2021 Hyundai Palisade Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2021 Palisade
5
Seat Belts complaints Check
Adjust every seat and buckle every seat belt; confirm no warning lights stay on. (108 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 108 NHTSA complaints
Engine complaints Red flag
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (57 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 57 NHTSA complaints
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (55 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 55 NHTSA complaints
Visibility/Wiper complaints Check
Test wipers, washers, headlights, and all exterior lights, including the backup camera if equipped. (48 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 48 NHTSA complaints
Suspension complaints Red flag
Listen for clunks over bumps and look for uneven tire wear. (30 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 30 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
52 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
6
Service Brakes, Hydraulic Red flag
Reduced braking performance can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Visibility Check
Windshield wiper failure can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Trailer Hitches Red flag
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Visibility/Wiper Check
Windshield wiper failure can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Seat Belts Red flag
Seat belt buckles that fail to latch may not properly restrain occupants in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Air Bags Red flag
Improper side curtain air bag deployment increases the risk of injury during a crash.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2021 Palisade–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Hyundai Palisade have?
NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2021 Palisade. The most serious involve Service Brakes, Hydraulic (21V840000) and Trailer Hitches (22V633000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2021 Palisade?
The top complaint areas are Seat Belts (108 complaints) and Unknown or Other (81 complaints), out of 435 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2021 Palisade?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Seat Belts, which drew 108 complaints for this model-year.