Hyundai Recalls Over 568,000 Palisade SUVs in U.S. Over Seat Belt Buckle Defect

Hyundai Motor Company has announced the recall of more than 568,000 Palisade SUVs across the United States due to a defect in the vehicles’ seat belt buckles, raising safety concerns for one of the brand’s most popular models.

According to filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recall affects model years 2020 through 2025. Regulators explained that the issue stems from seat belt buckle components that may have been manufactured outside required specifications. This defect could cause the buckle to fail to properly latch, thereby increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

The recall follows a preliminary investigation by NHTSA, launched in 2024, after 37 consumer complaints alleged that seat belts in Palisade SUVs were inadvertently unlatching during use. That probe initially covered about 332,000 vehicles but has since been expanded to include newer models through 2025.

While no injuries or fatalities have been officially linked to the defect, authorities stressed the seriousness of the risk, noting that an unexpected unlatching of the seat belt results in a “full loss of seat belt protection.”

Hyundai is advising owners to firmly insert the seat belt tongue with a quick, direct motion and then pull on the belt to confirm it is latched until repairs are available. The company will notify affected owners and dealers, with buckle assemblies expected to be repaired or replaced free of charge.

The Palisade, a mid-size SUV introduced in 2020, has been one of Hyundai’s top-selling models in the American market.

The scale of the recall underscores both the vehicle’s popularity and the potential safety risks posed by faulty parts.

NHTSA has urged vehicle owners to check whether their SUVs are included in the recall by using their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the agency’s recall website.