Free used car buyer guide / LX2 / 2020-2025
Hyundai Palisade common problems and best years
By BYBA Research - how we score cars
Updated 2026-06-12
BYBA Buy Score
7.2/10
1 walk-away risk, 2 serious faults, 5 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: 3.8 v6 oil consumption, misfire and catalyst risk. Score methodology.
The Palisade is a strong used three-row SUV when the car is dry, recall-clean and not already showing Lambda V6 oil-use or AWD vibration symptoms. The expensive traps are the 2020-2022 tow-hitch harness fire recall, 2020-2023 snow-loaded wiper-arm failures, AWD driveline vibration, 3.8 V6 oil consumption/misfire complaints, and cracked windshields that some owners report repeatedly. The safest buy is a 2023-2025 FWD or AWD car with all Hyundai campaigns closed, no tow-hitch wiring drama, smooth highway behaviour and oil level stable between services. Current owners should keep campaign proof, oil readings and any vibration repair invoices together because those are the documents a careful buyer will ask for first.
Faults covered
8
Highest risk
3.8 V6 oil consumption,
Best years
2023-2025
Best buys
- 2023-2025 SEL/Limited/Calligraphy with wiper recall complete and no hitch-harness history.
- FWD cars for buyers who do not tow; they avoid the most reported AWD vibration pattern.
- 2021-2022 AWD only after a long highway test and proof of driveline work if vibration was reported.
Inspect hard
- Any 2020-2022 with accessory tow wiring: confirm Recall 235 final remedy, not only fuse removal.
- Any 3.8 V6 over 60k miles: check oil level cold and ask for consumption-test paperwork.
- Winter-market cars for wiper arm recall, cracked glass and washer/wiper operation under load.
Avoid
- Tow-package Palisade with open 22V633 or missing repair invoice.
- Cars that vibrate at 60-75 mph after wheel balance has already been tried.
- V6 with misfire codes, low oil, smoke under acceleration or seller topping up before viewing.
Next checks
Before you contact the seller
Check the car's history first. Then bring the right tools if it still looks worth viewing.
Primary next step
Check history, title, and recall status
The faults above matter more if the car also has accident history, finance flags, missing service records, or open safety recalls.
Viewing kit
Bring the right tools
Four cheap tools catch most of the faults on this page at a Hyundai Palisade viewing.
Printable workflow
Take the inspection pack
The PDF is the ordered checklist for the viewing: documents, walk-around, test drive, and scan.
Open PDF optionSome links here are partner links. If you buy through one, BYBA earns a commission. The price you pay does not change. How we make money.
Engines and trims
Which Hyundai Palisade should you buy?
On most used cars, the engine and trim choice changes the risk more than the mileage does. Narrow this down before you start viewing cars.
3.8 Lambda II GDI V6 FWD
2020-2025
BEST LOW-RISK CONFIGURATION
The FWD Palisade uses the same 3.8 V6 but removes the AWD prop shaft, transfer case and rear coupling from the inspection list. It is the sensible family buy if towing and snow traction are not priorities, but the GDI intake/oil-use checks still matter.
3.8 Lambda II GDI V6 HTRAC AWD
2020-2025
BUY AFTER HIGHWAY TEST
AWD adds useful traction and better towing confidence, but owner threads point to a repeat vibration band around motorway speed. A smooth 20-minute highway drive is worth more than trim level because vibration diagnosis can bounce between tyres, shafts and mounts.
3.8 Lambda II GDI V6 with tow package
2020-2022 highest recall exposure; later cars still need wiring inspection
PAPERWORK FIRST
The engine is not the issue here; the accessory tow-hitch harness is. Moisture and debris on the module PCB created a parked-or-driving fire recall, so a tow car needs campaign proof, clean wiring and a proper trailer-light test.
Year notes
Year-by-year buyer advice
Use this to narrow the search before you spend time travelling to view a car.
2020
First model year; most exposed to early windshield, wind noise, AWD vibration and tow-harness recall discussion.
Buyer: Buy only after a long highway drive, tow-harness VIN check and cold oil-level inspection.
Owner: Keep every early-quality repair invoice; first-year Palisades sell on proof.
2021
Production matured, but wiper recall scope later included many 2021 cars and owner vibration reports continued.
