2026 Hyundai Tucson

Routine

Owners filed 64 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the automatic emergency braking. It has been recalled 5 times.

Too new to rank against other Hyundai Tucson years; complaints take a few years to arrive. Which Hyundai Tucson years to avoid →

Most common 2026 Hyundai Tucson problems

18 of the 64 complaints (28%) are about the automatic emergency braking.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Service Brakes · brakes14
605
Unknown or Other10
001
Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings · automatic emergency braking8
200
Electrical System6
100
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking · automatic emergency braking4
000
Forward Collision Avoidance · automatic emergency braking4
100
Exterior Lighting · headlights3
000
Structure › Body · body and frame2
200
Engine2
101
Visibility/Wiper · wipers1
000

5 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel26V400000
Filed Jun 23, 202696,310 vehiclesHyundai Motor America

Defect. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Tucson, Tucson Hybrid, Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays."

Risk. An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy. The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 22, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai's customer service at 855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 304. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 25, 2026.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking26V316000
Filed May 18, 2026423,062 vehiclesHyundai Motor America

Defect. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Santa Cruz, Tucson, Tucson Hybrid, and Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles. Software in the front cameras may cause the forward collision avoidance system to activate prematurely and unexpectedly apply the brakes.

Risk. Unexpected braking increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will update the front camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 17, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 302. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 20, 2026.

Air Bags › Sensor › Side Impact26V254000
Filed Apr 20, 20262,931 vehiclesHyundai Motor America

Defect. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025 Elantra N, 2026 Tucson, Tucson Hybrid, Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), and Elantra vehicles. The B-pillar impact sensors may have been misassembled, which can delay air bag deployment.

Risk. Air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will inspect and replace the impact sensor(s), as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 11, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai's customer service at 855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 299. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 22, 2026.

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel26V047000
Filed Jan 26, 202641,651 vehiclesHyundai Motor America

Defect. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Tucson Hybrid, Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 IONIQ 5, Santa Cruz, Kona, Palisade, Palisade Hybrid, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Hybrid, Sonata, Sonata Hybrid, and Tucson vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays."

Risk. An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy. The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 24, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai's customer service at 855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 293. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 28, 2026.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Critical Fasteners25V549000
Filed Aug 25, 202529 vehiclesHyundai Motor America

Defect. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Tucson and Santa Fe vehicles. The connecting rod bolts in the engine may have been improperly tightened, which can cause a loss of drive power and engine damage, possibly resulting in an oil leak.

Risk. A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. An oil leak in the presence of hot engine components can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.

Remedy. Dealers will replace the engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 2025. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 281.

All 5 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Oct 22, 2026CA

The vehicle was in a significant crash which smashed in the front end and popped both front tires during which the airbags did not deploy. The vehicle is available until the insurance company moves it to salvage. Since the airbag did not deploy my fiance suffered a concussion from hitting the steering wheel. The problem has not been investigated by anyone other than insurance. No warnings of system problems were on prior to the failure to our knowledge.

Seat Belts
Filed Oct 6, 2026IL

Summary of Safety Defect: The rear center seat belt female buckle assembly is severely crushed due to a design or clearance defect. This damage occurs during normal use when folding down the rear seats. The vehicle is nearly brand new, and the rear seats have only been folded down twice. When the male end is inserted, it will latch into the crushed female housing but immediately becomes permanently stuck. Safety Risk: In the event of an accident or emergency evacuation, an occupant restrained in the rear center seat could become trapped in the vehicle due to the jammed buckle mechanism. Alternatively, the compromised plastic and metal casing could fail entirely under the stress of a crash, leading to structural breakdown of the restraint and potential occupant ejection. Additionally, this defect completely removes the vehicle's utility for a family of five. Because the middle seat cannot be safely utilized, I am unable to transport my family of five safely. Dealer / Manufacturer Actions: The vehicle was presented to D'Arcy Hyundai for diagnosis and repair. The service department denied warranty coverage, claiming the component suffered "external damage" rather than a manufacturing defect. This decision was escalated directly to Hyundai Corporate, who reviewed the dealer’s findings and formally backed the denial of coverage. A review of online consumer forums reveals that this is a widespread design flaw reported by many other Hyundai owners facing similar buckle damage from n

