Hyundai Motor Company has announced the suspension of sales for certain new Palisade SUV models in the United States and Canada. The company will be recalling tens of thousands of vehicles due to a power seat issue, prompted by a tragic incident involving the death of a two-year-old girl in Ohio.
The affected models are the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Limited and Calligraphy trims, where the second- and third-row power seats may not properly detect contact with occupants or objects. Approximately 68,500 vehicles are included in the recall, with around 8,000 in Canada.
Hyundai expressed condolences to the family of the deceased child and mentioned that the incident is still under investigation. The company is in the process of developing a fix for the recall and is offering rental vehicles to affected customers until a permanent solution is available.
Drivers are advised to be cautious when using the second- and third-row power seat functions, ensuring that no individuals or objects are in the seat or folding area before activation. Hyundai is working on an interim software update, expected to be released by the end of March, which will improve the system’s responsiveness to contact with occupants or objects, introduce additional safety measures, and enhance overall system safety.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the matter.
