Hyundai Palisade Recall: 568K SUVs Affected

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced on Thursday, September 11, 2025, that Hyundai Motor America is recalling 568,580 Hyundai Palisade SUVs in the United States. The recall addresses a critical seatbelt latch defect that could prevent seatbelts from securely fastening, potentially compromising passenger safety.

This large-scale recall affects model years 2020 through 2025 and underscores the importance of vehicle safety checks for both automakers and drivers. If you own a Hyundai Palisade, here’s everything you need to know about the recall, risks, affected vehicles, and the steps you should take.

Why Is Hyundai Recalling the Palisade?

According to documents filed with the NHTSA, the recall stems from out-of-specification components in the seatbelt buckle assemblies. In simple terms, parts inside the buckle mechanism were not manufactured to precise specifications.

This defect can cause excess friction or interference inside the latch channel, particularly in cold weather conditions. If a driver or passenger inserts the seatbelt tongue slowly, the buckle may fail to fully latch, leaving the person unsecured in their seat.

Hyundai has explained that while the majority of seatbelts will work normally, certain buckle assemblies are more prone to issues.

Warning Signs of a Faulty Seatbelt Buckle

Owners may notice these symptoms:

• A lighter or weaker ’click’ sound when fastening the seatbelt.
• The buckle’s release button feels recessed or different than normal.
• Seatbelt alert warnings may activate even when the belt appears buckled.
• The belt may come unlatched more easily if pulled or under sudden force.

Hyundai and the NHTSA emphasize that a seatbelt that is not properly latched poses a serious crash risk, as occupants may not be adequately restrained in an accident.

Which Hyundai Vehicles Are Affected?

The recall applies specifically to the Hyundai Palisade SUV.

• Model years involved: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025
• Production dates: April 10, 2019 – June 16, 2025
• Total recalled: 568,580 vehicles in the United States

While the defect has been traced back to Hyundai’s supplier, ZF Lifetec, Hyundai estimates that only 1% of the recalled vehicles actually have defective buckle assemblies. Still, the automaker is taking precautionary measures by recalling all potentially affected vehicles.

Has Anyone Been Injured?

As of the recall announcement, Hyundai reported no crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to the Palisade seatbelt issue. That said, NHTSA opened a Preliminary Evaluation in 2024 after receiving consumer complaints about latching difficulties in earlier Palisade models.

Since seatbelts are a primary line of defense in any collision, Hyundai decided to move forward with a full recall rather than risk potential injuries.

What Should Hyundai Palisade Owners Do?

If you own a 2020–2025 Palisade, here’s what to do immediately:

1. Check your seatbelt buckle – Buckle up with a firm, direct motion. Listen for the audible ’click’ and tug the belt to confirm it is securely latched.
2. Don’t ignore warning signs – If the belt feels unusual, doesn’t click properly, or unbuckles easily, take your vehicle to a Hyundai dealer as soon as possible.
3. Watch for a recall notice – Hyundai will notify owners by mail. Official notices are expected to begin this fall (October–November 2025).
4. Get the free fix – Dealers will inspect and replace seatbelt buckle assemblies in affected vehicles at no cost to owners.
5. Stay safe in the meantime – Hyundai recommends fastening belts with a firm, quick motion and double-checking the latch until repairs are complete.

Hyundai’s Recall Repair Plan

Hyundai will replace front-row and second-row outer seatbelt buckles with redesigned parts that meet strict safety specifications. All repairs will be performed free of charge at authorized Hyundai dealerships.

If you’re unsure whether your Palisade is part of the recall, you can:

• Visit the NHTSA recall website (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and enter your 17-digit VIN.
• Contact Hyundai Customer Care at 1-855-371-9460 and reference recall number 283.
• Call NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

Broader Context: Car Recalls in 2025

Hyundai’s Palisade recall is one of the largest U.S. automotive recalls announced in 2025 so far. Vehicle recalls are not uncommon, and automakers often work with regulators to identify defects before they cause harm.

Seatbelt recalls, in particular, are treated with urgency since restraints are one of the most effective safety features in preventing fatalities. According to NHTSA, seatbelts saved nearly 15,000 lives in the U.S. in 2017 alone.

For Hyundai, this recall also comes at a time when the brand is competing strongly in the SUV market. The Palisade is one of Hyundai’s flagship family vehicles, and maintaining consumer trust is essential.

Hyundai’s Response

In its statement, Hyundai said it is committed to ’the highest safety standards for all our customers.’ The company is working closely with NHTSA and its supplier ZF Lifetec to ensure that replacement parts are available quickly.

Hyundai has also implemented quality audits to prevent similar manufacturing issues from happening in future production runs.

How This Recall Affects Hyundai Owners

For most Palisade owners, this recall will be an inconvenience rather than a danger, but it’s still critical to act promptly. Even if your seatbelt appears to work normally, Hyundai strongly advises having the buckle inspected and replaced if necessary.

The repairs will be free, but ignoring the recall could put you and your passengers at serious risk in a crash.

Key Takeaways

• 568,580 Hyundai Palisade SUVs (2020–2025) are being recalled in the U.S.
• Defective seatbelt buckles may not latch properly, especially in cold conditions.
• Owners should buckle firmly, check their belts, and schedule a free dealer inspection and repair.
• No injuries or crashes have been reported, but NHTSA is urging prompt action.
• Recall notices will begin rolling out to owners in fall 2025.

Conclusion

The Hyundai Palisade recall of September 2025 is a reminder that even well-built modern vehicles can experience safety issues when components are manufactured outside strict tolerances. While the number of defective seatbelts is estimated to be small, Hyundai and NHTSA are prioritizing driver safety by recalling every potentially affected SUV.

If you drive a Palisade, don’t wait—check your VIN, contact your dealer, and schedule the free repair once parts are available. A properly functioning seatbelt could be the difference between life and death in a serious crash.

Staying proactive with recalls is one of the best ways to keep yourself and your family safe on the road.