Software update in 130 thousand units eliminates the risk of crushing; design error caused the death of a child in the US
Hyundai has begun the resumption of sales of the 2026 Palisade in North America, ending a safety suspension prompted by a critical failure in the electric banks. The defect, which resulted in the death of a two-year-old child in the United States and left injured in South Korea, required a recall of approximately 130,000 units and a thorough review of the seat automation logic.
The problem specifically affected the top-of-the-line versions (Limited and Calligraphy) of the Palisade and also its “sister” model, the Kia Telluride. The fault lay in the automatic folding system of the rear rows: the obstacle detection sensors malfunctioned unsteadily, allowing the seats to be folded with excessive force even with people or objects in the way.
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According to NHTSA, the US road safety agency, the detection system was insufficient to guarantee the integrity of passengers, which led to the order to stop sales in March 2026. To solve the case, Hyundai’s engineering implemented a new operating logic that prioritizes human supervision over automation.
With the new update, folding via trunk now requires “continuous command”: the driver must keep the button pressed throughout the movement. In addition, remote activation through the multimedia center has been disabled to prevent front occupants from accidentally activating the system while children are in the back. Another safety lock requires that at least one of the rear doors be open to validate the command, ensuring that the operator is viewing the area.
Dealerships are already authorized to release the units in stock after the application of the new software. Owners of 2025 and 2026 models already in circulation should schedule free repair immediately to ensure recalibration of resistance sensors.
