As drivers, we rely on our vehicles’ safety features to protect ourselves and our loved ones. However, a recent investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has raised concerns about the reliability of seatbelts in some Hyundai Palisade SUVs.

Find out more about the investigation and what it could mean for your vehicle here.

 

Why Is the NHTSA Investigating Hyundai?

According to reports, the NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation has received 37 complaints about the seatbelts in Hyundai Palisade crossovers produced from 2020 to 2023. These allegations, filed through the agency’s website, highlight a major safety issue: seatbelts inadvertently unlatch and put passengers, especially children, at risk.

 

Owner Complaints

One 2021 Palisade owner shared: “The second-row seatbelts click into place but sometimes release on their own while driving. I have three kids, and if this happens during an accident, they could be ejected or seriously hurt.”

Another owner added, “The second-row passenger seatbelt keeps coming unbuckled while driving, whether adults or kids are in the seat. This is a huge safety concern if it happens in a crash.”

 

What Models Does This Affect?

The NHTSA’s preliminary evaluation focuses on approximately 332,288 Hyundai Palisade SUVs from the 2020 to 2023 model years.

It’s worth noting that the Palisade is closely related to the Kia Telluride, a similar three-row crossover SUV. However, this investigation is currently limited to the Hyundai Palisade, and it’s uncertain whether the Telluride has the same seatbelt problem.

 

Has Hyundai Resolved the Issue?

It’s unclear whether Hyundai has addressed the seatbelt issue in the 2024 Palisade. Current reports don’t confirm if any changes were made to the buckle assembly. After the NHTSA’s investigation, the agency will decide if further steps, like an engineering analysis or a recall, are needed.

 

Are There Grounds for a Lemon Law Claim?

It depends. If the NHTSA finds that the Hyundai Palisade’s seatbelt issue is a safety-related defect, affected owners and lessees might be able to file a lemon law claim.

 

What Is the Lemon Law?

Lemon laws protect consumers who buy vehicles with ongoing, unresolved defects. For the Palisade seatbelt issue, if Hyundai can’t fix the problem after a reasonable number of repair attempts, owners may be eligible for a refund or replacement under their state’s lemon law.

In these cases, it’s best to consult a lemon law firm, which can help evaluate your claim, negotiate with the manufacturer, and make sure your rights are upheld.

 

Have a Lemon Car in California? Contact Our Firm

If you’re a California resident who bought a Hyundai Palisade with a seatbelt issue or any other defective 2019 or newer vehicle, Norman Taylor & Associates is here to help! Our experienced lemon law attorneys have a proven track record of winning cases and getting results for our clients.

Call 818-244-3905 or contact us today for more information!

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