Buyer: Do not assume a 2021 fixed 2020 issues; test AWD vibration and verify wiper-arm remedy.
Owner: If winter wipers hesitate or stop, handle it before snow season.
2022
Tow-hitch fire recall still covers the year; trim supply is strong but paperwork matters.
Buyer: Good value if Recall 235 is closed and the V6 is not using oil.
Owner: Record oil level every 1,000 miles if consumption starts; it strengthens warranty discussion.
2023
Facelift year with updated cabin/tech; NHTSA opened wider wiper scrutiny and 23V180 covered later builds.
Buyer: Prefer 2023 if wiper campaign is done and no snow-load complaints remain.
Owner: Keep software and wiper campaign status current; late cars should not carry open basic-safety recalls.
2024
Mature facelift, fewer early build concerns; oil-use complaints still justify checking.
Buyer: Best nearly-new buy when service history is boring and glass is original or properly replaced.
Owner: Shorten oil intervals if used for short trips, idling or towing.
2025
Final stretch of LX2 before replacement cycle in many markets.
Buyer: Do not overpay for age alone; inspect like a 2024 and watch warranty transfer terms.
Owner: Preserve dealer campaign records because outgoing-generation buyers will compare many similar cars.
Common problems
Faults to check before buying
What fails, what it looks like, what it costs, and the quick checks you can do at the viewing - ranked by how badly each one can hurt you.
Fault 1
Tow-hitch harness module short and fire risk
Affects
2020-2022 Palisade with genuine Hyundai accessory tow hitch harness.
Symptoms
Open 22V633/Recall 235, missing hitch fuse, trailer lights inoperative, corrosion near rear harness, melted module history.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 recall; EUR 250-900+ for damaged or aftermarket wiring cleanup.
Codes / scan clues
Usually none; body/trailer lighting faults may store manufacturer codes.
Root cause: Moisture and debris reach the tow-hitch module PCB and can short the circuit.
Quick check
- Run the VIN for NHTSA 22V633 and Hyundai Recall 235 status.
- Look under the rear bumper for genuine accessory tow wiring and non-factory splices.
- Connect a trailer-light tester and verify all lighting functions.
- Inspect the tow module area for corrosion, water marks or heat damage.
Buyer note
A tow-equipped 2020-2022 car without final remedy proof is not ready to buy.
Owner note
Close the campaign before towing or garage storage.
Fault 2
Windshield wiper arm overload in snow and ice
Affects
2020-2023 Palisade, especially winter-market cars in recalls 22V627 and 23V180.
Symptoms
Wipers stop or work intermittently when snow accumulates at the windshield base.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 recall; EUR 120-350 if outside recall for arm/motor diagnosis.
Codes / scan clues
Body module wiper circuit faults may appear; often no stored code.
Root cause: Snow load increases wiper effort until the motor circuit breaker opens; Hyundai remedy is redesigned driver-side arm clearance.
Quick check
- Run VIN for 22V627 and 23V180.
- Inspect driver-side wiper arm part/replacement invoice.
- Operate washers and all wiper speeds for several minutes.
- Check cowl area for ice-damage marks or bent linkage.
Buyer note
In cold regions this is a visibility fault, not a convenience defect.
Owner note
Clear the cowl before using wipers in heavy snow even after remedy.
Fault 3
AWD vibration around highway speed
Affects
2020-2022 HTRAC AWD most discussed, but test every AWD car.
Symptoms
Seat/floor vibration around 60-75 mph, repeated wheel balances, sometimes worse under light throttle.
Typical repair cost
EUR 150-300 road-force balance; EUR 700-2,000+ for shafts/couplers/mounts if diagnosed.
Codes / scan clues
Usually none.
Root cause: Owner reports and TSB discussion point to driveline imbalance/shaft geometry rather than simple wheel balance on some cars.
Quick check
- Drive 20 minutes at 55-80 mph on smooth road.
- Separate steering-wheel shake from seat/floor vibration.
- Check tyre brand, age, load rating and road-force balance receipts.
- Ask whether half-shafts, prop shaft or mounts were replaced.
Buyer note
A car that still vibrates after tyre balancing needs specialist diagnosis before money changes hands.
Owner note
Document speed, road, tyre set and repair attempts; vague vibration complaints are easy to dismiss.
