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

I was intending to make a left hand turn out of a dinner parking lot. As I approached the exit, I saw that a car was about to drive past me preventing me from making that turn, so I put my foot on the brake pedal to stop my car and let the vehicle safely pass in front of me. But the brake did not work. It did not stop my car. The pedal felt limp not firm I turned sharply to the left to avoid striking the other vehicle. Fortunately no other cars were coming in either direction. I put the car in neutral and then in park. Only by the grace of God a collision was averted. I then restarted the car, the brake pedal was now firm again and I drove home. I returned home and left the car in my driveway until Monday, July 13 when I had a tow truck take the vehicle to the dealer. This is not the first time my brakes became soft and limp and failed to stop my car. There have been at least two or three previous incidents over the the past months while backing out of a parking space, the brake pedal became limp. In those instances I was able to stop the vehicle by putting it in park. When I restarted the vehicle, the brake returned to being firm. These incidents are intermittent. I don't know when and where they will occur. To date, the dealer claims not to have found anything wrong with my brakes. Apparently, unless they can replicate my experience directly themselves, they intend to send me on my merry way. I don't consider the vehicle is safe to drive. The intermittent problems I have had with the brakes all occurred in exiting parking lots and not on the highway at 55 MPH - fortunately. These incidents occurred. The brakes have failed

NHTSA ODI 11750409

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 in a line of cars when there was a sudden slowing of all cars ahead of my 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. Car's Forward Collision Avoidance system applied brakes too early and too hard. Car behind me almost collided with my car's rear. My 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid had less than 1,300 miles. I confirmed this early collision avoidance early braking incident to salesman, Stephan, on May 7, 2026 during service at Piazza Hyundai of West Chester. I explained it was a near collision by car behind me. No action taken by dealership, and no recall information was provided to me.

NHTSA ODI 11746132

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

My vehicle has an ongoing safety‑critical defect involving the braking system, powertrain, and ADAS logic. I have not driven the vehicle since 04/27/2026; all diagnostic trouble codes were recorded while the vehicle was in the dealership’s possession. On 05/05/2026, the vehicle stored multiple DTCs, including C164286, P071300, P076800, U060FF1, U060F29, and U061386. On 05/13/2026, P071300, P076800, U060FF1, U060F29, and U061386 were recorded again, showing repeated powertrain, communication, and control‑system faults while the vehicle remained with the dealer. On 05/22/2026, two additional safety‑related DTCs (P107600 and C272146) were first recorded, and both were last reported again on 05/27/2026, still while the vehicle was in dealer custody. These DTCs now show as Historical because the vehicle has not been operated since the last fault was recorded. Their Historical status only means the system has not run a new check — it does not mean the defect is repaired. The vehicle has also exhibited brake‑logic abnormalities, including a persistent Brake‑ON signal at highway speeds, which violates Brake‑Throttle Override safety logic and affects ADAS functions. The powertrain shows signs of torque converter instability, mechanical drag, abnormal slip, and heat buildup documented across these dates. Two OTA updates were performed during periods of instability, but neither corrected the defect. The dealership has not provided documentation confirming the safety issues were resolved. Because the braking logic, powertrain behavior, and repeated DTC activity remain unexplained and unresolved, I do not believe the vehicle is safe to operate.

NHTSA ODI 11740756

3 incidents of same braking component. Once while exiting a parking lot, the car slams breaks so hard while accelerating that car slams to hard stop with no warning. Once while driving through an intersection brakes engaged for no reason. Once after stopping at Red light, then when moving with traffic, car stops so hard with no warning that we were almost rear ended and seat belt left marks and bottom of car seemed to hit the ground. These violent automatic breaking events are scary because for no reason or cause and no warning the car suddenly hard brakes. Fear of being rear ended or car flipping from such sudden and hard breaking. This incident has not been inspected although the car is current on all maintenance and has been recently in to car dealer for oil change.

