Trending Now - Hyundai Halts Sales and Recalls 2026 Palisade Models After Fatality

WHO:

Hyundai Motor North America

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

A two-year-old girl (name not specified) involved in the incident

WHAT:

Hyundai is halting sales of the 2026 Hyundai Palisade models.

Hyundai is planning to recall more than 68,000 vehicles, specifically 60,515 produced in the U.S. and 7,967 in Canada.

The recall is due to an issue with second and third-row power seats that may not detect contact with a person or object.

Hyundai is developing an over-the-air software update expected to be available by the end of March 2026.

Hyundai is offering customers a rental vehicle through its dealers until a full fix is available.

WHERE:

The incident occurred in Ohio.

WHEN:

The incident involving the child occurred on March 7, 2026.

Hyundai announced the halt of sales and recall on March 16, 2026.

The software update is expected to be available by the end of March 2026.

WHY:

The actions were taken due to a fatal incident involving a child and the potential safety risk posed by the power-operated seats.

HOW:

The power-operated second and third-row seats may crush an occupant or object due to a failure to detect contact during folding or sliding operations.

Hyundai is developing an interim software update to improve contact detection and enhance safety.

(UPDATED March 16, 2026 23:13 UTC)

Hyundai has announced it will halt sales of the 2026 Hyundai Palisade models and recall over 68,000 vehicles due to a safety issue with the power-operated second and third-row seats, which may fail to detect contact with a person or object. This decision follows a tragic incident in Ohio on March 7, where a two-year-old girl was involved, prompting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to get involved. Hyundai plans to release an over-the-air software update by the end of March and is offering rental vehicles to affected customers until a full fix is implemented.