Fault 4
3.8 V6 oil consumption, misfire and catalyst risk
Affects
2020-2025 3.8 GDI V6, mainly higher-mileage or short-trip cars.
Symptoms
Low dipstick, smoke on acceleration, rough idle, P030x misfire, oil added between services.
Typical repair cost
EUR 150-400 consumption test; EUR 1,000-2,500 valve/catalyst work; EUR 6,000-12,000+ engine.
Codes / scan clues
P0300-P0306, P0420/P0430, oil-pressure warnings if severe.
Root cause: GDI carbon and ring sealing complaints can lead to oil burning; low oil then creates misfire and bearing/catalyst stress.
Quick check
- Check dipstick cold before seller starts the engine.
- Look for blue smoke after idle then hard acceleration.
- Scan for misfire and catalyst readiness history.
- Ask for oil-consumption test or oil-level log if mileage is above 60k.
Buyer note
Do not buy a Palisade that arrives low on oil or with fresh misfire codes.
Owner note
Move from anecdote to records: mileage, oil added, photos of dipstick and dealer visits.
Fault 5
Windshield cracking and wind noise
Affects
Mostly 2020-2022 owner reports; inspect all years.
Symptoms
Crack from edge or chip, whistling at A-pillar, repeated glass replacement, camera calibration invoice.
Typical repair cost
EUR 500-1,300 glass and camera calibration.
Codes / scan clues
ADAS camera calibration faults after replacement.
Root cause: Large upright glass and body sealing/trim complaints; some cracks start from ordinary stone impact but repeat reports justify inspection.
Quick check
- Inspect glass edges in bright light.
- Drive at 60 mph and listen around A-pillars.
- Check ADAS camera calibration after any glass replacement.
- Review insurance/glass invoices for repeat claims.
Buyer note
A replaced windshield is fine only when ADAS calibration is documented.
Owner note
Do not ignore wind noise after glass work; water and camera issues can follow.
Fault 6
Eight-speed automatic shift shock or delayed engagement
Affects
2020-2025 8-speed automatic, more noticeable in city use or towing.
Symptoms
Harsh garage shift, delayed reverse/drive engagement, flare on 2-3 or 3-4, software update history.
Typical repair cost
EUR 150-300 adaptation/software; EUR 1,500-4,500 valve body or transmission work.
Codes / scan clues
P07xx transmission range/shift codes if severe.
Root cause: Adaptive shift logic, fluid condition or internal valve-body/clutch wear; early owner threads often mix transmission and AWD vibration symptoms.
Quick check
- Test cold reverse and drive engagement.
- Drive in stop-start traffic and steady highway.
- Scan TCM for history codes and adaptation resets.
- Ask whether towing was regular and whether fluid service was done.
Buyer note
A single firm shift is different from repeated flare or delayed engagement.
Owner note
Report exact gear/speed/load; that makes dealer diagnosis more useful.
Fault 7
Interior odor from early headrests and trim
Affects
Mostly 2020 beige/light interior owner reports.
Symptoms
Persistent chemical or unpleasant smell around headrests, stronger in heat.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0-500 depending warranty/trim replacement.
Codes / scan clues
None.
Root cause: Trim material/foam odor complaints, not a mechanical failure.
Quick check
- Inspect car after it has sat closed in sun.
- Smell each row before ventilation runs.
- Check whether headrests were replaced under warranty.
- Avoid cars masked by fragrance or ozone treatment.
Buyer note
The smell can matter more than mileage if passengers hate the cabin.
Owner note
Raise it while warranty is active; trim goodwill is harder later.
Fault 8
Brake pulsation, tyre wear and alignment sensitivity
Affects
2020-2025, heavier family use and towing.
Symptoms
Steering shake under braking, cupped tyres, pull, uneven shoulder wear.
Typical repair cost
EUR 150-300 alignment; EUR 400-900 tyres/brakes; EUR 1,200+ if suspension parts needed.
Codes / scan clues
Usually none; ABS wheel-speed faults only if sensor issue exists.
Root cause: Heavy three-row SUV load, tyre sensitivity and ordinary brake heat; can be confused with AWD vibration.
Quick check
- Inspect all four tyre shoulders and date codes.
- Brake from 60 mph with light and firm pressure.
- Check alignment printout and rotation history.
- Confirm vibration is not only during braking.
