites: Almost all vehicle manufacturers have a “Recalls” or “Safety” section on their official websites. This section allows you to enter your VIN to check for recalls on your specific model and trim year.
Dealership Service Departments: Your local authorized dealership service department can also check for any open recalls on your vehicle. They can also perform the necessary repairs, which are typically completed free of charge to the owner.
For those who own a 2027 Hyundai Palisade or 2026 Hyundai Palisade, using the NHTSA VIN Lookup tool is the fastest way to verify if your specific vehicle is affected by these or any other safety campaigns.
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Justin Banner
Having experience in many forms of the automotive industry, Justin Banner has done more than just write about cars. For more than 15 years, he’s had experience working as an automotive service technician—including a stint as a Virginia State Inspector—service advisor, parts sales, and aftermarket parts technical advisor (a fancy way of saying he helped you on the phone when you had trouble fitting your brakes over your aftermarket wheels and the like). Prior to his tenure as a full-the editor, Justin worked as a freelance writer and photographer for various publications and as an automotive content creator on YouTube. He’s also covered multiple forms of motorsports ranging from Formula Drift, drag racing, and time attack, to NASCAR, short course off-roading, and open desert racing. He’s best known for breaking down complex technical concepts so a layperson can more easily understand why technologies, repairs, and parts should matter to them. At MotorTrend, Justin is part of the news team covering breaking news and topics while also working as a judge for MotorTrend Of the Year events and other major comparison tests.
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