Exterior Lighting
Filed Oct 1, 2026TN

I own a 2026 Hyundai Tucson Limited and am reporting extremely poor daytime visibility of the entire lower row of touch-sensitive controls on the center dashboard. The illuminated symbols and status indicators are so dim in normal daylight, and especially in bright sunlight, that they are difficult to see while driving. This includes the climate controls and heated/ventilated seat controls. The ventilated-seat control is a particularly concerning example because I can press the control but cannot reliably determine whether it is OFF, LOW, MEDIUM, or HIGH without looking closely at the panel. The controls function properly, but their status is essentially invisible in daylight, requiring the driver to divert their attention from the road. Increasing the vehicle’s interior/instrument illumination does not adequately correct the problem.This appears to be an illumination/design issue affecting the new\-generation Tucson, rather than a failure unique to my vehicle. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate the inadequate daytime visibility of these controls as a potential driver distraction and safety concern.

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 27, 2026FL

The "Consider Taking a Break" advisory comes on as far too often creating a dangerous distraction. As an example: when traveling on a straight road with the cruise control on and making no significant steering inputs other than that required to keep the vehicle going straight, the alert would come on about every 4 minutes. Sometimes it would repeat in as little as 1 minute. This went on for more than 40 miles on [XXX] between [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 16, 2026ME

1.Driver Attention Warning (DAW). A sudden chime rings three times, the volume on my radio is cut. I am immediately distracted and look down at my dash. It is a picture of a steaming coffee cup with a note saying, “Consider Taking A Break”. At 55 mph, I am traveling 80 ft/sec. My eyes are diverted from the road for 2 seconds. There is a standard 1.5 second reaction time for my foot to reach the brake. The optimal mechanical braking distance for a 2026 Hyundai Tucson at 55 mph is approximately 104 feet under ideal, dry conditions. 2 sec =160ft 1.5 sec = 120ft Optimal braking=104ft --------------------------------------- Best case stopping =384ft Now, if there is a downhill, wet, or icy conditions, sand and gravel if I have to choose the ditch to avoid an obstacle that I would have seen 3.5 seconds earlier, I could conceivably be unable to stop for over 500 feet, putting myself and/or others at great risk of injury or death. The DAW is an annoying and unnecessary distraction at best, and a potentially fatal distraction in the gravest of circumstances. I declare that it is a serious safety hazard and request firmly that it be permanently disabled on my 2026 Tucson 2. Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) When I am backing out of my driveway into the immediate travel lane (not crossing a lane), my steering wheel vibrates and the brake is remotely applied and not by my choosing if a vehicle in the OTHER lane (which I am not entering) passes by. If two, three, four o

Engine
Filed Sep 2, 2026SC

Sudden uncommanded high engine revving 4000 rpm with loss of forward acceleration while driving. ISG (Idle Stop n Go) indicator on dashboard turned yellow and system could not manually override. Vehicle was turned off. After car turned back on after about 30 minutes It entered a Protective Limp Home Mode, which cleared the systems. All seemed back to normal. It was advised to have vehicle towed to the dealer where purchased. The vehicle has only 4,000 miles and 9 months old. To date the dealer could not replicate the malfunction and could not find any abnormalities In the codes.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings
Filed Aug 31, 2026NY

I lease a brand new 2026 Hyundai Tucson from Hyundai of [XXX] in [XXX] onXXX. I later discovered that there was an open recall on the vehicle dated XXX almost two months prior to my taking delivery of the vehicle. I've tried to secure a loaner car from the dealership in order to get the recall resolved but have been told it would be months before a car is available. From my understanding, this vehicle should not have been delivered with an open recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 22, 2026WI

The DAW system goes off numerous times during any trip. Many times within 10 minutes of stating out. the constant annoying warning telling me to take a break when I just did puts me on edge. It went off about 30-40 times during a recent 2 day trip. At some point you just swear at the thing and want to rip the dam camera off the steering wheel. This is not the kind of attitude you want while driving long distances. I have driven over a million miles with no accidents in the last 50 years and I don't need a device to tell me to "take a break" every 15 minutes. This "feature" makes me a worse driver not a better one. I am tall and wear corrective glasses, perhaps that is the problem.... I can't change either of those, the car has to adapt to the driver. Please either get rid of this or allow the drive to "tune' the sensitivity to their needs.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control
Filed Aug 17, 2026AZ

