Some Palisade (LX2), Tucson (NX4), and Tucson Hybrid (NX4 HEV) vehicles may experience battery drain due to continuous operation of the cooling fan after vehicle ignition has been turned off, potentially resulting in a no-start condition. The continuous cooling fan operation is caused by a stuck relay in the engine room PCB block. This bulletin provides instructions to replace the engine room PCB block to ensure the proper operation of the cooling fan.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2021 Hyundai Palisade electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2021 Hyundai Palisade have filed 45 NHTSA complaints about the electrical at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
45
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2020 Palisade | 32 |
| 2021 Palisade (this page) | 45 |
| 2022 Palisade | 23 |
| 2023 Palisade | 26 |
| 2024 Palisade | 9 |
| 2025 Palisade | 8 |
2crashes
1fire
What stands out
Of the 7 model years of Hyundai Palisade we track for electrical problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 45.
Owners have filed 45 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin provides information related to the changes introduced in the 2025 1st Navigation Map and Software Update. The changes may vary depending on vehicle type, model, and navigation system as described in this TSB.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information related to the changes introduced in the 2024 2nd Navigation Map and Software Update. The changes may vary depending on vehicle type, model, and navigation system. Refer to the 2024 2nd Navigation Map and Software Update Improvements section in this TSB for a list of specific changes. The software can be downloaded via Navigation Updater (NAU) and updated by USB. The NAU website is https://update.hyundai.com/US/EN/navigationUpdate. For certain models equipped with a relevant Bluelink package, the software may be downloaded and applied via OTA update.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some vehicles may exhibit a loss of connectivity or interruptions in the middle of using Bluelink Service functions. This may be due to an irregular disconnection on Verizon’s communication network. Follow the procedure in this TSB to reestablish the connection via the AVN pinhole reset method.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some vehicles may exhibit a loss of connectivity or interruptions in the middle of using Bluelink Service functions. This may be due to an irregular disconnection on Verizon's communication network. If you are experiencing issues with remote commands, or other Bluelink services, please see the instructions below to reestablish the connection via the AVN pinhole reset method.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The electrical systems on 2021 Palisades are unreliable across multiple subsystems. Child safety locks are the most frequent complaint—they cycle and click uncontrollably when engaged, render rear doors unlocked while the vehicle is moving despite being supposedly locked, and display "Child Safety Lock Failure" messages. Dealers cannot replicate the issue during inspection, yet owners report it happens regularly. Door locks fail in other ways too: randomly locking and unlocking via key fob or internal switches, and in one case, trapping a seven-month-old inside a hot running vehicle.
Engine management problems also recur: vehicles shut off completely while driving at highway speeds with zero warning lights beforehand, requiring multiple restart attempts. Owners report dealerships blame fuel injectors or low fuel levels, though those explanations don't match the sudden nature of the events. The low oil warning light has failed to alert drivers in at least one case, resulting in complete engine seizure from oil starvation. Infotainment systems disconnect from smartphones repeatedly, pulling driver attention off the road. Windshield wipers lock up after a few uses, and multiple simultaneous electrical failures—cameras, lane keep assist, heated mirrors, sensors—have left some vehicles non-functional with no dealer fix.
A critical unresolved safety recall on the tow harness has been open since 2022; the interim "fix" is manually removing a fuse, leaving owners unable to use the towing capability they purchased the vehicle for. Other issues include false alarm triggers, automatic engine starts while parked, sunroof glass slipping off track, and a post-collision fire following a low-speed impact.
Same Hyundai Palisade electrical reports on nearby years: 2020 · 2022 · 2023
Failure modes owners describe
Child Safety Lock System Malfunction
Child safety door lock system cycles repeatedly and randomly, causing continuous audible clicking from door locks. After cycling for a minute or more, a 'Child Safety Lock Failure' error message appears on the dashboard. Despite engagement, rear doors remain unlocked and can be opened while the vehicle is in motion, eliminating child safety protection. Multiple owners report the issue occurs both when parked and driving, sometimes triggered by activating the child lock button, sometimes occurring spontaneously.
