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

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

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

The contact rented a 2025 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the vehicle would stop and would restart independently while driving. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the vehicle failed to respond on several occasions while the gear shifter was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure occurred while there was a vehicle parked behind the vehicle or further away. There was no warning light illuminated. The rental company was informed of the failure. Additionally, the contact stated that upon shifting to reverse on one occasion, the vehicle responded, but unintendedly accelerated. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal was stiff and failed to respond, causing the vehicle to crash into an unoccupied parked vehicle. The contact stated that the distance between the two vehicles could fit two parked vehicles. The contact stated that her teenager was occupying the front passenger's side seat during the incident. The contact stated that the front passenger's side and driver's side seat belts failed to restrain the passengers as needed, causing both passengers to use their arms to protect themselves. The police officers arrived at the scene but did not file a report. Both passengers sustained arm, neck, and head pain but declined to be transported to the hospital by ambulance. The contact stated that the gear shifter was locked after the crash and required two hands to move to park(P). The rental company was informed of the failure. The contact was able to drive the vehicle back to the residence. The vehicle was driven to the Rental Company the following day. No further information was available. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 24,292.

NHTSA ODI 11714439