I always have the Forward Attention Warning turned off in Vehicle Settings. This past week, 8/13/2026, while on the freeway I was doing the speed limit which was 70 mph. I had the Cruise Control turned on as well as the Lane Assist. While briefly changing the map setting on the display and not looking forward I got the warning “Eyes on the road, Hands on the wheel”. I got that warning twice within a minute. I was in the middle lane of a 3 lane freeway with fairly heavy traffic. All of a sudden there was loud beeping and the flashing red message “Take Control Now, Vehicle Stopping” The cruise control disengaged and the brakes were applied. My speed dropped from 70 down to 55 before I was able to regain control. Two minutes lather the exact same thing happened for a second time. Needless to say the traffic behind me also had to brake to avoid hitting my car! I have done some further testing and discovered while the Cruise Control is turned on the infrared camera behind the steering wheel is always active, regardless of what I have selected in Settings. If the Cruise is not turned on then the infrared camera will not function unless it is has been turned on in Vehicle Settings. I was very lucky that I didn’t cause an accident. Sooner or later someone isn’t going to be as lucky. The Forward Attention Warning System needs to be removed as a “Safety” feature. It is an accident waiting to happen! Another question is what will the effect be on my eyes after hours of exposure to the i

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Aug 13, 2026TN

It looks like condensation is in my windshield

Service BrakesCrash1 injured
Filed Aug 4, 2026OH

My Gf was driving car coming up on stopped traffic when automatic braking engaged slamming on brakes for no reason causing the car behind to rear end my vehicle, My Gf was transported to hospital with 4 broken ribs with each rib having multiple fractures, She was in ICU for 2 days and total of 4 days. She has had to go back for another 1 day stay for pain and breathing difficulty.

Structure › BodyCrash
Filed Aug 4, 2026NC

Forward collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking systems failed on 5/13/2026. Driving at a low rate of speed, approximately 15mph in a roundabout traffic circle with no other vehicles in front of the vehicle, sunny dry weather, 740am. Proceeded into traffic circle and FCA engaged and hard braking occurred for instantaneous stop and my vehicle was hit in the rear by a school bus. Air bags did not deploy. No recall on the vehicle at time of accident. Recall issued 6 days after accident for FCA. After contacting insurance company, Hyundai was contacted and made aware of the incident and safety concerns. The vehicle was towed to the dealership that evening and the next day I was advised that they could not check out the vehicle prior to having the collision repaired. The vehicle was then towed to a collision repair shop and released from there and towed back to the dealership on 6/19/2026. The vehicle had two safety recalls at that time and according to the service department both have been addressed. The vehicle is presently sitting the dealership (8/4/2026) waiting for Hyundai to investigate further. There were a few incidents prior to the collision that occurred randomly with the warning going off when no other vehicles or structures were close by. I took possession of this vehicle on 11/22/2025 and it had 2,431 odometer miles when this accident happened.

Forward Collision Avoidance
Filed Aug 3, 2026FL

The contact owns a 2026 Hyundai Tucson. The contact was notified the following day after purchasing the vehicle that there was an open recall on the VIN. The VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V316000 (Forward Collision Avoidance). The parts were available for the recall repair; however, the dealer where the vehicle was purchased was 97 miles away. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the local dealer for the recall repair. The repair was in the process of being completed on 08/03/2026. The contact researched and became aware that the “Do Not Sell” restriction was in place and was dated 5/19/2026. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 1, 2026FL

Our dashboard went blank and said “No Signal” over two weeks ago. (recall 304). We took it in for service. They did a Software upgrade which is the stated remedy. Two days ago it did it again. This time we had it towed to the dealership. They have had it since Thursday but no word back on a solution

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 31, 2026SD

The rear liftgate opened unexpectedly after garage door started to open by remote inside house and causing damage to rear liftgate. The auto liftgate was on at time, fob was no where near remote. Vehicle has been parked and used for three months there with no problems. Dearler checked for error codes, but none found.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 23, 2026CA

