The vehicle's OEM wiring harness caught fire during standard operation. We had just started our drive connected to a trailer and break controller that functioned flawlessly for a year with a different vehicle prior to this incident. The trailer is a 2025 and the brake controller was new at the time of purchasing the trailer in February 2025. the only thing that prevented further damage was my husband calling to say something was smoking and I needed to stop the car. I was driving to pickup my husband and children from the campground bath house to drive home. Yes, it is available for inspection. The safety of myself and any passengers was put at risk due to the electrical fire and all extenuating risks associated with that. The problem has not been reproduced by the manufacturer that I am aware of. The tech at the dealership verbally confirmed that the part in question was the cause of the fire and that the new (post repair) part did not have a secure 7way plug attachment to the break controller which was also brand new since the original was damaged during the incident. The components have been inspected by the dealership. There were no lights prior to the failure and there were no lights after the failure until the new temporary harness was installed in Slade KY prior to receiving and installing the new (same) OEM part once we returned home.
NHTSA complaint #11757972 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Virginia Beach, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ALTERNATOR FAILURE: My family and I were moving to [XXX] from [XXX]. A few hours into the drive, the vehicle battery light came on. It was intermittent though. It would be on for a little while 10-15 mins and then shut off and then repeat this process. I stopped at an Autozone and they tested the battery and it was showing a charge of 7%. I could not afford to get stranded somewhere so I went ahead and had the battery replaced, even though I suspected the alternator was going bad. We continued on the trip, but the battery light continued to turn on and off. The vehicle ultimately began losing power about 2 hours after replacing the battery, causing all the warning lights on the dash to turn on, the main center console display lost power and then I lost power steering. All of this happened while I was on the interstate, putting myself and my family in serious danger. I was able to pull the car off an off ramp and park it safely. I called a tow service to take it to the nearest Hyundai. The dealership verified the alternator was bad, but later found that the tensioner assembly had also failed and would have caused serious damage if they had not caught it. The vehicle has since been repaired under warranty, but I researched and found this is a common failed item. The vehicle only has 33,253 miles on it, and is barely 2 years old. Alternators should not fail like that. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11752430 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Smithfield, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving the 2024 Hyundai Palisade, the steering wheel suddenly locks up, resulting in an immediate loss of steering control creating an immediate safety hazard. The steering wheel becomes completely rigid, making it impossible to turn left or right. This condition feels as though the power steering system has completely stopped working. Simultaneously, multiple warning lights appear on the dashboard. To avoid an accident, the driver must physically muscle the rigid steering wheel to force the vehicle onto the right-side shoulder of the road. Once safely stopped, turning the engine completely off and restarting it seems to temporarily resolve the problem. After the re-start, the warning lights disappear, and the steering wheel operates normally again. This problem (loss of steering wheel control) has occurred 5 times randomly and intermittently (each time while driving). The first 2 times this problem occurred was in September 2024 and it was taken to a Hyundai dealership and the problem was reported (repair #1 dated 9/30/2024, mileage 13603). Next, the vehicle was in the dealership for repair of the Forward Collison Light / Low Battery (repair #2 dated 11/22/2024, mileage 14899). Next, the vehicle was in the dealership for replacement of the Front Radar Sensor (repair #3 dated 12/05/2024, mileage 15353). Next the vehicle's steering wheel locked up on 9/18/2025, mileage 24370 (3rd time). Next the vehicle's steering wheel locked up on 5/24/2026, mileage 31714 (4th time). Next the vehicle was in the dealership for regular maintenance and to investigate the steering wheel lock up that occurred on 5/24/2026 (repair #4 dated 5/27/2026, mileage 31798). Next the vehicle's steering wheel locked up on 6/04/026, mileage 31946 (5th time). Next the vehicle was in the dealership to replace the steering column control module or power pack electric (repair #5 dated 6/04/2026, mileage 31985).
NHTSA complaint #11744336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vienna, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving on a high-speed interstate with two children in the vehicle, and without any prior warning signs or issues, the dashboard began displaying sequential warnings from multiple Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) sensors. As the vehicle continued cycling through numerous dashboard warnings, the power steering failed, making the vehicle difficult to control. Additional electronic systems also began malfunctioning, including the display screen, cameras, and safety sensors, while the driver attempted to safely maneuver the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. After reaching the shoulder, the driver powered the vehicle off in an attempt to reset the electrical systems. However, once powered down, the engine would no longer start. When the tow truck arrived, the technician was required to jump-start the battery in order to shift the vehicle into neutral for towing. The technician also showed the driver a low-voltage reading on the jump-start device, indicating a possible alternator or charging-system failure. Hyundai dealership representatives later stated that diagnostic testing of the alternator and electrical system showed no faults and informed the customers that the battery was simply dead. After the dealership replaced the battery, the customers drove the vehicle approximately 15 miles to their residence. During that drive, the vehicle again began displaying the same sequence of sensor and system failures. The power steering failed a second time, and the same electrical malfunctions experienced during the initial incident were repeated.
NHTSA complaint #11737877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Beaumont, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I am writing to file a formal vehicle safety complaint regarding recurring, dangerous, and complete electrical system failures in my Hyundai Palisade. These failures have rendered the vehicle undriveable on multiple occasions, created a direct safety hazard for my family — including a young child — and have caused significant financial harm. The manufacturer's and dealership's failure to provide an adequate remedy. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this potential safety defect. Attached is my FORMAL CONSUMER COMPLAINT PACKET AGAINST HYUNDAI.
