What 266 owners told NHTSA about the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell

The automatic emergency braking system activated early and aggressively causing a rear end collision. It is available for inspection upon request. While driving in busy traffic on a highway I was lightly braking to avoid sudden stops or unexpected movements of the vehicle while traveling between 20-30 mph. The vehicle then activated the emergency braking system and came to a sudden and unexpected complete stop. This sudden stoppage caused myself and my passenger to be thrown forward harshly against the seatbelts. Additionally I was unable to steer the vehicle towards the side of the road as the wheel had locked and avoid an SUV that was rapidly approaching my rear. This SUV subsequently rear ended me. The actual collision was minor thankfully due to the low speed of the traffic, but could have been much more severe if traffic conditions had been different. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Not yet. (I am in the process of this right now, but because my car was in a collision the dealer will not fix the recall or inspect the vehicle until the collision damage is fixed) Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? See previous answer Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? The vehicle had not exhibited any issues prior to this sudden stopping.

NHTSA ODI 11749404

The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Tucson. While the contact’s son was driving approximately 55 MPH on a three-lane highway, the brakes locked up. While attempting to move the vehicle to the shoulder, the driver lost control of the vehicle and struck the guardrail and rolled over several times. The air bags deployed, and the glass shattered. There were no injuries reported. A Police report was filed. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V316000 (Forward Collision Avoidance). The vehicle was towed from the scene to a tow lot. The local dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The insurance company later towed the vehicle to the facility and deemed the vehicle a total loss. The manufacturer was notified of the issue; however, an assigned case manager had not responded. The approximate failure mileage was 19,081.

NHTSA ODI 11747940

I was driving along a 40 mile an hour road and there was a fork in the road and a car in the opposite lane waiting to turn onto that fork to the right and the car just slammed on the brakes and I was injured very badly. My neck back and hips are hurt very bad.

NHTSA ODI 11741739

On XXX, my vehicle unexpectedly activated its automatic braking system while driving, resulting in a rear-end collision. My infant daughter was in the vehicle at the time. While we were fortunate to avoid catastrophic injuries, the incident placed both of us in significant danger and could easily have resulted in a much more serious outcome. The other driver may also have sustained injuries as a result of the collision. The vehicle sustained approximately $20,000 in damage. Since the accident, I have learned of Hyundai’s recall involving this braking system. Given the circumstances, I am deeply concerned that the condition addressed by the recall contributed to the collision. What is particularly troubling is that this was not the first time I raised concerns regarding the vehicle’s braking behavior. On February 23, 2026, at approximately 11:00 a.m., I spoke with my dealership, North Bay Hyundai in [XXX] regarding unexpected braking behavior that I was experiencing with the vehicle. My concerns were not escalated, and I was not advised that a potential safety issue might exist. Several months later, I was involved in a collision involving the same system that is now subject to recall. I am also deeply concerned by the manner in which this recall was communicated. I received only a text message regarding a defect involving a critical vehicle safety system. Given the potential consequences of unexpected braking events, I do not believe the seriousness of this issue was adequately conveyed to affected customers. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11740955

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection? The forward collision avoidance (FCA) system malfunctioned. The front camera system appears to have triggered unintended hard braking beyond normal driver input. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. How was safety put at risk? While approaching a vehicle in front of me, I was gradually slowing down and applying the brakes normally. Without warning, the vehicle suddenly applied significantly stronger braking than intended. This abrupt and excessive braking caused the vehicle behind me to collide with my car, creating a dangerous situation and increasing the risk of injury. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed? UNKNOWN. The issue has not been reproduced since the accident, and it has not yet been confirmed by a dealer. However, the incident is consistent with Hyundai Recall NHTSA Campaign Number 26V316000, which describes unexpected and premature activation of the forward collision avoidance system. Has the vehicle been inspected? The vehicle has been inspected by insurance representatives following the accident. It has not yet been inspected by Hyundai or a dealership specifically for this recall-related issue. Were there any warning signs before the failure? There were no warning lights, alerts, or messages prior to the sudden braking event. The braking intervention occurred without advance notice. Additional description of incident: At the time of the incident, I was approaching a vehicle ahead and applying the brakes gradually under normal driving conditions. The vehicle then suddenly applied much stronger braking than expected, consistent with automatic emergency braking intervention. This abrupt deceleration caused the vehicle behind me to rear-end my car. This behavior matches the defect described in Hyundai Recall 26V316000, where the forward collision avoidance system may activate unexpectedly and apply excessive braking.

NHTSA ODI 11740688

Since taking possession of the vehicle, I have experienced two incidents involving the automatic emergency braking system activating unexpectedly, despite no obstacle or hazard being present. During one of these incidents, the vehicle braked abruptly and forcefully enough to cause an injury to my wrist. On March 7, 2026, I brought the vehicle to the dealership for inspection, where it was confirmed that there is an issue with the front right camera, which appears to be affecting the forward collision and automatic braking system. In addition, the vehicle required premature brake pad replacement due to persistent squeaking. Experiencing brake component issues on a brand-new vehicle raises further concerns about the integrity and reliability of the braking system. Brakes are a critical safety component, and premature wear or abnormal behavior so early in the vehicle’s life undermines confidence in the system designed to protect drivers and surrounding traffic. There were no warning lamps, messages or symptoms prior to the failure. The first instance occurred within 30-days of taking possession of the vehicle. The second two months later.

NHTSA ODI 11722794

The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed attempting to park in front of a building, the brake pedal was depressed, however the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle lunged forward and independently accelerated. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle crashed into the building. The crash caused damage to the interior and the exterior of the building. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence. The vehicle was later taken to a collision center. The contact was informed to bring the vehicle back at a later date. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. No police report was filed. No injuries were sustained. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle had experienced some electrical issues six months after owning the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 4,500.

NHTSA ODI 11717916

Component or system that failed or malfunctioned: The electronic throttle control system and/or the powertrain control system malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to accelerate automatically and involuntarily. How safety was put at risk: The malfunction caused a collision with another vehicle and a structure. The failure placed the safety and physical integrity of two individuals at serious risk. Problem reproduction or confirmation: To my understanding, the issue has not yet been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or an independent service center. Inspection of the vehicle or component: The vehicle and/or the affected component have not yet been inspected by the manufacturer (Hyundai), law enforcement, or insurance representatives, as an insurance claim is currently in progress. Warning lamps or prior symptoms: There were no warning lights, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure. The incident occurred suddenly without any prior indication. During the event, the brake pedal did not respond.

NHTSA ODI 11716552

While driving a 2025 Hyundai Tucson rental vehicle (VIN: [XXX] ), I experienced a sudden and unintended acceleration, and the steering appeared to turn without input.The vehicle veered off the road and struck a tree on a local street two blocks from my residence. The result was the wheel was popped off of it's axel and deflated immediately. Two days prior, I experienced a similar event in the same vehicle — sudden acceleration and braking hard making a loud braking noise. I suspect a mechanical or electronic malfunction. No warning or sensors were alerting me that this would happen. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11695205

I was traveling on [XXX] in Nashville. There was a motorcycle speed trap on the right shoulder so I moved over to the left. The car in front of me also moved to the left and my car slammed on the brakes and came to a complete stop on the highway. I was badly rear-ended causing $12,500 in damage. This has happened 2 other times to me since then. This seems to be a consistent problem with the 2025 Hyundai Tucson. I'm fixing my car and selling it as I don't feel safe. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11693375