2021 Hyundai Palisade: what it really costs to own

What owners actually report

Straight from the NHTSA complaints database for the 2021 Hyundai Palisade — not an estimate.

Open recalls

6 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year.

• SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID

  Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021 Palisade vehicles. The brake fluid may be contaminated, which can cause the brake master cylinder inner-cup seals to swell, and reduce braking performance.

• VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

  Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Palisade vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may become inoperative, causing the wipers to fail.

• TRAILER HITCHES

  Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling 2020-2022 Palisade vehicles potentially equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Hyundai dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.

• VISIBILITY/WIPER

  Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Palisade vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may operate intermittently or fail to operate due to snow or ice buildup on the windshield, causing the wipers to fail.

• SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

  Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Palisade vehicles. The seat belt buckles in the driver, passenger, and second-row window seats may fail to latch.

• AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN

  Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Palisade vehicles. The side curtain air bags for third-row occupants may deploy improperly in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."

Common issues and what they cost

• Front lower control arm bushings / ball joints wear $600 - $1,400

  At ~100k miles, the heavy front end and frequent braking can wear control arm bushings and ball joints. Symptoms include clunks over bumps, vague steering, and uneven tire wear. Alignment may not hold until worn components are replaced.

• Brake system wear (pads/rotors, possible caliper slide pin sticking) $450 - $1,200

  Palisade’s weight accelerates pad and rotor wear, and caliper slide pins can stick if not serviced, causing pulsation, pulling, or overheating. Replacing pads/rotors and servicing calipers restores braking feel and prevents premature repeat wear.

• Oil seepage from valve cover gaskets / timing cover area $300 - $1,200

  Heat cycling and age can harden gaskets, leading to slow oil seepage around valve covers or the front cover. Often noticed as oil smell, minor drips, or residue on the engine. Repair prevents oil loss and contamination of belts and mounts.

• Cooling system leaks (radiator, hoses, water pump seep) $250 - $1,300

  Around this mileage, plastic tanks, hose connections, and water pump seals can begin to seep. Early signs include low coolant, sweet smell, or crusty residue near fittings. Addressing leaks early helps avoid overheating and secondary engine damage.

• EVAP purge valve / fuel vapor system fault (check-engine light) $180 - $550

  The purge control valve can stick or leak, triggering EVAP codes and sometimes causing rough starts after refueling. It’s usually a manageable repair, but ignoring it can lead to recurring check-engine lights and failed emissions inspections.

Depreciation outlook