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-theditor, 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.”
“The Hyundai Palisade is a midsize SUV designed by the South Korean automaker Hyundai. Introduced in 2018 as a 2020 model, the Palisade sits at the top of Hyundai’s SUV lineup, above the Tucson and Santa Fe. It is built on a shared platform with the Kia Telluride, which debuted shortly after the Palisade in 2019.\n\nThe 2026 model year introduced a significant update to the Hyundai Palisade, including the addition of a hybrid variant for the first time in the US. The updated model features a redesigned exterior with a new grille and lighting elements, updated interior technology including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a restyled dashboard with a floating center console. New safety features and driver-assist technologies were also introduced.\n\nThe 2026 Palisade is available in various trim levels, including SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy. Powertrain options include a 3.8-liter V6 engine and a hybrid powertrain featuring a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and electric motors. The Palisade offers three rows of seating and seating for seven or eight passengers, depending on the configuration. Cargo capacity is competitive for the midsize SUV segment.\n\nThe Hyundai Palisade has received positive reviews for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, premium features, and attractive styling. It is often compared to rivals like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Kia Telluride. The Palisade is generally considered a value-oriented offering in its segment, offering premium features and upscale design at a competitive price point.\n\nIn 2026, Hyundai introduced an update to the 2026 Hyundai Palisade’s second-row seats, addressing safety concerns related to occupant detection. The update involved changes to the seat software to improve occupant and object detection, prevent inadvertent activation of folding and tilt functions, and enhance safety for rear-seat passengers. This recall addresses potential risks of suffocation or injury from seat movement.”
“The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is a midsize SUV that offers three rows of seating and a spacious, upscale interior. The Palisade is available with a V6 engine or a hybrid powertrain. It is available in multiple trim levels, including SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy. The Palisade offers a comfortable ride, premium features, and attractive styling. It competes with rivals such as the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Kia Telluride.\n\nIn 2026, Hyundai updated the 2026 Hyundai Palisade’s second-row seats to improve occupant detection and prevent inadvertent activation of seat functions. This recall addresses potential safety concerns related to suffocation or injury from seat movement.”
“The 2026 Hyundai Palisade offers three rows of seating and seating for seven or eight passengers, depending on the configuration. The second-row seats are powered and offer folding and tilt functions. The Palisade Hybrid Limited and Calligraphy trims are equipped with powered seats. The 2026 Hyundai Palisade features three rows of seating and offers multiple trim levels, including SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy. Powertors include a 3.8-liter V6 engine and a hybrid powertrain.\n\nThe 2026 Hyundai Palisade received an update to its second-row seats to improve occupant detection and prevent inadvertent activation of seat functions. This recall addresses potential safety concerns related to suffocation or injury from seat movement.”
“The Palisade is Hyundai’s flagship SUV, offering three rows of seating, a premium interior, and modern technology. It competes with rivals like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Kia Telluride. In 2026, Hyundai introduced updates to the 2026 Hyundai Palisade’s second-row seats to improve occupant detection and prevent inadvertent activation of seat functions. This recall addresses potential safety concerns related to suffocation or injury from seat movement.\n\nThe 2026 Hyundai Palisade offers a 3.8-liter V6 engine and a hybrid powertrain. It is available in multiple trim levels, including SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy. The Palisade Hybrid Limited and Calligraphy trims are equipped with powered seats.\n\nThe 2026 Hyundai Palisade features a restyled dashboard with a floating center console and updated interior technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. New safety features and driver-assist technologies were also introduced.\n\nThe 2026 Hyundai Palisade offers a comfortable ride, premium features, and attractive styling. It is generally considered a value-oriented offering in its segment, offering premium