First time it happened I was driving on the freeway from [XXX] to [XXX]. The car did an instant jerk stop ON THE FREEWAY!! I thought my granddaughter touched something but then it did it again when I was driving by myself. So I took the car in for the recall that came out for this issue and the day after that as I parked into an In-N-Out parking space my collision light came on warning me that there was a collision ahead. I was in a parking space so in that moment, I kind of let it go. Has done it a few times in local traffic. Fast forward to yesterday XXX It was way more serious. I was doing a U-turn and my car jerked. Stop the car behind me almost hit me and I was stopped in oncoming traffic. It released and I got to move so I didn’t wreck, but it scared me. I was very shaken. This is now happened a few times and I have already done the recall at this point I feel very unsafe uncomfortable driving the car and feel like I need a refund full refund. I am now afraid to drive it. It’s gonna kill one of us. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Electrical SystemCrash
Filed Jul 22, 2026VA

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 111 regulates rear visibility systems. It requires backup cameras to shut off within a specific time or distance after moving forward to prevent driver distraction. A screen stuck on the reverse camera means the vehicle failed to comply with federal safety safety standards in that moment, actively flashing an illegal, high-contrast visual distraction while trying to navigate. I am writing to formally report a critical safety defect regarding the infotainment system in my 2026 Hyundai Tucson, which directly resulted in property damage on 7/6/26. While driving at approximately 35 mph, the center display screen failed to disengage the rear view camera. The persistent, high-visibility flashing of moving traffic behind me in my peripheral vision completely obscured my forward safety alerts and navigation, creating an immediate visual hazard. This system glitch distracted me at a critical moment, causing an impact with a curb. Given that this incident was precipitated by a verified malfunction of a federally regulated safety system (FMVSS 111), I requested that Hyundai corporate review this case, investigate the failure of this component, and cover the cost of the $3,337 structural repairs. They have denied my request. I am aware that NHTSA Recall 26V400000/Hyundai Recall 304 is pending complete entry of all affected vehicles (vehicle was built at the Montgomery plant). Hyundai issued Technical Service Bulletin TSB 24-BE-001H for 2022–2

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 20, 2026OR

Component: Forward Collision Avoidance / Steering / Electrical SystemDescription of Incident: While driving a rented 2026 Hyundai Tucson SEL AWD (VIN: [XXX]) on the [XXX], the vehicle experienced a severe, uncommanded steering intervention. While maintaining momentum on a winding road, the vehicle's automated systems falsely intervened, aggressively pulling the steering wheel and forcing the vehicle toward the edge of a cliff. The sensation mirrored violent torque steer, fighting driver input and nearly causing a catastrophic departure from the roadway.Safety Risk: This VIN is currently unlisted for active campaigns, but it is exhibiting the exact life-threatening failure mode detailed in NHTSA Campaign 26V316000 (FCA software defect). The manufacturer's current recall scope is inadequate and must be expanded immediately to include this VIN sequence before an uncommanded steering event results in a fatal crash. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 20, 2026NV

7/9/2026 Check engine light on at 320 miles. Had car 3 weeks. Took to dealership they ran diagnostics & the code came up as P050B00 (cold start ignition timing performance). Dealership told me that the manufacture knows there is a problem but does not know how to fix at this time. I was told there was nothing they can do and keep driving the car with a check engine light on, which is ridiculous. Filed a claim that day with the manufacturer. Still no response, but their customer service tells me my case has been escalated over a week now and no claims person assigned to my case, Since then I've noticed that when slowing down the car engine shuts off intermittently. It also did this the night before the check engine light came on. This is extremely dangerous when I'm driving.

Forward Collision AvoidanceCrash
Filed Jul 10, 2026FL

The contact rented a 2026 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving and merging onto traffic on a highway, the brake pedal was slightly depressed and the vehicle overcorrected the brake, and abruptly stopped, causing the vehicle to be rear ended. There were no injuries sustained. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was driven away from the scene and was returned to the rental agency immediately. The contact was then advised that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V316000 (Forward Collision Avoidance). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Forward Collision Avoidance
Filed Jul 9, 202617 milesFL

The contact owns a 2026 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds with the Forward Collision Avoidance system activated, the system failed to warn of other vehicles or possible danger. The vehicle nearly collided with another vehicle while testing the feature. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where the failure could not be replicated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 17.