NHTSA ODI 11739063

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Automatic braking system brakes for no reason when I am not near any cars traveling at high speed or even when I am already at a complete stop or moving very slowly but not anywhere near hitting the car in front of me. This has happened multiple times since I leased this car in July 2025 and it seems to be getting worse. I had a 45 min drive home today and it happened about 7 times all for no reason. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? It slams on the brakes unnecessarily and the cars behind me almost rear end me. This has happened on residential roads and highways. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? I just called to take it in. They seemed to have no idea what I was talking about. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? not yet but I am taking it in asap Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? NONE

NHTSA ODI 11736385

I was on the freeway about 2 minutes and the car flashed a red warning then slammed on the brakes and I flew forward. No cruise control and no buttons hit or anything automatic. Another time,  I was merging to freeway on ramp (with 2 lanes merging and going to freeway). I was on the left right lane towards the on ramp and another car came speeding next to me on other the on ramp right lane. All of a sudden, my Tucson says emergency braking for about 1 to 3 seconds. slamps the brakes. I am not sure if the other speeding car made a sensor think I was going to merge into him,or him into me, or the sensors didn't detect the lane markings. It's my daily route to this ramp and it has not occurred in the past. These emergency braking incident has happened several times (4-5 times in a month) to me, usually during a highway drive similar to those above. I have to turn off the forward collsion to stop this happening and it comes back on everytime when the car starts from a off.

NHTSA ODI 11734802

On at least three occasions, the forward collision system incorrectly determined there was an imminent collision when a car or truck was simply coming over into my lane. The Tucscon locked the brakes, bringing the car to a full stop in the middle of high-traffic roads even while the car in front was pulling away. I was unable to give the car gas to continue driving forward. On two occasions this was on an interstate, going from almost 70 mph to stop when there was no car or obstacle in front of the car. It created a very dangerous risk of being rear-ended. The car did display the message "Collision Warning" on the instrument panel, emit an audible alarm, and shook the steering wheel.

NHTSA ODI 11734841

Had an issue with driver assist radar when in complete control. Until you’re not! Brakes lock up skidding tires and causing seat belts to lock up. It happens so suddenly it scares you to the point of heart attack. This has happened: merely backing out of driveway, when accelerating in your lane with car in turn lane beside you turning right. And most recently on FL Turnpike while in stopped/slowed traffic due to emergency vehicles trying to get to scene of Naples wildfire. When I accelerated as traffic resumed at slow speed the car locks up brakes, squalling tires and slewing sideways. It startled me so much my heart was racing and I didn’t know if the car was still running or not. There was an 18 wheeler coming up behind and I was frozen not knowing what to do next. I don’t know if sensitivity can be adjusted or what it needs but my heart can’t take many more of these incidents. I will report to dealer as well. I know there is a Reddit thread about these same issues that my daughter found on researching this issue.

NHTSA ODI 11734990

Vehicle began flashing check driver assistance for rear sensors repeatedly while traveling out of state on March 30th with an occasional flash of check AWD/4WD. On March 31st the vehicle flashed the warnings along with a variety of others flashing on the infotainment screen rapidly and shut off while driving. I was barely able to restart to get it safely into a parking lot before it shut down completely without restarting. The vehicle was towed to the Hyundai dealership that it was purchased from. The diagnostics show electrical and safety systems issues. The dealership and Hyundai USA has been less than transparent regarding a repair plan and potential completion date. It is currently April 21st with no end in sight. The vehicle feels completely unsafe to me and I regret the purchase wholeheartedly.

NHTSA ODI 11732634

I was driving on the highway in heavy traffic going about 65 mph. An unusual symbol appeared on the dash in red that I don't know what It was or what it meant but I thought it must be something serious. Then a warning came up saying for me to take a break. Then a different warning came up saying that I should take control of the car immediately, it was about to brake. The car immediately began to brake. Fortunately I was in the right hand lane of the three-lane highway and I was able to pull into the breakdown lane. I can't even imagine what would have happened if I was in the middle or far left lane. I was not unobservant and both of my hands were on the steering wheel when this happened. Once the vehicle stopped, the symbol on the dash disappeared and the brakes released. I was able to resume driving. Although there was no accident, injury or fire, and no police report needed, this does not discount the seriousness of this event. This could have been life-threatening if I had been in a different lane or had panicked, causing a multi car pileup in the heavy traffic. Serious enough that I feel the need to get rid of this car.

NHTSA ODI 11732257

Over the past four days, my vehicle has repeatedly applied braking unexpectedly without a valid obstacle or need to brake. This has occurred multiple times under normal driving conditions, including: Twice on the freeway in stop-and-go traffic with vehicles at a safe distance ahead Multiple times on regular city streets with vehicles ahead at approximately 15–20 feet Once while turning into my driveway as my garage door was opening In one instance on the freeway, a vehicle behind me nearly collided due to the sudden unexpected braking. The Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (Automatic Emergency Braking) system is set to “Late,” yet the vehicle still applies braking unnecessarily. This behavior did not occur previously and has started happening repeatedly within the past four days. This creates a significant safety risk, particularly in traffic where unexpected braking can cause rear-end collisions. The vehicle has approximately 1050 miles and has not been modified. The issue is currently being evaluated by a Hyundai dealership and has been reported to Hyundai Motor America under an open case.