Buyer note
Tyres and brakes are normal wear, but they can hide the AWD vibration issue.
Owner note
Rotate tyres on schedule and fix alignment early; uneven wear makes diagnosis harder.
Inspection pack
Printable checklist for the viewing
The free page helps you decide whether the car is worth seeing. The paid guide is the ordered, printable checklist you use at the car.
Documents
- NHTSA/Hyundai VIN recall printout for 22V633, 22V627 and 23V180 where applicable.
- Oil service invoices with mileage and oil grade.
- Any tow-hitch harness repair invoice showing final remedy.
- Glass replacement and ADAS calibration paperwork.
Walk around
- Inspect tow wiring, rear bumper harness and hitch area.
- Check windshield edges, A-pillars and camera mount.
- Look for mismatched tyres or uneven shoulder wear.
- Smell early light interiors before the cabin fan runs.
In the car
- Operate wipers/washers through all speeds.
- Check all ADAS warnings and camera functions.
- Scan for powertrain, TCM, body and ADAS history codes.
- Check oil level before startup.
Test drive
- Cold start, idle and hard acceleration for smoke or misfire.
- Highway drive at 55-80 mph for AWD vibration.
- Brake from speed and separate brake pulsation from driveline vibration.
- Test reverse/drive engagement and low-speed shifts.
Scan tool
- Powertrain misfire counters and catalyst readiness.
- TCM history and adaptation reset evidence.
- ADAS camera calibration status after glass work.
- Body module wiper and trailer-light faults.
Bottom line
Buy: A 2023-2025 Palisade with closed recalls, smooth highway behaviour, stable oil level and no tow-wiring uncertainty is the cleanest family-SUV choice. FWD is the low-drama pick; AWD is fine when the road test is genuinely smooth.
Avoid: Walk from any 2020-2022 tow-package car with open or unclear Recall 235 status, any V6 that is low on oil or smoking, and any AWD car with unresolved 60-75 mph vibration.
Quick answers
Hyundai Palisade buyer questions
The short versions of what this page answers in full.
What are the most common Hyundai Palisade 2020-2025 problems?
The highest-impact documented faults are: Tow-hitch harness module short and fire risk; Windshield wiper arm overload in snow and ice; AWD vibration around highway speed. This guide covers 8 faults in total, each with symptoms, typical repair costs, and checks you can do at a viewing.
Which Hyundai Palisade years are the best to buy?
2023-2025 stand out in this generation. A 2023-2025 Palisade with closed recalls, smooth highway behaviour, stable oil level and no tow-wiring uncertainty is the cleanest family-SUV choice. FWD is the low-drama pick; AWD is fine when the road test is genuinely smooth.
Which Hyundai Palisade should I avoid?
Walk from any 2020-2022 tow-package car with open or unclear Recall 235 status, any V6 that is low on oil or smoking, and any AWD car with unresolved 60-75 mph vibration.
Is the Hyundai Palisade 2020-2025 a reliable used buy?
BYBA scores it 7.2/10 (buy with checks). 1 walk-away risk, 2 serious faults, 5 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: 3.8 v6 oil consumption, misfire and catalyst risk.
Get updates when this guide changes
Recalls get added, repair costs shift, and new fault patterns show up in the data. Leave an email and we'll tell you when the Hyundai Palisade guide gets a meaningful revision. Nothing else, no selling your address.
Research basis
- static.nhtsa.gov: RCAK-22V633-7960.pdf
- static.nhtsa.gov: RCONL-22V633-1726.pdf
- static.nhtsa.gov: INCLA-RQ22005-4179.PDF
- static.nhtsa.gov: RCMN-22V627-7957.pdf
- api.nhtsa.gov: recallsByVehicle
- palisadeforums.org: recall-for-trailer-harness-trailer-hitch-recall.1891
- palisadeforums.org: common-issues.1312
- palisadeforums.org: does-your-palisade-vibrate-excessively-at-higher-speeds.1518
- palisadeforums.org: vibration-at-65-mph-2022-paliside.1496
- palisadeforum.com
- autosafety.org: 2020-hyundai-palisade
- repairpal.com: palisade
- NHTSA 2020 Palisade recall/complaint API
- NHTSA complaints lookup
- NHTSA 2021 Palisade API
- NHTSA Palisade recall API