NHTSA complaint #11735284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianapolis, INFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1. The exact component that failed is unknown at this time. The fire appeared to originate in the driver-side front area of the engine compartment near the headlight. Prior to the fire the vehicle experienced engine shaking and a check engine light. The vehicle has been towed to a Hyundai dealership and is available for inspection by insurance investigators, the manufacturer, or safety investigators upon request. 2. The vehicle caught fire while it was being operated on a public roadway shortly after leaving our residence. Flames were visible from the engine compartment within minutes of driving. This created an immediate safety risk to the occupants of the vehicle and to other motorists because the fire occurred suddenly while the vehicle was in motion. 3. The problem has not been reproduced. The vehicle was towed to a Hyundai dealership following the fire incident and is awaiting inspection. The vehicle is a total loss. 4. The vehicle has been inspected by a tow operator and insurance representatives after the fire incident. The vehicle is currently located at a Hyundai dealership and may be inspected by the manufacturer or investigators if requested. 5. Yes. Prior to the fire the check engine warning light illuminated and the engine began shaking while the vehicle was being driven. Within moments of these symptoms a loud popping sound was heard from the front driver-side engine compartment area, followed by visible flames.
NHTSA complaint #11722770 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Henderson, NV
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On January 12, 2026, the vehicle shut off twice during the same trip while driving in traffic. All dashboard warning lights illuminated, the tachometer spiked, RPM readings did not correspond, the gear selector became unresponsive, and the vehicle lost propulsion while in motion. On February 15, 2026, the vehicle shut off again while driving under similar conditions. The vehicle was taken to a Hyundai dealership for diagnosis. The battery failed a load test and was replaced. According to the repair order narrative, after the battery replacement, the stall condition recurred during dealership testing. Multiple extended road tests and datalogging were later performed. The dealership has stated they are unable to re-replicate the condition and that no active diagnostic codes are present. The vehicle has experienced multiple loss-of-power events while in motion. An intermittent stall while driving presents a significant safety hazard, particularly in traffic conditions. The root cause has not been definitively identified.
NHTSA complaint #11721010 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Westfield, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Sub-freezing temperatures caused car not be able to start. The battery in this vehicle is less than 3 years old as it was purchased in October of 2023. It displayed a "Check ESC" message, flashed all the lights and I could not hear the engine crank / turn over at all.
NHTSA complaint #11713311 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warner Robins, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle failed to start in dealer's service stall. Fault was corrected 6 days later. Repair order described fault as "2 wires touching under driver's seat". Service desk stated the problem was pre-existing. I would be fearful of the consequences if those two wires "touched" while driving.
NHTSA complaint #11688315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newburgh, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
All the dash light are on, warning signs flash, steering get heavy, Speedo not working, Signal indicator not working on dash. Not safe. Dealer drove the car and checked everything, could not get the car to do it again. I picked the car up and within 13 miles the dash was lit up like a Christmas tree, lots of error messages, steering very heavy07/21/24. 14,500 miles on car
NHTSA complaint #11676908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Parma, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
“Check parking collision avoidance system. Ultrasonic sensor error or blockage”. No sensors are dirty or blocked. The dealer cannot look at the vehicle for 2 months. This is the second time this has happened to this vehicle in 13000 miles.
NHTSA complaint #11640207 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint George, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Multiple problems since purchasing brand new 2024 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Edition last November. Within the first 2 weeks we experienced electrical problems and the entire dashboard add monitor had to be replaced. 2nd- recall on the engine and was replaced, recall issued in February and was never notified, only found out in August when taken in for complimentary service oil change. 3rd- engine light came on 1 week later. 4. Paint was damaged and mirror was cracked while at dealership. 5. Condensation in both headlights. 6. 2nd cracked windshield since purchase. 6. The driver side window does not roll up all the way. I absolutely do not feel safe in this car with my children and elderly parents. First and Last Hyundai. Nothing but constant problems. The dealership was fraudulent in the mileage the brand new car had- 500. Was not given any purchase paperwork and we paid cash for car.
NHTSA complaint #11619558 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Villa, ILFire1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Engine fire caused by AC compressor. On 09/28/24, at 1700 miles and in the parking lot of a restaurant, smoke suddenly began filling the cabin and when I looked out the window the entire car's front was engulfed in a gray smoke. The overpowering smell was of burning wire insulation, plastic, and rubber. I immediately shut the car off, popped the hood, and was ready to run into the restaurant for a fire extinguisher when I noticed the large cloud of smoke was dissipating, but the heat was still incredibly extreme and a good amount of smoke was still pouring from the engine. My sister-in-law entered the car to retrieve her purse, and her eyes instantly started watering and she had a headache for several days. She is still complaining of her chest burning. After calling roadside, the AAA driver stated the car really smelled badly burned, and hauled the car off to the dealer of purchase. The fire was on 09/28/24 (a Saturday), and on Monday, 09/30/24, I submitted what took place to Hyundai. This is when the fraud started and Hyundai, with the help of the dealer, have purposely done everything possible to conceal the fire. I have full details of this fraud, and it's simply shocking. I am awaiting information regarding the restaurant's video recordings.
NHTSA complaint #11618193 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sachse, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I bought a new 2024 hyundai palisade. They advertise it being capable of driving the car with digital key app. But it’s a hit or a miss. The other day it unlocked the door with the digital key, but when I tried to start the car, it would keep asking me to have the key. This is an unreliable way and should either be fixed or not used.
NHTSA complaint #11561544 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.