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Safety Alert: Hyundai faces lawsuit over alleged brake defects in SUVs, cover-ups

Photo: IIHS

*The legal action suit accuses Hyundai of multiple violations, including breach of warranty for failing to deliver vehicles that meet safety claims, violations of consumer protection laws in the United States

Isola Moses | ÂÌñÏׯÞ

Automobile consumers, in a recent class action lawsuit filed in California Federal Court, United States (US) have alleged that Hyundai’s 2023-2025 Palisade Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) contain dangerous brake defects that cause the anti-lock braking and traction control systems to malfunction on rough or uneven surfaces.

ÂÌñÏ×ÆÞ gathered that three Hyundai Palisade owners May 2025 had taken the automaker to court, claiming their SUVs could not brake properly when driving over anything but perfectly smooth roads.

The lawsuit, led by Trinette G. Kent of Lemberg Law LLC, also purported that the vehicles’ braking systems create a dangerous situation by rapidly releasing and reapplying brakes on uneven surfaces, making it harder for drivers to stop safely while in motion.

According to the legal filing, the problem emanated from the Palisade’s anti-lock braking and traction control systems miscalculating wheel speed when encountering rough road conditions.

Instead of providing smooth, controlled braking, the systems allegedly cause the brakes to pulse erratically, potentially increasing stopping distances and accident risk, agency report said.

The plaintiffs in the class action lawsuit further argued that Hyundai was well aware of these defects before manufactured vehicles reached consumers in the first place.

The legal filing as well claimed that the automobile manufacturer had identified the braking issue during pre-production testing, and received early consumer complaints about the braking problems.

Yet, the company chose not to issue recalls or publicly acknowledge the safety concern, report said.

The lawsuit stated: “Despite marketing the Palisade as a top-tier SUV with state-of-the-art safety features, Hyundai hasn’t issued a recall for the brake issue.”

It was equally alleged that Hyundai has also not publicly responded to the lawsuit, or outlined any plans to address the alleged defect in the affected vehicle models.

Multiple violations alleged

Besides, the consumers’ legal action accused Hyundai of multiple violations, including breach of warranty for failing to deliver vehicles that meet safety claims, violations of consumer protection laws in New York and Ohio, in the US, for allegedly concealing the defect, fraudulent concealment, and unjust enrichment from selling defective vehicles.

It was learnt that currently, the lawsuit is limited to New York and Ohio residents, who bought or leased 2023-2025, in in the American country.

However, consumers, including owners and drivers in other states are advised to monitor the case’s progress, as class action lawsuits can expand and may trigger broader regulatory action.

Report also indicated that this is not the first time recent Hyundai’s Palisade models have faced legal scrutiny.

Separate lawsuits have been filed over seat belts that allegedly unlatch unexpectedly in some 2020-2023 Palisade models, raising questions about the vehicle’s overall reliability and safety record.

Owners of affected vehicles who have experienced unusual braking behaviour are advised to document any incidents with dates, details, photos, and videos.

Consumers are also informed to maintain records of all vehicle-related documents, including purchase or lease contracts, repair records, and communications with Hyundai or dealerships.

Meanwhile, affected vehicle owners can contact the firm through their Web site to determine eligibility for joining the class action, report noted.

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