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2020 Hyundai Palisade Report

Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Updated May 30, 2026·Daniel Wilson·1 Critical Recall
2020 Hyundai Palisade Report

Overall Score

6.3/ 10
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution

Key Takeaways

  • The engine is a primary concern, with widespread reports of oil consumption that can lead to serious mechanical failure.
  • Inspect the windshield carefully; numerous owners report cracks and chips from minor impacts.
  • With 16 recalls, confirm all manufacturer remedies have been applied, especially for seat belt assemblies and trailer hitch wiring.
  • The suspension system can be a source of vibrations and noises, particularly on higher-mileage examples.
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OverviewWho This Car Is ForReliability & ProblemsVehicle SpecsUnlock Full ReportFAQ
Overview

2020 Hyundai Palisade

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade presents a compelling package for families seeking three-row utility and modern features. However, its 'below average' reliability verdict, driven by documented engine oil consumption issues and a notable number of recalls (16), demands careful consideration for used car shoppers. Despite these concerns, the Palisade achieved top marks in NHTSA crash testing, scoring 5 stars overall, 5 stars for frontal and side impacts, and 4 stars for rollover resistance. Its 3.8L V6 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic and all-wheel drive delivers adequate performance with a combined EPA rating of 21 MPG. Potential buyers must prioritize thorough pre-purchase inspections, focusing on the vehicle's mechanical health.

Critical Failure Risk

Numerous reports indicate the Palisade's windshields are prone to cracking or chipping from minor impacts, with cracks often spreading rapidly. This issue is frequently reported early in the vehicle's life.

Early detection can help you avoid a $1,000-$4,000 repair.

Open Maintenance Analysis →

Safety & Bulletins

Open Recalls16
Service Bulletins0
Full Recall History →

Owner Complaints

569
Visibility/Wiper114
Detailed Issue Breakdown →

Performance & Efficiency

Fuel Efficiency
Combined
21
MPG
City
19
MPG
Highway
24
MPG
Full Vehicle Specifications ↓

Reliability

5.1/ 10

Practicality

4.4/ 10

The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption.

Buyer Fit

Who This Car Is For

Best for

Buyers prioritizing three-row space and modern features over long-term mechanical certainty.

+2 more buyer-fit notes in the full report

Avoid if

Drivers seeking a trouble-free ownership experience with minimal risk of major mechanical failures.

+2 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report

2020 Hyundai Palisade Reliability Analysis

Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2020 Hyundai Palisade.

  • Recall TimelineOfficial safety notices
  • Owner ComplaintsReal driver reports
  • Failure AnalysisKnown part defects
Specs

Vehicle Specs

Fuel Type
Regular
Seating Capacity
7
Transmission
Automatic
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Body Style
Suv
EPA Combined MPG
21

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Unlock the complete checklist, maintenance outlook, and buyer verdict in one place.

Most Common Issues

1. Visibility

Most reported

Usage: 114 reports

2. ENGINE

Usage: 83 reports

See all common issues in the maintenance guide

First Service Interval

- Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation and Inspection - Brake Inspection - Fluid Level Checks (Coolant, Brake, Washer)

Est. shop cost: $100 - $200

7,500 mi

Unlock the full maintenance guide for every scheduled service interval and cost forecast.

Full pre-purchase inspection checklist
Complete maintenance schedule (4 service intervals)
Repair forecasts with mileage and cost context
Full buyer-fit guidance and who should avoid it
Full specs and trim-level context
16 recall campaign details & remedy notes
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FAQ

FAQ

Is the 2020 Hyundai Palisade reliable?▾

The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2020 Hyundai Palisade is 5.1/10. Reliability score is 5.1/10. NHTSA recalls: 16. Owner complaints: 569.

How practical is the 2020 Hyundai Palisade for daily use?▾

Practicality score is 4.4/10. The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption. EPA combined economy is 21 MPG. Seating capacity is 7.

What is the overall score for the 2020 Hyundai Palisade?▾

The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2020 Hyundai Palisade is 6.3/10. Overall score is 6.3/10 (Mixed). Confidence 85%. Maintenance 8.5/10. Practicality 4.4/10.

What does it cost to own and maintain a 2020 Hyundai Palisade?▾

Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation and Inspection - Brake Inspection - Fluid Level Checks (Coolant, Brake, Washer) at 7,500 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $500 - $800. Repair prediction highlight: Windshield (typical at 15,000 miles, estimated cost Min: $400 • Max: $800).

What is the MSRP range for the 2020 Hyundai Palisade?▾

Base MSRP is $31,550.

What engine is in the 2020 Hyundai Palisade?▾

Engine specs list 6 • 3.8.

What transmission does the 2020 Hyundai Palisade use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2020 Hyundai Palisade, transmission is Automatic. The paired drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive.

What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2020 Hyundai Palisade?▾

EPA combined estimate is 21 MPG.

What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2020 Hyundai Palisade?▾

13 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control.

How many people fit in a 2020 Hyundai Palisade?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2020 Hyundai Palisade, seating capacity is 7.

What body style is the 2020 Hyundai Palisade?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2020 Hyundai Palisade, body style is suv.

What drivetrain does the 2020 Hyundai Palisade use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2020 Hyundai Palisade, drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic.

What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2020 Hyundai Palisade?▾

NHTSA ratings: Overall 5/5 • Frontal 5/5 • Side 5/5 • Rollover 4/5.

What are the most common visibility/wiper problems on the 2020 Hyundai Palisade?▾

Top complaint category: visibility/wiper (114 reports, 20% of complaints).

Are there open safety recalls on the 2020 Hyundai Palisade?▾

This model year has 16 official safety campaigns listed.

Should buyers consider alternatives to the 2020 Hyundai Palisade?▾

Alternatives listed in this guide: 2020 Toyota Highlander and 2020 Honda Pilot.

Start Here

Maintenance guide

Costs + intervals

Recall report

Campaigns + remedy notes

Owner complaints

Issue volume + categories

In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Who This Car Is For
  3. 03Reliability & Problems
  4. 04Vehicle Specs
  5. 05Unlock Full Report
  6. 06FAQ

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