When: Started around 11,000–30,000 miles; issue present across multiple model years/owners
Symptoms owners cite: Continuous clicking/cycling of door locks when child safety lock engaged; Child Safety Lock Failure error message on dashboard; Rear doors unlock and can be opened while vehicle is driving despite child lock engagement; Issue occurs both while parked and while driving; Sometimes occurs when manually cycling the child lock button; sometimes occurs randomly
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers report inability to replicate the issue during inspection. Some owners report Hyundai replacing door latches and child safety lock switches with no resolution. Warranty replacement reported in at least one case but problem persisted.
Engine Stalling and Loss of Power While Driving
Vehicle loses all power and shuts off completely without warning while driving at highway speeds, causing loss of braking and steering control. Engine restarts after driver cycles ignition off and on. Multiple owners report fuel injector diagnosis from dealerships; one owner reports dealership also mentioned 10% fuel tank level. No warning indicators precede the failures.
When: Occurs suddenly without pattern; one complaint after recent recall service
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown while driving; Loss of power steering and braking; No warning lights or messages before shutdown; Engine requires restart via ignition cycle; Vehicle momentarily uncontrollable until safely pulled over
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships have attributed issue to fuel injector failure and low fuel level (10%), though owners dispute whether these are root causes.
Door Lock System Electronic Failure
Door locking mechanism fails intermittently, locking and unlocking without driver input, including when using key fob or internal lock buttons. In one reported case, a recently unlocked rear passenger door locked again immediately, trapping a 7-month-old child inside a running vehicle. Vehicle automatically shuts off after 10 minutes of engine-on time.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Doors lock and unlock randomly or spontaneously; Doors remain locked despite repeated unlock button presses; Issue occurs with both key fob and internal lock controls; Vehicle automatically powers off after 10 minutes if not driven
Infotainment Bluetooth/Apple CarPlay Disconnection
Infotainment system repeatedly disconnects from paired smartphones (Apple CarPlay and/or Bluetooth), requiring driver to manually reconnect during operation. Disconnections occur frequently even on short 20-minute drives and interrupt navigation and audio functions, forcing driver attention away from the road.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth disconnect frequently and repeatedly; Disconnections occur multiple times during short drives; Error messages appear on infotainment screen; Requires manual reconnection while driving; Affects navigation and audio functionality
Low Oil Warning Indicator Failure
Oil warning system fails to alert driver of critically low or empty oil levels. One owner drove the vehicle for 4 months with an unrepaired oil leak, running the engine completely dry on three separate occasions without any low oil warning light, despite the manufacturer's warranty having already expired at time of purchase. Engine seized from oil starvation with no prior warning.
When: Failure present from time of purchase; oil starvation occurred over 4 months of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: No low oil warning light despite critical oil loss; Engine runs completely dry without any dashboard indication; Engine seizure from oil starvation; One-day warning (engine sputtering) immediately before complete seizure
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership (Auto Merchants Inc., Plano, TX) claimed repair on January 6, 2026, but oil continued leaking. Engine seized April 20, 2026.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai consumer affairs and dealership denied warranty coverage, stating warranty had expired at time of purchase (December 16, 2024).
Windshield Wiper Motor Failure
Windshield wiper motors lock up and cease operating after 3–4 uses, producing buzzing noise before failure. Owner reports issue matches NHTSA Recall 23V-180 / Hyundai Campaign 243, though dealership claimed recall was previously addressed. Wiper binding recurs despite previous service.
When: January 2025; vehicle purchased used April 2023, around time recall was active
Symptoms owners cite: Buzzing noise from wiper motors during operation; Wipers lock up and stop functioning after 3–4 uses; Complete loss of visibility during rain; Wiper motors appear to be binding
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership (Fitzgerald Hyundai, Gaithersburg, MD) recommended wiper motor replacement, charged $209 diagnostic fee.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai recall 23V-180 / Campaign 243 issued for wiper motor binding. Dealership claimed recall had been completed, though issue persisted or recurred.
