What 43 owners told NHTSA about the 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid

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.

NHTSA ODI 11748615

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.

NHTSA ODI 11746742

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.

NHTSA ODI 11745565

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.

NHTSA ODI 11744064

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.

NHTSA ODI 11743554

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

NHTSA ODI 11741093

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.

NHTSA ODI 11740938

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.

NHTSA ODI 11740081

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 occasional warning indicators or abnormal vehicle behavior before the crash, but no information was provided to me at that time indicating the vehicle was subject to a safety recall. The emergency brake has been horrible since i’ve purchased the car, i’ve almost crashed or gotten hit numerous of times.

NHTSA ODI 11739948

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

NHTSA ODI 11739680

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.

NHTSA ODI 11739700

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

NHTSA ODI 11739500

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.

NHTSA ODI 11739324

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. I am referencing NHTSA TSB #25-01-024H (Service Campaign 9C1). I would like to encourage NHTSA to reconsider their position on this ongoing network failure as more than a technical service communication issue but, rather, as an emergency safety recall as many Hyundai customers are experiencing this same stuck software update loop and loss of vital safety features.

NHTSA ODI 11739340

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

NHTSA ODI 11739395

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.

NHTSA ODI 11739059

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.

NHTSA ODI 11736735

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.

NHTSA ODI 11736293

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

NHTSA ODI 11735515

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)

NHTSA ODI 11735597

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.

NHTSA ODI 11735329

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.

NHTSA ODI 11735306

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.

NHTSA ODI 11735204

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.

NHTSA ODI 11734061

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.

NHTSA ODI 11732885