Forward Collision Avoidance
Filed Jul 6, 20266,275 milesCA

The contact owns a 2026 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V316000 (Forward Collision Avoidance), but the failure persisted after the recall repair. While driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle independently braked to a complete stop without cause. Additionally, the rearview camera remained active on the display for 30 to 50 seconds while driving forward. The contact stated that the failures were recurrent. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and the case was currently pending an escalated resolution. The failure mileage was approximately 6,275.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 26, 2026NY

My car was recalled because the auto brake was triggering incorrectly and causing issues (at least 4 accidents with injuries are known to have been casued by this problem). I brought my car in to have the auto braking issue fixed, after I had already been rear ended due to it automatically activating (submitted a previous NHTSA claim about this.) The same defect recurred while I was driving yesterday evening. A pedestrian had fully cleared a crosswalk, I attempted to pull forward, and the auto-brake triggered without cause, locking up the vehicle and nearly causing me to be rear ended again. This is an ongoing safety issue that was supposed to have been corrected and clearly was not.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 22, 2026OK

The instrument cluster intermittently goes completely black while driving, causing loss of the speedometer, warning lights, and gear indicator. The failure occurs randomly, including while the vehicle is in motion. The symptoms match the known 2026 Hyundai instrument‑cluster recall, but my VIN is not currently included.

Structure › BodyCrash
Filed Jun 14, 2026MT

Hit a deer on highway and when impacted the hood flew up and smashed the windshield. I was unable to see where I was or if I was headed into the ditch or on coming traffic. The hood latch is metal the bar that the latch is attached to is plastic and broke completely off which allowed the hood to fly up and shatter the windshield. Having an important bracket like the hood bracket made out plastic is a huge safety issue. The vehicle is not available for pictures for the fact my insurance has deemed the vehicle unrepairable and have totaled the vehicle. I do believe checking into the plastic hood components should be conducted for a safety issue.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jun 11, 2026FL

On my 2026 Hyundai Tucson Limited, the HVAC touch-panel status indicators are extremely difficult to see in daylight conditions. The illuminated indicators for A/C, recirculation, vent mode selection, and heated/cooled seat levels become washed out by sunlight and reflections. From the normal driving position, the indicators are often not visible. To determine the status of HVAC functions, I must lean forward and/or shield the panel with my hand to see the illuminated indicators. This requires additional driver attention and time looking away from the road. The condition occurs even with instrument panel illumination set to maximum and display settings to maximum. We had the suv at the hyundai dealer and showed the service adviser the problem and he agreed is was a design problem. It is especially a problem in lots of traffic these days when you have to lean over/closer or cup your hand to see the settings which requires taking your eyes off the road and your hand off the steering wheel for a long period of time, creating a distraction and safety concern.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings
Filed May 31, 2026NY

I have a 2026 Hyundai Tucson 2500 miles. It has slammed on the brakes. At least 6 times since I've owned the vehicle for forward collision to the point where it could have put me in danger. And I could have been in an accident one time it occurred when I was making a curve, there was oncoming traffic from the other side in the curve. And the vehicle slammed on the brakes bc of the other car going in the opposite direction at the car. And just yesterday, as I was slowing to a stop at a stoplight, if there was a car in front of me going less than 15 miles an hour. So I can slow down so I could stop it slammed on the brakes. Despite the fact that the car in front of me had already left his stopping point again dangerous. I had a seat belt mark on my shoulder.Because of it

Service BrakesCrash
Filed May 29, 2026NY

Driving on major highway during rush hour traffic the suv locked up due to the automatic front break system I couldn’t even turn to avoid the crash. I was rear ended from behind.

Service BrakesCrash
Filed May 26, 2026TX

On May 14, 2026 at approx 6:00 PM, driving 2026 Hyundai Tucson on North Lamar Blvd, Austin TX at approx 30 mph, vehicle applied brakes suddenly with no obstacle ahead. Forward Collision Avoidance system activated unexpectedly. Vehicle was immediately struck from behind. Rear-end collision caused total loss ($54,295 repair estimate). No injuries. Police report filed. On May 23, 2026 discovered open Manufacturer Recall 302 for FCA system increased sensitivity causing sudden braking. Incident occurred 4 days before recall was issued.