Sunroof Structural Failure
Sunroof glass slips off track and fails to close or open properly after minimal use. Owner reports sunroof wind deflector frame slides, shoes, and cables are broken or out of position. Dealership confirmed Hyundai issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) for this issue but stated repair would not be covered under warranty.
When: Sunroof used only a handful of times before failure
Symptoms owners cite: Sunroof fails to fully open or close; Glass comes off track; Broken wind deflector frame slides and shoes; Loose and out-of-position cables; Cracked or warped tracks
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost approximately $3,000. Dealership confirmed TSB exists but repair is not warranty-covered.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) addressing sunroof failure, indicating known defect.
Tailgate Hydraulic Strut Failure
Hydraulic lift struts for tailgate fail and crack, with pressurized spring potentially ejected while driving. Multiple Palisade owners report repeated failures even after part replacement. Lift can collapse entirely when hydraulic integrity is lost.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Hydraulic lift struts crack open; Pressurized spring ejected from failed struts; Tailgate collapses when hydraulics fail; Repeated failures even after replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple owners report dealers acknowledge this as a known problem.
Tow Harness Fire Risk (Unresolved Recall)
Tow harness wiring has fire hazard and may catch fire during use or when vehicle is parked. Hyundai issued a safety recall, with interim fix of removing the tow harness fuse. Multiple owners report recall notice issued in 2022 without a permanent fix provided over a year or more later. Owners cannot use tow capability they purchased the vehicle for.
When: Recall notice issued in August 2022; still unresolved as of complaint dates
Symptoms owners cite: Tow harness wiring poses fire hazard; Fire risk when towing or vehicle is parked in garage; Interim fix requires manual fuse removal for safety
Repairs/costs cited: Interim fix: remove tow harness fuse manually. Permanent fix not available.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai issued recall notice in 2022. Interim fix is fuse removal. No permanent repair provided as of complaint dates despite recall being open for over one year.
Automatic Engine Start and Electrical Malfunction
Vehicle engine starts spontaneously while parked with ignition off and keys out of reach, idling at extremely high RPM in enclosed garage. All electrical displays go dark during the event, with only engine running. Owner had to cycle ignition to bring RPM to normal.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Engine starts without ignition or key input; Extremely high idle RPM; All electrical displays go completely dark; Engine running in enclosed garage (carbon monoxide hazard)
Alarm System False Triggers with Erratic Sensor Input
Vehicle alarm and Bluelink notifications trigger repeatedly when locking doors, even when vehicle is completely empty. Dealership has replaced sensors, performed software updates, changed and reprogrammed key fob batteries, and checked all connections under seats without resolving the issue. Rear Occupancy Alert and Panic Alert notifications appear simultaneously.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Alarm activates when locking doors via fob or interior button; Rear Occupancy Alert notification appears when vehicle is empty; Panic Alert notification appears when vehicle is empty; Bluelink app shows simultaneous alerts
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replaced sensors, issued software updates, reprogrammed key fobs, checked wiring and connections. Problem persists despite multiple service visits (3+ times in one month, including 6-day repair period).
Multiple Simultaneous Electrical System Failures
Cluster of interconnected electrical failures affecting cameras, lane keep assist, heated mirrors, auto hold button, front and rear sensors, and main computer update function. Owner reports dashboard warning lights illuminate intermittently, vehicle cannot switch between gasoline and hybrid mode (if applicable), error codes fail to register, and settings change without warning. Dealership unable to replicate issues.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Only 3 of 8 cameras function; Lane Keep Assist inoperable; Heated mirrors inoperable; Auto Hold button works intermittently; Front and rear sensors not functioning properly; Main computer fails to update as designed; Codes and signal failures not registering; Settings change without driver input; Unknown warning lights illuminate intermittently; Vehicle fails to switch driving modes
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle was not repaired due to inability to replicate during dealer inspection.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was notified; owner requested buyback.
Power Steering and Electrical Loss During Driving
Vehicle loses power steering assist functionality while driving. Multiple warning lights illuminate and headlights and turn signals become inoperable. Rear-view camera also fails during these events.
