Hyundai Palisade Braking Defect Sparks Class Action Lawsuit

Case Overview: A class action alleges Hyundai Palisade SUVs have a defective braking system that causes rapid brake release and reapplication on rough roads, leading to longer stopping distances and increased collision risk.

Consumers Affected: Drivers from New York and Ohio who purchased or leased any 2023-2025 Hyundai Palisade.

Court: U.S. District Court for the Central District of California

Hyundai knowingly sells 2023–2025 Hyundai Palisade SUVs with defective braking systems that put drivers at risk and then refuses to fix them, a new lawsuit claims.

According to the complaint, the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and/or the traction control system in the vehicles malfunctions on rough or uneven roads, causing the brakes to rapidly release and reapply. 

This glitch, the plaintiffs say, leads to longer stopping distances than expected and increases the chances of collisions. Despite branding the Palisade as a top-tier SUV packed with advanced safety features, Hyundai has allegedly failed to disclose or address the defect, even after numerous customer complaints.

Hyundai Palisade Owners Describe Jarring Braking Experiences

Three owners—Camille Maldonado of Queens, NY, Shlomo Vizel of Brooklyn, NY, and Terrance Rubin of Oakland, CA—filed the proposed class action after experiencing the same unsettling brake issue shortly after leasing or purchasing their vehicles.

Each of them said they chose the Palisade in large part because of its reputation for safety. Hyundai’s marketing promises and the vehicle’s “Top Safety Pick” designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety were central to their decisions. 

But within weeks of taking their vehicles home, all three encountered the same problem: when braking on bumpy or uneven surfaces, the cars didn’t slow down as expected, and in some cases felt like they were skidding.

Maldonado said she felt a consistent loss of braking power once a week and brought her vehicle back to the dealership within three months. She was told the vibration she felt while braking was “normal.” 

Vizel, who often drives with his wife and kids, heard the same response when he took his vehicle in. Rubin was even told by a dealer that they’d received similar complaints from other Palisade owners, but had no fix available.

Defect Allegedly Causes Inconsistent Braking on Uneven Roads

At the center of the lawsuit is an alleged design and manufacturing defect in the vehicles' ABS and traction control systems. When a Palisade encounters a rough patch of road, the sensors reportedly misread the wheel speed and mistakenly trigger the ABS to release braking pressure—even when there’s no actual skid. That leads to inconsistent braking performance and longer stopping times.

This can be particularly dangerous in high-traffic or emergency situations, where quick and reliable stopping is critical. According to the lawsuit, the defect undermines the very safety systems Hyundai touts as selling points and makes the vehicles less valuable and more dangerous.

Despite warranty promises to repair defective components, Hyundai and its dealerships have allegedly brushed off complaints, saying the behavior is within normal limits. The plaintiffs argue this response is inadequate and unsafe, and that the company concealed the defect to avoid damaging sales.

Automakers Face Growing Number of Vehicle Defect Cases

Hyundai isn’t alone in facing legal action over allegedly defective vehicles. Several other major automakers are now grappling with lawsuits that accuse them of knowingly selling cars with dangerous flaws. 

Ford was recently hit with a class action lawsuit alleging that thousands of its hybrid SUVs are equipped with high-voltage lithium-ion batteries prone to spontaneous fires, even when the vehicles are parked and turned off. 

Nissan is also under fire for selling cars with allegedly defective door locks that can either fling open at highway speeds or jam shut, trapping passengers inside. Meanwhile, in yet another lawsuit, Kia stands accused of selling 2021–2023 Kia Soul and Seltos models with faulty piston oil rings that could cause engine failure and increase the risk of fire. 

In their lawsuit against Hyundai, the plaintiffs want to represent drivers from New York and Ohio who purchased or leased any 2023-2025 Hyundai Palisade. 

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Maldonado, et al. v. Hyundai Motor America
• Case Number: 8:25-cv-00983 
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Central District of California

Plaintiffs' Attorneys

• Trinette G. Kent (Lemberg Law, LLC)

Do you own a 2023-2025 Hyundai Palisade? Have you experienced braking issues? Share your story below.