Service BrakesCrash1 injured
Filed May 25, 2026MO

1. The component/system that failed appears to be related to the vehicle’s braking/safety assistance system, which is now associated with the recall affecting certain Hyundai Tucson vehicles. At the time of the accident, the vehicle suddenly became difficult to control during highway driving, which ultimately resulted in the crash. The vehicle was declared a total loss, but insurance records, photographs, and inspection documentation should still be available upon request. 2. My safety and the safety of others were put at serious risk because the vehicle lost stability/control while I was operating it on the highway. The accident caused the vehicle to flip, resulting in injuries and creating a dangerous situation for myself and surrounding drivers. 3. The issue itself was not fully reproduced prior to the accident, however the recall now issued by Hyundai appears to involve the same or similar malfunction connected to braking/safety system concerns. The vehicle was inspected after the accident through the insurance process and body shop estimates were completed before it was declared a total loss. 4. The vehicle has been inspected by insurance representatives, towing personnel, and others involved in the claims process following the accident. Police also responded to the accident scene and completed an accident report. 5. Prior to the failure/accident, there were no clear warnings that would have indicated the severity of the issue. If applicable, there may have been occasion

Service BrakesCrash
Filed May 23, 2026NY

Was slowing down for traffic in front of me and my brakes were applied automatically from the crash impact sensor and I was rear ended

Unknown or Other1 injured
Filed May 23, 2026NY

The lower corner of the driver's side door has an extremely sharp edge that caused a laceration to my lower leg during normal exit from the vehicle. No unusual movement or action was taken — I was simply closing the door after exiting. The sharp edge at the bottom corner of the door made contact with my leg, resulting in a bleeding laceration with surrounding bruising and ecchymosis requiring wound care. The injury occurred despite wearing pants. This is a new 2026 vehicle and this is a recurring issue reported by other Hyundai Tucson and Palisade owners in owner forums. The design of the lower door corner, which wraps under the vehicle body, creates a sharp edge that poses an injury hazard during routine entry and exit. I am filing this complaint to establish a record with NHTSA, as multiple owners have reported similar injuries across Hyundai's SUV lineup. I have photographic documentation of the injury.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Sensing System › CameraCrash
Filed May 22, 20263,700 milesVA

Updated software. The vehicle stated that while driving, there was a vehicle in from, the vehicle was slowing down, the contacts vehicle unexpectedly stopped with causing the collision alert to prematurely activate and the vehicle behind rear ended. The incident occurred in bumper to bumper traffic. The bumper, trunk door broke and glass of back windshield was completely shattered due to the impact. No air bags deployed. Collision Alert warning illuminated on the dashboard. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. 3,700

Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer
Filed May 21, 20262,664 milesFL

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2026 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that they discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 18. It was later discovered upon checking the Title that the mileage was 2,664.

Unknown or Other
Filed May 21, 2026MO

My 2026 Hyundai Tucson is experiencing a stuck update loop for the 2nd time since I purchased it new from a Hyundai dealer on February 2, 2026. The first stuck update occurred about Feb 18, 2026. A case was opened with Bluelink and it was taken to the deal for diagnosis on March 26, 2026. The update loop was cleared by the dealer’s service department in mid April. The second stuck update occurred on or about May 14, 2026, when Bluelink sent out their next update. I am filing this complaint because both times this occurred Verizon’s internet WiFi service was terminated because the provider couldn’t authenticate their service token and that this becomes a safety issue due to the fact that the Automatic Crash Notification and the SOS Emergency Call button are both disabled until the dealer flashes the system software and reestablishes a clean network handshake. The first attempt to correct the issue took about 3 weeks. Currently, I are waiting for an appointment to be made with the deal’s serve department so that they can flash the software again and clear the second stuck update loop. In the meantime, the above mentioned safety features are disabled. I fear that this stuck update issue will be never ending and I will be constantly returning to the deal to have the software flashed and the safety features will be disabled until they do so. All that said, you are aware of the reason why this occurs but continue to allow the manufacturer to flash the software and apply a bandaid.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings
Filed May 21, 2026NJ

I experienced forward collision warning active three timeseven when the car before it's far more mine and one time it used automated emergency braking

Tires
Filed May 20, 2026150 milesNY

Tire Brand Name Kuhmo HP71 23560R18103H DOT Number 000CMYA8E 5225 The contact stated that while driving 30 mph and accelerated the passenger right rear tire on the 3 diameter hole, punctured in side wall. The tire is the original equipment. The dealer was notified of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 150.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings
Filed May 9, 2026CA

This is a recent purchase. The forward collision braking system seems to be too sensitive and the braking is so immediate and abrupt it threw everything in my car forward including me, causing minor back pain. This has happened several times with the most recent being yesterday. I was no where near a car or potential collision each time. Yesterday, while driving on a busy highway, I had plenty of distance and it did it again nearly causing a car to rear end me. It was such an abrupt stop everything flew once again to the front of the car. The way this vehicle stops is going to cause an injury to a driver. Mark My words. It stops with such force that it throws the driver forward.