When: Occurred three separate times at 40 MPH; failure mileage approximately 63,400 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power steering assist; Multiple warning lights illuminate; Headlights become inoperable; Turn signals become inoperable; Rear-view camera fails to operate
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was notified.
Rear Parking Sensor Failure
Rear parking sensor becomes inoperable, with error message displayed on instrument panel. No audible backup alert occurs during reversing. Dealership diagnosed wiring harness failure requiring replacement.
When: Failure mileage approximately 41,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Rear parking sensor inoperable; No audible alert during reverse; Error message on instrument panel
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership diagnosed rear parking sensor wiring harness failure requiring replacement. Vehicle was not repaired.
Infotainment System Complete Power Loss and Malfunction
Infotainment system fails to power on or operates erratically while driving, preventing hands-free feature functionality. Issue occurs at 148,000 miles.
When: Failure mileage 148,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Infotainment system fails to power on; System malfunctions while driving; Hands-free feature non-functional
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle was not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was notified.
Seat Belt Locking and Trapping
Second-row seat belt seizes and locks, trapping child occupant in seat. Belt had to be cut to free the child.
When: Occurred while vehicle was in use; failure mileage unknown
Symptoms owners cite: Seat belt seized and locked; Unable to unlatch seat belt normally; Child trapped in seat
Repairs/costs cited: Seat belt was cut to free the child.
Automatic Transmission Shift and Engine Shutdown During Driving
Vehicle unexpectedly shifts into neutral on its own while driving at 50 mph, followed by complete engine shutdown and dashboard light activation with emergency brake engagement. Requires multiple ignition cycles to restart.
When: Occurred 6 days after separate incident of brake pressure loss and automatic shutdown
Symptoms owners cite: Automatic downshift to neutral without driver input; Engine shuts off while driving at speed; Dashboard warning lights illuminate; Emergency brake engages automatically; Multiple restart attempts required
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership diagnosed issue as fuel injector problem and low fuel level (10%), though owner disputes causality.
Check Engine Light and Electrical Failure in Rain
Vehicle loses key safety systems (lane departure warning and forward collision warning) during heavy rain, followed by check engine light and engine shaking. Systems remain inoperative after power cycle.
When: During heavy rain; occurred on highway
Symptoms owners cite: Lane departure warning system goes offline; Forward collision warning system goes offline; Check engine light illuminates; Vehicle shakes/shudders; Systems do not restore after restart
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership reset codes and attributed issue to water ingestion into cylinders causing cylinders 4 and 6 to fail.
Rear-View Mirror Adjustment Failure
Passenger side rear-view mirror stops auto-tilting when in reverse mode, and manual adjustment in vertical direction ceases to function. Mirror only adjusts left and right.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Auto-tilt function in reverse fails; Manual vertical adjustment non-functional; Mirror tilted downward in reverse and remained stuck; Later became completely non-functional
Post-Collision Fire
Vehicle caught fire immediately after low-speed (15 mph) t-bone collision with air bag deployment. Fire started at engine and spread rapidly, forcing occupant to pry door open and escape through small opening while crawling into traffic.
When: Immediately after 15 mph frontal collision
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle caught fire before coming to complete stop after collision; Fire originated at engine; No prior warning or indication before collision
Repairs/costs cited: Police determined fire started at engine. Vehicle was totaled by insurance.
Key System Malfunction and Glitching Electronics
Vehicle fails to turn over on multiple occasions while all technology screens malfunction, glitch, and display erroneous 'key not in car' messages despite key being present.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Engine fails to crank; Technology screens glitch and click; False 'key not in car' message displayed; System returns to normal function after time
Synthesized from 45 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
The apple carplay consistently disconnects and gives an error on the screen. This happen a lot while waze. It is very distracting & annoying. It disconnected about 10 times in 1 min already.
Had electrical trouble with your 2021 Hyundai Palisade?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2021 Hyundai Palisade?
It's a meaningful issue. 45 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Based on the 45 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 84,133 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/Hyundai/Palisade.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.