Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

2020 Hyundai Palisade pre-purchase inspection checklist

What to check before you buy, built from NHTSA recall data, owner-reported failures, and mechanic intel. Print it or bring it to your mechanic.

Pre-purchase inspection · 2020 Hyundai Palisade
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2020 Hyundai Palisade
SE / SEL / XRT / Limited / Calligraphy (1st gen LX2, 2020–2025; facelift for 2023)
Low Risk

The Palisade is Hyundai’s most well-rounded 3-row SUV — spacious, premium-feeling, and powered by a proven 3.8L V6. First-year (2020) models had some HVAC complaints and a minor engine stall recall, both addressed by dealer. No chronic powertrain failures. An excellent used family SUV at a significant discount to the new price.

Items to check
11
Open recalls
2
NHTSA complaints
220
Top concern
Electrical / HVAC

Powertrain

3.8L Lambda II V6 — solid engine

Low Risk
The 3.8L GDI V6 does not share the Theta II engine recall issues of the 4-cylinder siblings. No widespread powertrain failures reported.
Standard cold-start check. Listen for any knock or rattle. Check oil level and condition.
Est. cost: Routine maintenance Source: Hyundai 3.8L reliability history

8-speed automatic

Low Risk
AISIN-sourced 8AT is smooth and reliable on the Palisade. Test all driving modes.
Test smooth shifts through all gears in Sport and Normal modes.
Est. cost: $150–$250 fluid service Source: Hyundai drivetrain standard

Recall

Open-recall check (2020 model year)

High Risk — Check 2020 VIN
AutoVetting could not confirm a 2020 Palisade fuel-system campaign against the NHTSA database, so no campaign number is asserted here. Coverage varies by build date — the VIN lookup is the source of truth.
Run VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Confirm recall is closed.
Est. cost: Free dealer repair Source: NHTSA recalls (VIN lookup)

HVAC & Electrical

Tri-zone climate control — first-year complaints

Monitor
Early 2020 Palisades had HVAC complaints (inconsistent temperature zones). Software updates and blower motor replacements resolved most cases. Test all zones.
Test all three climate zones. Verify heated/ventilated seats work.
Est. cost: $0–$400 Source: NHTSA complaint database / TSBs

BlueLink connectivity

Low Risk
BlueLink subscription may have lapsed. Test wireless CarPlay/Android Auto on equipped trims.
Test CarPlay/Android Auto pairing and display.
Est. cost: $0 Source: Standard check

Structure & Safety

Third-row access and latching

Low Risk
Test second-row tumble-forward mechanism and third-row seat latch engagement.
Verify second-row folds and slides correctly, third-row seats latch securely.
Est. cost: $0–$200 Source: Standard 3-row check

Documentation

Service records + recall completion

Low Risk
Palisade is young enough that most have dealer service history. Confirm 2020 model recall was completed.
Request Carfax and recall paperwork for 2020 models.
Est. cost: n/a Source: AutoVetting editorial

NHTSA Recalls (verify completion via VIN)

Multiple
Severity: Varies
Campaigns vary by build date — run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and require every open campaign closed before purchase. Remedy: Dealer remedy at no cost where a campaign applies.

What the VIN tells you

Every 2020 Palisade uses one engine — the 3.8L Lambda II GDI V6 (291 hp), 8th VIN digit 'E', paired with an 8-speed automatic in front- or all-wheel drive. There is no 4-cylinder and no Theta II engine in the Palisade, so it is not subject to the Theta II engine-fire recalls that affect Hyundai's smaller models — a common point of buyer confusion. The Calligraphy trim was added for 2021, so a 2020 tops out at Limited. Decode the 10th VIN digit for model year ('L' = 2020) and run the full VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before purchase.
After you buy: common DIY repair guides
Planning the upkeep this car will need? Our step-by-step guides cover oil changes, brake pads & rotors, battery replacement, transmission fluid, coolant flushes, and spark plugs — each with the tools, parts, torque specs, and common mistakes that matter. Browse all repair guides →

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