Thinking about buying a used Hyundai Palisade (2018–2022) in New Zealand? We've documented 6 known faults for this model spanning electrical, engine, and transmission. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
6
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$400–$2,500
Typical repair
3
Systems covered
Known Hyundai Palisade faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01Tow-hitch wiring harness fire risk (accessory hitch only)
CriticalOccasionalElectrical $0–$400 to fix
Palisades fitted with the genuine accessory tow hitch can suffer an electrical short in the hitch wiring module if moisture and debris get into its circuit board, which in the worst case can start a fire while driving or even parked and switched off. This was a formal recall in the US (NHTSA 22V-633 / Hyundai Campaign 235) covering 2020-2022 cars with the accessory hitch. Cars without a factory tow hitch are not affected. NZ/AU-delivered and imported cars should be checked to confirm the fix (fuse removal / harness kit) was carried out.
Symptoms to notice
Burning-plastic smell near the rear bumper
Blown fuse for the trailer lights
Trailer lights not working
Scorch marks near the hitch wiring
What to check
Look under the rear bumper for a tow hitch and its wiring plug. If a hitch is fitted, ask for proof the recall/campaign fix was done. Sniff for any burnt-electrical smell at the back. No hitch means this specific risk doesn't apply.
Where to look: Tow hitch wiring harness module, behind the rear bumper
Ask the seller
“Does it have the accessory tow hitch fitted?”
“Was the tow-hitch harness recall completed?”
“Have the trailer lights ever stopped working?”
02G6DK 3.8 V6 GDI Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
MajorCommonEngine $900–$1,800 to fix
The 3.8-litre Lambda II V6 (G6DK) uses direct injection only, with no port injection wash to keep intake valves clean. Carbon deposits accumulate on the backs of intake valves from blow-by gases, progressively reducing airflow and causing rough idle, misfires, and power loss from approximately 60,000-100,000 km. The only effective remedy is walnut blasting (media blasting through the intake ports with the valves closed) or intake manifold removal and manual cleaning. This is a design characteristic of GDI engines, not a manufacturing defect, but must be budgeted for as ongoing maintenance.
Symptoms to notice
Rough idle, especially when cold
Misfires under light throttle or at idle (P030X codes)
Reduced fuel economy
Hesitation on light acceleration
Increased cranking time before start
What to check
Inspect air intake boot for oily residue indicating heavy blow-by. Ask owner if walnut blasting has ever been performed. High-mileage GDI engines with no carbon cleaning history should be discounted to budget for the service. If a workshop inspection is possible: Check for misfire DTCs on OBD scan.
Where to look: Intake valves inside cylinder head, accessed via intake ports after manifold removal
Ask the seller
“Has walnut blasting or intake valve cleaning ever been done?”
“Has the car had any rough idle or misfire issues?”
“What is the service history for the intake system?”
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
4 more documented faults on the Hyundai Palisade
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 6 documented faults for the Hyundai Palisade, the recurring problem areas are electrical, engine, and transmission. A Hyundai Palisade with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Hyundai Palisade?
+
We've catalogued 6 known faults for the Hyundai Palisade, covering electrical, engine, and transmission. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Hyundai Palisade?
+
Most single repairs on the Hyundai Palisade fall between $400–$2,500 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 6 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Hyundai Palisade?
+
Yes. A Hyundai Palisade inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.