NHTSA Complaint #11682640 — 2020 HYUNDAI PALISADE

On [XXX], while driving on the freeway, my 2020 Hyundai Palisade suddenly malfunctioned and went up in flames without warning. My young son was in the vehicle with me. Within moments, smoke and fire spread rapidly, forcing us to stop in traffic and escape before the fire fully engulfed the car. The entire vehicle became a total loss. This was a terrifying, life-threatening situation. My safety and my son’s safety were at extreme risk. If my other family members had been in the car, the outcome could have been catastrophic. The emotional trauma from this event is significant and continues to affect us. The incident was reported to the San Antonio Fire Department, who responded to the scene and documented the fire. Their reports confirm the vehicle fire: Incident Report #[XXX] and SAFD Case #[XXX]. After researching, I discovered that similar fires have been reported in Hyundai vehicles, raising concerns that this is part of a wider safety defect. Families should not have to fear their vehicle spontaneously igniting on the road. At the time of the fire, there were no warning lamps, error messages, or symptoms that suggested the vehicle was unsafe. The failure happened suddenly and without warning. The vehicle has not been inspected by Hyundai at this time, but it is available for inspection upon request. I am urging a full investigation into Hyundai’s design and safety practices, as this fire placed lives in immediate danger. This was not just a mechanical failure—it was a potentially fatal event that could have resulted in severe injury or loss of life.