Hyundai Motor Company announced on Friday that it has ceased sales of select new Palisade SUV models in the United States and Canada and will initiate a recall of tens of thousands of vehicles due to power seat issues, prompted by a recent tragic incident involving the death of a two-year-old girl in Ohio.
The automaker has suspended sales of the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Limited and Calligraphy trims due to concerns that the second- and third-row power seats may not correctly detect contact with occupants or objects, without disclosing specifics about the incident on March 7 that led to the fatality.
Approximately 68,500 vehicles are affected by the recall, with around 8,000 units in Canada, according to Hyundai. The company extended condolences to the grieving family and noted that investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Hyundai is actively working on a solution for the recall and is offering rental vehicles to affected customers until a permanent remedy is available. The automaker advises caution when utilizing the second- and third-row power seat functions, emphasizing the importance of ensuring no individuals or objects are present in the seat or its folding area before activation.
To address the issue, Hyundai is developing a temporary over-the-air software update, slated for release by the end of March. This update aims to improve the system’s responsiveness to contact with occupants or objects, implement additional safety measures, and enhance the overall safety of the system.
As of now, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has not provided a response to requests for comments on the matter.
