NHTSA Recall Query: Windshield Wiper Failure in 2021-2023 Hyundai Palisade (RQ22-005)

RQ22-005 at a glance

What is NHTSA investigating in the Hyundai Palisade?

From NHTSA’s investigation summary:

On August 15, 2022, Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) filed a safety recall (NHTSA Recall 22V-627) of 122,919 model year (MY) 2020-2021 Hyundai Palisade vehicles produced from April 10, 2019 to November 30, 2020.

This recall addressed windshield wipers that may function intermittently or stop functioning when impeded by the accumulation of snow and/or ice at the bottom of the windshield.

Intermittent or inoperative windshield wipers could reduce driver visibility while operating the vehicle in inclement weather, increasing the risk of a crash.On December 2, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Recall Query (RQ) after receiving 6 consumer complaints alleging windshield wiper failures while driving during wintry precipitation in MY 2021-2023 Hyundai Palisade vehicles (subject vehicles).

These vehicles were excluded from Recall 22V-627.

At the time of opening the RQ, the root cause and recall remedy were still unknown and under investigation.

Thus, the RQ was opened to assess the scope and remedy of Recall 22V-627.In its February 10, 2023 response to ODI's information request on the RQ, Hyundai provided 17 customer complaints and 75 warranty claims related to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles.

Hyundai stated that the wiper systems in the subject vehicles are equipped with a different wiper motor design than the earlier-built Palisade vehicles included in Recall 22V-627.

Hyundai also stated it does not believe there is an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety in the wiper system in subject vehicles.On March 17, 2023, Hyundai filed a new safety recall (NHTSA Recall 23V-180) of 167,085 MY 2021-2023 Palisade vehicles produced from December 1, 2020 to November 22, 2022 when a design change was implemented.

The design change, as well as the recall remedy (for both Recalls 22V-627 and 23V-180), is a redesigned driver-side wiper arm that allows for additional snow accumulation between the wiper arm and the cowl, thus reducing the load on the wiper motor and circuit breaker activation.In view of the recall action being taken by Hyundai, ODI is closing this RQ.

The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.The ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at NHTSA.gov under the following ODI identification numbers:11521365, 11517359, 11512295, 11509965, 11509253, 11508868, 11502146, 11501278, 11497343, 11494119, 11458548, 11450975, 11450045, 11449381, 11443330.

What is a recall query?

Recall Query is a review of whether an earlier recall actually fixed the problem or covered all the vehicles it should have. A recall query is opened when owners keep reporting the same failure after the recall repair.

Did this investigation lead to a recall?

Yes. NHTSA lists recall 23V180000 as the result of this investigation: 2021-2023 Hyundai Palisade Visibility and Wiper Recall (23V180).

Which vehicles are part of this investigation?

What are Hyundai Palisade owners reporting to NHTSA?

NHTSA’s public database lists 1,143 owner complaints filed since 2020 for the vehicles in this investigation (all components). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

What should owners do?

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for any open recall on your vehicle.
2. If you have the problem NHTSA is investigating, take the vehicle to a dealer now and get a repair order, even if the dealer cannot find anything.
3. Keep a log of every time the problem happens: date, mileage and what happened. Photos and videos help.
4. File your own complaint at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem. Owner complaints are what start and expand investigations.
5. If the problem keeps coming back, talk to a lemon law attorney.

Recalls on the same vehicles

• 2026 Hyundai Palisade Seat Belt Buckle Recall (26V169)
• 2026 Hyundai Palisade Seat Power Seat Recall (26V160)
• 2025-2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Instrument Cluster Recall (26V047)
• 2021-2025 Hyundai Palisade Curtain Air Bag Recall (26V034)
• 2021-2025 Hyundai Palisade Seat Belt Buckle Recall (25V607)
• 2025 Hyundai Palisade Drivetrain Pump Recall (25V291)
• 2024 Hyundai Palisade Engine Recall (24V106)
• 2024 Hyundai Palisade Passenger Air Bag Recall (23V599)
• 2023-2024 Hyundai Palisade Drivetrain Pump Recall (23V526)
• 2023 Hyundai Palisade Brake Power Assist Recall (23V415)

Can a recall or defect investigation make my car a lemon in California?

Not by itself. What matters is whether a covered defect keeps coming back or keeps your vehicle at the dealer, and a federal investigation or recall is strong evidence that the problem is real.

Under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, a manufacturer that cannot fix a warranty defect that substantially impairs a vehicle’s use, value or safety within a reasonable number of attempts may have to repurchase or replace it (Civ. Code 1793.2(d)). Within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, the law presumes a reasonable number of attempts after two repairs of a defect likely to cause death or serious injury, four repairs of the same defect, or more than 30 days out of service (Civ. Code 1793.22(b)).

An owner who prevails can recover reasonable attorney fees and costs from the manufacturer (Civ. Code 1794(d)). You pay nothing, win or lose. We are paid only if you win, and the manufacturer pays our fees, including in settlements. If a case is lost, our firm covers the costs.

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