Hyundai has temporarily suspended sales of certain 2026 model year Palisade crossover versions in the United States and Canada. The decision affects the Limited and Calligraphy trims and is related to an issue with the rear seat folding system.

According to the manufacturer, the power mechanism for the second and third-row seats may incorrectly detect the presence of people or objects during operation. This concerns the automatic seat folding function as well as the tilt-and-slide system, which facilitates access to the third row.

The sales halt was implemented following a tragic incident involving a Palisade, which resulted in the death of a child. Details of the event are still under investigation. The company has expressed condolences to the family and emphasized that safety remains its top priority.

Hyundai is preparing an official vehicle recall and is working on a permanent technical solution. Preliminary information suggests the issue could affect approximately 68,500 vehicles, including over 60,000 in the U.S. and nearly 8,000 in Canada. Until a final fix is released, the manufacturer plans to issue a temporary over-the-air software update. This update is intended to improve the obstacle detection system's performance during seat movement.

Hyundai is already notifying vehicle owners and recommends exercising caution when using the power seat functions. The situation also impacts new 2026 model year vehicles that have just begun arriving on the market.