EngineCrash1 injured
Filed May 7, 2026NJ

I experienced sudden unintended acceleration which propelled me over a curb, up an embankment, over a boulder and into a fence. I could have been killed or I could have killed others because I had no control of the car. The Hyundai corporation will not acknowledge this. The car was inspected and declared a total loss and is being moved to a location where it can be stored at no cost. There was no warning. Also this exact incident occurred with a Hyundai Kona I owned. That incident occurred on January 8, 2026.

Service Brakes1 injured
Filed May 4, 2026CA

3 times my car have braked while im driving causing my whole car to jerk 2 of the time i hit my head and my knuckle and finger got hurt and was bleeding I have pictures but they are not allowing me

Exterior Lighting
Filed May 4, 2026TX

Rear turn light visibility, turn signals are a foot off the ground and hard to see by cars following due to location on the bumper. This is only pertaining to the 4th generation Tucson (current), not any other generation. We didn't realize the issue when we bought the car, nor did we realize the placement in the bumpers. However someone stated it was hard to see the blinkers, especially in the rain. At first we thought the wiring had come undone, but then we noticed the same issue on all 2025-2026 model Tucsons. Then I noticed this video on Youtube and realized it's been a problem. This gentleman seems to have a fix, which imo should already be done, maybe Hyundai accidently missed the hookup when making the vehicle. It seems the brake lights were meant to be hooked up as blinkers and the rear horizontal line light was to be a part of the braking lights. Anyway the way the current blinkers a placed is where the backup lights should be. Please help with this, it's definitely a safety issue in the rear back and or rear quarter side panel turning of the vehicle. Visibility is very poor to say the least. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Unknown or Other
Filed May 3, 2026AZ

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid does not have an option to turn off the beeping notification “Consider Taking a Break”. It is consistent and alarming when it does go off. It is very distracting and therefore dangerous as it goes off abruptly multiple times a day while I am driving. It is available for inspection and the dealership has attempted to find a solution but unable to. There is no warning prior to the message, it goes off beeping loudly and flashing a display of a coffee mug with a written message to consider taking a break. Please consider escalating this to the company so it can hopefully be fixed with a software update. Thank you.

Service Brakes
Filed May 2, 2026KY

4/26: I was in the turn lane and SLOWLY approaching the vehicle in front of me. I was at least 12 feet back when the emergency brake engaged causing me to fling forward in my seat. However, I did have my seatbelt on a was not physically harmed, but mentally rattled. This also caused the car behind me to almost rear me. 5/1: I was in the parking lot of a local store. A pedestrian was passing at a safe distance as I was slowly cruising towards them. The car engaged the automatic brake even though the pedestrian was clearly out of harms way. There two incidents have occurred within 2 weeks of purchase of my car. There is a feature to temporarily turn off automatic brake, but resets with each restart of the engine making it inconvenient to apply. Also, it is easy to forget to apply each time you start the car. I’ve also read since my incidents other reports of Hyundai drivers saying the disable feature does not always work and automatic brake engages. I feel that the automatic braking is a HUGE safety risk for driver, passengers, pedestrians and other vehicles on the road. I frequently drive to another state via highway to visit my mother and a now terrified to drive that distance considering all of the accelerations and decelerations involved with highway travel. I feel completely unsafe in my new vehicle. Please review and encourage a software recall that completely removes automatic brake or allows drivers the option to disable and enable at will.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking
Filed May 1, 2026OH

I was driving on the highway in heavy traffic which was moving relatively slowly (15-30mph). I had plenty of room in front of me and was in the process of braking when the vehicle suddenly applied the breaks automatically, coming to a very abrupt stop. It threw me forward and almost caused an accident. Luckily the truck behind me was leaving enough room as well and was able to swerve out of the way and avoid hitting me. There was no need for automatic braking and it seemed very random. The incident scared me a lot and I have felt unsafe driving the car without turning this feature off each time I start the car.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking
Filed Apr 27, 2026FL

