Problems · by component

2020 Hyundai Palisade power train problems

40 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2020 Hyundai Palisade cite power train, 7% of all 542 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
40
7% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the power train

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“On August 14, 2026, while driving and decelerating, I heard a knocking sound from the engine and the vehicle had difficulty downshifting. As the transmission shifted from second gear to first, the engine stalled immediately and the vehicle dropped into neutral while on the roadway. I lost propulsion in traffic. The vehicle behind me nearly rear-ended us due to the sudden stall. My children were in the vehicle. All dashboard warning lights illuminated at the moment of the stall. I was able to restart the engine and move the vehicle slowly, in first gear only, into a nearby parking lot. The check engine light came on at that restart and has remained on since. The vehicle sat parked and off for approximately 90 minutes. Before restarting, I checked the engine oil level and it was within the normal range. On startup, my children and I both heard a loud knocking sound and noticed an unusual smell, and the engine idled roughly while in Park. I drove approximately 15 minutes home with the rough idle continuing. On arrival the vehicle smelled hot, with a burning odor, although the temperature gauge read approximately mid-scale and was not in the high range. The check…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 4, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11762084
“This vehicle has suffered two identical, catastrophic electrical failures causing an immediate and total loss of engine power while traveling at highway speeds. The first incident occurred after the engine was replaced under a Hyundai extended warranty. The dealership service department blamed that failure on a loose engine ground strap and released the vehicle back to me. On August 3, 2026, the exact same failure occurred for a second time while driving at high speed on the highway. The vehicle lost all propulsion, leaving me exposed to oncoming traffic with zero engine power. The vehicle was towed to a Hyundai dealership. The dealership identified a blown "Sensor 4" fuse causing an intermittent dead circuit, but they have been unable to locate the short circuit after two weeks of troubleshooting. After demanding the diagnostic data logs, the dealership abruptly halted all repairs and ordered me to pick up the vehicle. Furthermore, due to excessive, repetitive diagnostic cranking and idling in 90+ degree heat while under the dealer's care, the vehicle's starter solenoid has now suffered collateral failure. The vehicle is currently completely disabled,…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 18, 2026Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11757633
“Premature engine fail. Excessive oil consumption due to piston ring failure. Maintenance has been done on car on regular basis. No check engine light. Carson was services at dealership 4 months ago.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 20, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11739180
“I recently purchased this vehicle, and shortly after, it began having serious powertrain issues. When I accelerate, the vehicle intermittently loses power and starts shaking violently. It feels like the engine or transmission is slipping or failing. The RPMs surge and drop rapidly, and the vehicle hesitates, jerks, and sometimes briefly slows down before suddenly accelerating again. This creates an unsafe and unpredictable driving condition, especially when merging or driving in traffic. I’m concerned about a loss of propulsion while the vehicle is in motion. My mechanic indicated the issue may involve the torque converter clutch not engaging properly (possible “stuck off” or circuit performance issue), which would explain the shuddering and inconsistent power transfer. Despite how severe this is, there are no warning lights or check engine light, and no diagnostic codes, which raises concern that the failure is not being detected by the vehicle’s onboard systems. I am also experiencing low and fluctuating engine oil levels even after topping it off and a recent oil change, which may indicate an additional engine-related defect. The vehicle has a clean title…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 3, 2026Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11735426
“My 2020 Hyundai Palisade has an excessive and dangerous oil consumption defect. The vehicle consumes approximately 3/4 of a quart of oil every 1,000 miles. At a standard 8,000-mile oil change interval, the engine loses more oil than it holds between services. At approximately 185,000 miles, my vehicle stalled on the interstate with my family inside the vehicle. Upon inspection, the engine was critically low on oil. I added 5 quarts of oil to restore proper level. Critically, at NO point prior to the stall did the low oil pressure warning light illuminate. The vehicle's oil warning system completely failed to alert me that the engine was dangerously low on oil. This is a dual failure: the engine is consuming oil at an excessive and unsafe rate, and the warning system designed to protect the driver failed to activate when the engine was in a critical state. I have reported this issue to my dealership and filed a formal complaint with Hyundai Motor America. Neither has resulted in a meaningful resolution. Hyundai's internal "acceptable" oil consumption threshold of 1 quart per 1,000 miles is significantly outside mainstream industry standards set by other major…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 21, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11732745
“Since about 90,000 miles I have noticed a shudder from my transmission. It has progressed and having transmission issues. I have had regular maintenance done on my car and have even replaced the transmission fluid twice and the shudder is continuing to happen. I have looked at forums and all the things and seems to be a common theme amongst their transmission style.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 13, 2026Power trainODI 11724202

Showing 6 of 40 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 6, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.