The Fix Is in for the 2026 Hyundai Palisade’s Rear-Seat Recall
After several weeks of development, Hyundai has released a solution for the Palisade’s well-publicized rear-seat issues.
Justin BannerWriterApr 08, 2026
001 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy
Back in late March, 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. Sadly, a single fatality and four minor injuries occurred before a subsequent and permanent fix could be issued. Now, though, Hyundai has reported that a software revision has been released and owners will be able to download it through an over-the-air update (if they have an active Bluelink subscription) or by going to their local dealership to have it installed in their midsize three-row SUV in person.
As noted in the previous story, Hyundai did send out a temporary update to reprogram its powered rear-seat software to help reduce the risk of being injured, but that was not intended to be a fully certified fix. As of April 3, it has released a proper software update that is a permanent solution to prevent suffocation and other injuries by inadvertent activation of the folding and tilt (or “walk-in” as Hyundai calls it) functions of the powered second- and third-row seats.
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017 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy
What Gets Changed to Prevent This from Happening Again?
The software update to the powered seats will make changes in how the folding and tilt functions are activated and where they can be activated, and it will improve 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.
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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. We have contacted Kia for more information and will update this story when we receive a response. For now, owners of those Tellurides should closely monitor second-row occupancy when they want to use the tilt and folding functions.
Get This Recall Done ASAP
With any recall action, the software update will be 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.
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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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“Article in Official US English\n\nTitle: Hyundai Addresses 2026 Palisade Rear-Seat Recall with Permanent Software Fix”
“Hyundai is proactively addressing a critical safety issue that has unfortunately led to a recall affecting the 2026 model year of the Palisade and Palisade Hybrid. The issue specifically pertains to the powered second- and third-row seats in select configurations, namely the Limited and Calligraphy trim levels. As of March 2026, the automotive manufacturer issued a stop-sale order and a recall to rectify the situation. News of the recall has spread quickly, highlighting the seriousness of the matter given that a single fatality and four minor injuries have occurred prior to the deployment of a permanent corrective measure. Hyundai has now released a definitive solution in the form of a software update, which owners will be able to implement through over-the-air (OTA) updates if they subscribe to the Bluelink service, or by visiting their local dealership for in-person installation. This targeted remedy ensures that the midsize three-row SUV is brought back to full compliance with safety standards.\n\nAs previously reported, the automaker did initially dispatch a temporary software update designed to mitigate the risk of injury. This temporary patch adjusted the programming of the powered rear-seat functions but was never intended to serve as the final solution. On April 3rd, the company finalized a proper software update that constitutes a permanent resolution. This update effectively prevents both suffocation and other injuries that could arise from the inadvertent activation of the folding and tilting mechanisms of the powered second- and third-row seats (referred to by Hyundai as the “walk-in” functions).\n\nWhat Specific Changes Have Been Implemented to Prevent Recurrence?\nThe software update for the powered seats incorporates several critical modifications to the way these functions are activated, where they can be accessed, and occupant detection capabilities. Firstly, the ability to control folding and stowing functions through the infotainment screen has been disabled entirely. Subsequently, the controls located in the seat and cargo area require a press-and-hold action and no longer permit one-touch operation of the seat folding function.\n\nThe second-row tilt function also necessitates a press-and-hold action; however, the one-touch function will remain available for the return command. Furthermore, users will need to press and hold the button for seat-back reclining during the return operation. The revised seat logic has also been enhanced to detect the presence of a person or object within the seat and immediately halt the folding and tilting functions before they reach full deployment. Finally, the liftgate must be open in order to utilize the fold-flat seat stowage feature.\n\nRegarding the Kia Telluride Currently Facing a Similar Recall:\nAs of the current moment, Kia has not officially released a software update to address the issue with the powered second-row seats on the 2027 Telluride Hybrid SX Prestige and the X-Line SX Prestige equipped with the Executive package. The company has been contacted for further details, and this report will be updated once a response is received. For the time being, owners of these specific Telluride trims are advised to exercise heightened vigilance regarding the monitoring of second-row occupancy whenever they intend to use the tilt and folding functions.\n\nImportance of Completing the Recall Promptly:\nIn alignment with standard recall protocols, the software update will be provided to affected Hyundai Palisade owners at no charge. For those who need to visit a dealership to obtain the update, the local service center will be able to inform them of the soonest possible date for the repair to be completed. Dealerships should also be capable of facilitating rental accommodations and/or transportation while the vehicle is undergoing service. However, affected customers are encouraged to review Hyundai’s official rental reimbursement policy concerning recall repairs.\n\nStay Ahead of the Curve\nGet the newest car reviews, hottest auto news, and expert analysis of the latest trends delivered straight to your inbox!”
“Article in Official US English\\n\\nTitle: Hyundai Addresses 2026 Palisade Rear-Seat Recall with Permanent Software Fix\””
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