NHTSA ODI 11730409

Hello, In my 2025 Tuscan Hybrid, the vehicle all of a sudden came to a near complete stop driving down the highway at lower speeds due to vehicles in front of me slowing down before a tunnel. While it was apparent I had to slow down, there was no immediate danger to me potentially crashing into the car in front of me which is why I am concerned the car is over reacting to my environment whilst driving.

NHTSA ODI 11729357

Subject: Safety Concern – Excessive Automatic Braking (2025 Hyundai Tucson) I am reporting a safety concern regarding the automatic braking system (Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist) in my 2025 Hyundai Tucson. The vehicle frequently applies sudden and aggressive braking in situations where there is no immediate collision risk. This occurs during normal driving and low-speed parking scenarios, including when passing nearby objects, backing out of parking spaces, or maneuvering in tight areas. The braking is abrupt enough to create a potential safety hazard, including: - Risk of being rear-ended due to unexpected deceleration - Disruption of normal traffic flow - Reduced driver confidence and control This behavior appears overly sensitive and does not align with actual collision risk in many cases. I have attempted to adjust the system settings (including warning timing), but the issue persists. Additionally, the system resets upon restarting the vehicle, preventing a consistent mitigation of the problem. I am requesting: - A review of this system behavior as a potential safety defect - A software update or calibration option to reduce braking aggressiveness - The ability to permanently adjust or disable this feature Please advise on next steps and whether this issue is known or under review. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11727084

Automatic braking engages when there is no actual hazard present and brings vehicle to a full stop. This causes a serious whiplash hazard to me and my passengers as our heads are thrown forward unnecessarily. It also significantly increases the risk of being rear ended by the vehicle behind me. This has happened on several occasions. Today it occurred because the car hit a small bump in the road while doing less than 10 mph. Google Search confirms that this is a widespread and well-known defect and that Hyundai has not been willing to release a software upgrade that allows owners to turn-off they automatic braking feature from the dashboard control panel. Immediate action by NHTSA is required before somebody gets seriously injured or killed by this defect.

NHTSA ODI 11725269

The automatic braking system has slammed on when traveling at least three times now when there is nothing close by or in front of me. One time a piece of a bag was fluttering on the roadside by me and my t slammed to a full stop almost causing an accident.

NHTSA ODI 11725366

WHILE TRYING TO PULL OUT OF DRIVEWAY IT WILL HARD STOP LIKE IM GOING TO HIT SOMETHING. I CAN BE DRIVING THRU TOWN AND ALL THE SUDDEN IT WILL TRY TO STOP ABRUPTLEY. IT DOES IT OFTEN. TOOK TO SHOP AND ALL THEY WOULD SAY IS ALL SYSTEMS WORK LIKE THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO. MY FONT COLLISION LIGHT COMES ON ALL THE TIME WITH SOME TIMES STAYING ON FOR A FEW DAYS. I HAVE TRIED TO WIPE IT OFF WITH NO LUCK KEEPING IT CLEAN. I DROVE IT OFF THE LOT TURNED AROUND ASND THEY HAD TO REPLACE A HEAD CAUSE IT STUCK OPEN. RUNS FUNNING.

NHTSA ODI 11723645

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

I rented this vehicle for 5 days. In those 5 days, twice while driving on the highway (at 5-10 mph under the posted speed limit due to heavy traffic, dry and clear weather), I found it necessary to brake hard due to other vehicle traffic braking hard in front of me. When I had slowed down sufficiently and felt I had sufficient space between my vehicle and the one in front of me, I let off the brake pedal, but the "forward safety" feature continued to brake until the vehicle came to a complete stop nearly causing the vehicle behind me to hit my vehicle. To be clear, no accident occurred, but in one of those instanced the vehicle behind me was within 1ft of hitting my rear bumper. Had the vehicle behind me not been able to stop in time, there would have been an accident, and because the brakes were locked by the computer, I could not have done anything to prevent it. After the second incident (on 2-15-2026), I looked through the vehicle setup information and found it is possible to disable the "forward safety" feature to prevent additional incidents, however, that setting can only be changed then the vehicle is stationary, and it automatically turns back on every time you start the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11719936

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