Hyundai Motor is recalling hundreds of thousands of vehicles in South Korea, including its flagship SUV Hyundai Palisade, after safety flaws tied to power seat operation raised concerns following a fatal accident in the United States.
South Korea’s transport ministry said a total of 408,942 vehicles across 24 models from Hyundai, Kia, KG Mobility, and BMW Korea will undergo voluntary corrective measures due to manufacturing defects.
Hyundai accounts for a significant portion of the recall, including 57,987 Palisade units—covering both gasoline and hybrid variants, including unsold inventory. The company has already begun rolling out over-the-air software updates since March 20.
Authorities said the issue stems from flaws in the second- and third-row power seat control software, which may fail to detect contact with passengers or objects during operation, posing a risk of injury.
The recall follows a reported fatal incident in the U.S. On March 7, a two-year-old child died in Ohio after becoming trapped while a Palisade’s power seat was in motion, according to foreign media reports. The case intensified scrutiny over the system’s safety safeguards.
Hyundai said it will update the system to improve detection sensitivity and expand the range in which the seat can identify obstructions. The company is also simplifying how users can stop seat operation. Previously, drivers needed to restart the engine and manually intervene, but the updated system allows immediate cancellation with a single switch.
In addition, the automatic seat-folding function—previously always active—will now operate only when the tailgate is open, reducing unintended activation risks.
The transport ministry said Hyundai is reviewing further enhancements and may launch an additional recall as early as next month once improvements are finalized.
Separately, Hyundai plans another recall covering 41,143 Palisade vehicles due to a design flaw in the third-row seatbelt buckle wiring, which could prevent warning alerts from activating when the belt is not fastened.
Other automakers are also affected. Kia will recall 201,841 Carnival minivans over potential fuel leaks that could lead to engine stalling or fire. KG Mobility is addressing overheating risks in 78,293 vehicles across three models due to cooling fan issues. BMW Korea will recall 29,678 vehicles across 18 models over potential electrical short circuits linked to air-conditioning wiring damage.
Vehicle owners can check recall status through South Korea’s government-run recall center and will be notified by mail or text message. Repairs conducted prior to official recall notices may be eligible for reimbursement.
