2021 Hyundai Palisade
The 2021 Hyundai Palisade is a popular mid-size SUV praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and user-friendly technology. It’s powered by a 3.8-liter Lambda II V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Many owners appreciate its value for the price, family-friendly features, and attractive design. Some common dislikes include occasional transmission quirks, certain infotainment system glitches, and long wait times for specific repairs due to parts availability.
Engine
3.8L Lambda II V6
- Piston Ring Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption. Blue smoke from the exhaust is a common symptom. This issue can sometimes lead to engine knocking and potential engine failure if left unaddressed.
- Solution: Replacement of the piston rings or complete engine replacement in severe cases.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $7,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Engine Stalling
- Description/Symptoms: The engine may stall without warning while driving, particularly at lower speeds or when idling. This is often linked to issues with the fuel delivery system or engine control unit (ECU).
- Solution: Diagnosis by a qualified technician and possible replacement of fuel injectors, fuel pump, or ECU reprogramming.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
- Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners report harsh or jerky shifting between gears, particularly during acceleration or deceleration. Hesitation or delayed engagement when shifting from park or reverse into drive is also reported.
- Solution: Transmission software update or replacement of the valve body.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 (for software update) - $2,000+ (for valve body replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
- Transmission Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Complete transmission failure, the vehicle may not move or shift gears.
- Solution: Full transmission replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $7,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Rear Suspension Noise
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises coming from the rear suspension, especially when going over bumps. This has been attributed to issues with the rear shocks, struts, or stabilizer bar links.
- Solution: Replacement of the affected suspension components.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Infotainment System Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Freezing, Crashing, or Unresponsiveness of the infotainment screen. Bluetooth connectivity problems and malfunctioning of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
- Solution: Software updates.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Mostly covered under warranty, otherwise $100- $500
- Recalls: None Found
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: Premature battery drain, leading to the vehicle failing to start. This can be caused by parasitic draws from various electronic components or a faulty battery management system.
- Solution: Diagnosis of the source of the parasitic draw and repair of the affected component, or battery replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
- Recalls: None Found
- Blind Spot Monitoring System Malfunction
- Description/Symptoms: Blind Spot Monitoring System Failure.
- Solution: The radar sensors in the bumper need to be replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Automatic Tailgate Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The automatic tailgate may fail to open or close properly, or may become misaligned. This can be due to problems with the hydraulic struts, latch mechanism, or sensors.
- Solution: Adjustment or replacement of the affected components.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Seat Motor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The electric seat motors that adjust the seat position may fail, preventing the seat from moving forward, backward, up, or down.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty seat motor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
- Sunroof Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Sunroof malfunctions, including failure to open or close completely, getting stuck, or leaking water.
- Solution: Adjustment, repair, or replacement of the sunroof motor, seals, or track components.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2021 Hyundai Palisade presents owners with a range of potential issues, from engine and transmission problems that can be quite severe and costly, to more minor electrical and interior annoyances. Engine issues like piston ring failure resulting in high oil consumption stand out as particularly concerning due to their potential for significant engine damage and high repair costs. Transmission issues, while less frequent, also carry the risk of expensive repairs or replacements. While many of the electrical and interior issues are typically less expensive to fix, they can still impact the overall ownership experience. Prospective buyers should carefully consider these potential problems and factor in the possibility of repair costs when evaluating this vehicle.