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

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

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

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.

NHTSA ODI 11730400

The brakes pushed down to the floor before the collision and wouldn’t stop the car my passenger was injured no warning system on the collision prevention and nothing engaged my foot was on the floor and there was about a 10 second delay before the brakes kicked in it’s all on dash cam

NHTSA ODI 11721876