The Hyundai Palisade, one of the brand's bestsellers in the SUV segment, which is not sold in Bulgaria, is now at the center of a serious scandal. According to Thenewswheel, the company is facing a class action lawsuit filed over alleged defects in the car's braking system. This situation not only affects the owners of the model, but also calls into question Hyundai's reputation and commitment to the safety of its customers.
From rise to doubts
Launched on the market during the SUV boom, the Hyundai Palisade quickly gained popularity with its spacious design and modern equipment. But that success is now threatened by serious safety concerns.
The class action lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court, alleges that 2023 to 2025 Hyundai Palisade models have defects in their anti-lock braking system (ABS) and traction control systems. According to the plaintiffs, on rough roads, these systems incorrectly read wheel speed, leading to longer stopping distances and a risk of accidents.
The Warnings Are There
One of the plaintiffs claims he noticed the problem shortly after purchasing his Palisade. After reporting it to the dealer, he was told that this ABS behavior was normal.
The lawsuit alleges that Hyundai was aware of the problems from pre-production testing, as well as from early customer complaints in online forums. A review of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveals nearly 200 such complaints filed by owners. Despite these numerous reports, regulators have not opened an investigation.
Unanswered Questions
It is striking that the Kia Telluride, which is built in the same factory as the Palisade and shares a common platform, is not the subject of such complaints. This difference calls into question the production controls and design decisions implemented by Hyundai.
The plaintiffs argue that if they had known about the problem, they might have chosen a different vehicle. They are currently seeking damages while the lawsuit is in its early stages. There has been no official comment from Hyundai yet, as the company's policy is not to comment on pending cases.
As this legal drama unfolds, it remains to be seen how Hyundai will handle the allegations. The outcome of this case could set new standards for transparency and accountability in the automotive industry, forcing manufacturers to ensure the safety of their customers.