Toddler Killed in Tragic SUV Seat Accident, Hyundai Recalls

A heartbreaking tragedy in Akron has led to a major vehicle recall after a two-year-old girl died when a power-folding seat in her family’s new Hyundai Palisade reportedly pinned her.

Authorities say Lucia Ayala was in the back seat of the parked SUV on March 7 when an electronic rear seat suddenly folded forward, trapping her. Family members and bystanders rushed to free the child and began CPR, but she could not be saved.

The medical examiner ruled the death accidental. Akron police said they were not certain how the seat was activated.

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Lucia’s family described her as a bright, energetic child whose presence lit up every room.

Following the incident, Hyundai Motor America issued a recall affecting certain Hyundai Palisade and Palisade Hybrid vehicles.

According to safety officials, certain second- and third-row power seats may fail to properly detect a person or obstruction, allowing the seat to continue moving during powered fold or slide functions.

Owners are being urged to use caution and keep children away from rear seating areas while power-folding functions are in use until repairs are completed.

Update (Oct. 2, 2026): Hyundai halted new Palisade sales on March 12 and recalled the 2026 Palisade and Palisade Hybrid under NHTSA campaign 26V-160, with a free software fix. Reuters reported on April 7 that sales were resuming (Reuters via WTVB).

Also reported by: Cleveland 19.