Hyundai Palisade Power-Folding Seat Recall: Your California Lemon Law Rights

Hyundai has recalled 61,307 model year 2026 Palisade and Palisade Hybrid vehicles (Limited and Calligraphy trims) under NHTSA recall 26V160000, and issued a stop-sale, after determining the power-folding rear seats may fail to detect a person. The recall followed a fatal incident involving a child, so the interim safety guidance matters. Here's what the recall covers, what to do, and how a recall like this relates to California lemon law.

What the recall covers

According to documents Hyundai provided to federal regulators, the second- and third-row power seat assemblies do not contain sufficient anti-pinch protection during certain seat-adjustment features, including the power-folding stow function and the second row's one-touch tilt-and-slide feature. The concern is that the seats can move without adequately detecting a person or object in the way.

What owners should do now

• Until the update is installed, do not use the power-fold or stow function when anyone — especially a child — is in or near the second- or third-row seats.
• Keep children away from the rear seats while any seat-adjustment feature is operating.
• Get the free software update as soon as it is available.
• Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or hyundaiusa.com, and keep every repair order.

The remedy

Hyundai's software update changes how the seats recognize occupants and objects. It requires the tailgate to be open to use the fold-flat/stow function, disables seat folding from the infotainment screen, and requires press-and-hold operation of the fold and walk-in controls. The update is free of charge.

How this relates to the Lemon Law

A recall is the manufacturer acknowledging a defect and providing a free fix, and is not by itself a lemon. But if the repair is significantly delayed, doesn't resolve the problem, or your Palisade has other substantial warranty defects that can't be fixed after a reasonable number of attempts, California's Lemon Law may entitle you to a buyback, replacement, or cash settlement, with the manufacturer paying your attorney fees.