Hyundai has suspended sales of certain 2026 Hyundai Palisade SUVs in the United States and Canada while launching a major recall, following a tragic incident in Ohio that resulted in the death of a two-year-old child.
The accident occurred on March 7, when the child became trapped between the vehicle’s electrically folding rear seats. Reports indicate that the child suffocated after being caught between the moving seats. Preliminary findings suggest that the safety system designed to stop the seat’s movement when detecting a person or object did not function properly at the time of the incident.
In response, Hyundai has halted sales of the 2026 Palisade Limited and Calligraphy trims, both of which come equipped with power-folding seats in the second and third rows. Sales will remain suspended until the investigation is completed and the issue is resolved.
According to the company, the electric seat system may, in some cases, fail to properly detect objects or occupants in the seat’s path. As a precaution, Hyundai has issued a recall while working to improve the system’s safety performance.
The recall affects approximately 68,500 units of the 2026 Hyundai Palisade in the United States and Canada, specifically the Limited and Calligraphy trims that feature power-operated seats. Models equipped with manual seat mechanisms are not included in the recall. Meanwhile, reports from Korean media suggest the recall could expand to include additional vehicles in South Korea, with estimates of around 60,000 more units potentially affected.
Hyundai expressed its deepest condolences to the child’s family and emphasized that customer safety remains its highest priority. The company added that investigations into the incident are ongoing in cooperation with the relevant authorities.
To address the issue, Hyundai is developing a technical solution aimed at improving seat sensor responsiveness while adding additional safety safeguards. The company also plans to release an over-the-air (OTA) software update before the end of March, designed to enhance the system’s ability to detect objects or passengers and immediately stop seat movement if necessary.
Hyundai has also advised vehicle owners to exercise caution when using the power-folding seat function and to ensure that no people or objects—especially children—are near the seats before activating the system.
Until a permanent fix is implemented, the automaker has offered rental vehicles to affected customers who need temporary transportation. Sales of the model are expected to resume once the improvements and safety updates are completed.