I've had this vehicle as a loaner from Hyundai for 2 weeks now and the vehicle has used its "emergency" breaking system automatically without any need for it 3 times now! No vehicle or object is anywhere close in front of me. Literally gave my daughter, significant other and I immediate wiplash and headaches. Today as I was already breaking due to traffic ahead, the dang vehicle used its emergency breaks (as I was breaking) and completely took over and broke in the middle of the lane, I was nearly rear ended - you can head the brakes from the vehicle behind me and they had to move into a grass area to avoid hitting me- I was unable to accelerate or break on my own.

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 21, 2026NY

Safety Risk: While traveling at approximately 25 MPH on the I-495 (way to work) the vehicle initiated a full-force emergency braking event (Phantom Braking) without any warning. There were absolutely no obstacles, vehicles, or pedestrians in the roadway ahead. This sudden, unprovoked stop nearly caused a rear-end collision with the vehicle following closely behind, putting myself and other car at immediate risk of injury. There were no issues in front of me - only a straight road and I was not tailgating anyone.

Lane Departure › Warning
Filed Apr 19, 2026NJ

Every time we drive our brand new Tucson on the highway the driver assistance warning is constantly flashing a coffee cup symbol on the dashboard along with an audible bell dinging and text suggesting we pull over and take a break for no apparent reason other than we're on a highway at highway speed. It's very distracting and upsetting to say the least and there's no way to disable the defective feature.

Service Brakes1 injured
Filed Apr 10, 20264,000 milesMI

The contact owns a 2026 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving 45-50 MPH, the vehicle experienced phantom braking, causing the brakes to suddenly apply roughly. The contact stated that the failure had persisted and recurred while driving at 35 MPH. The collision light was illuminated. The contact sustained a shoulder injury due to the sudden braking, but the contact did not receive medical assistance. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 9, 2026FL

The automatic emergency braking system has literally locked the brakes up 5 times in the last several months since the car was purchased new from the dealer due to this system thinking we were going to hit the car in front that was not braking hard. One time a car had already turned off the roadway and as we started to accelerate on down the road our car locked the brakes up as it has done 4 other times and then will not let you accelerate for a few seconds. 3 of those 5 times we have had cars behind us, one time was a semi, that almost hit us due to the unexpected locking of the brakes. This system can only be turned off each time you start the car by going through numerous menu steps and then it is right back on the next time you start the car. Not only is this going to cause an accident and potential injury(s) but it could even cause an argument with the vehicle behind thinking they were being brake checked. The dealer said they could not turn it off and the only choice was to do it each time you started the car but could turn the sensitivity down which we have tried and it still does it when you least expect it to when there really is no potential crash about to occur. We have emailed Hyundai and awaiting a response as well and advised if this system causes a crash and especially an injury as a result that we would sue and have requested a software update be done asap to allow the driver to turn it off and it stay off until it is turned back on or buy the car back as this

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 8, 2026NY

A persistent and dangerous safety defect regarding my 2026 Hyundai Tucson. Since February 19, 2026, I have experienced a chemical/burning odor when the heater is in operation. More alarmingly, exposure to these fumes while driving causes me and a passenger to experience severe headaches and dizziness, rendering the vehicle unsafe to operate. To date, I have presented the vehicle for repair on five separate occasions, including four visits to Suresky Hyundai and a "second opinion" visit to Healey Hyundai on April 2, 2026. Despite my documented physical symptoms and repeated visits, technicians have dismissed the issue as a "new car smell" or claimed the vehicle is "operating as designed."

Complaints 1-50 of 64, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2016
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
2026 — this page64500Routine
2025295610Above average
202499400Routine
2023136210Routine
2022389340Above average
202180130Routine
2020179120Routine
20193851110Above average
2018399190Above average
20171,0953261Fatalities reported
20161,6265260High concern
2015229180Above average
2014202230Above average
20132663180Above average
20122553130Above average
2011124530Routine
201059420Routine
200918100Routine
200843150Routine
200765520Routine
2006135530Routine
2005185830Routine

Compare every Tucson year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jun 23, 2026. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.