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2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
17
Latest Aug 12, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
10
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
4

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Electrical521.7%
  • Powertrain (other)28.7%
  • Engine28.7%
  • Body & structure14.3%
  • Airbags14.3%
  • Fuel system14.3%
  • Interior & seats14.3%
  • Exterior lighting14.3%
  • Brakes14.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Twice within 3 days the car drove when was in electronic park. FIRST August 1 2026 instance got in car parked in a lot. Started it (foot on brake, push start). Spent ≈ 15 min checking iPad. When car in front of me backed out of parking space, car dinged, lit up that car in front is leaving like it we were at a stop sign. Then started to move forward. I quickly braked. I may have touched the brake while sitting but never touched the shift. • SECOND instance August 3 2026 driving (MY Mode) with Smart Cruise and Lane Assist. Parked in daughter’s driveway. Foot on brake. Absolutely pushed Electronic P for park. It was my intention to leave car on for AC while dropping a bag on their porch. I did touch brake again while gathering things to get out - but did not touch shift. While I was turned sideways it drove forward into the garage door. No the foot was not on accelerator. It was on floor as I was leaning over. For reference, a few weeks ago the front camera’s sudden stop recall was done.

NHTSA ID 11755985 · filed Aug 10, 2026

I was traveling on the highway at approximately 75 mph, in TX with my wife, mother in law, and my two pets when the emergency breaking system triggered suddenly. There were no cars or obstacles in front of me. But there was a long line of vehicles, including 18 wheelers right behind me. The vehicle went from about 75 mph to about 55 in less than a second or so it seemed. This was terrifying for everyone. I pulled up to a gas station and restarted the vehicle and it seemed to go back to normal. I got back on the highway, still shaken, and at about 15 or 20 minutes later, the main screen blacked out for about 2 seconds. Then, I was doing about 70, and again the automatic breaking system suddenly slammed, almost causing an accident. The car prompted me to contact Hyundai blue link and as I got off the highway, the vehicle started to loose power until it totally died; leaving stranded in the middle of nowhere with my family and pets under the extreme Texas heat. This horrific, traumatizing experience, has led me to decide to stay as far away from these vehicles. These vehicles are dangerous, a death trap, and I feel lucky to be alive after these incidents.

NHTSA ID 11752955 · filed Jul 26, 2026
All 8 reports naming driver assistance

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

While driving on the turnpike, the driver seat moved backward. Both of my hadds were on the steeeringwheel during the entire time. The seat motor was clearly engaged in moving the seat. There was no coat, cloth, or any obstruction near the seat control switch. I tried to move the seat up, however the seat would not move up or back. About 20 minutes later I was able to move the seat forward with the switch. Then about 3O minutes later while traveling accross a large bridge, again the seat moved back on its's own with the seat motor clearly engaged. Both times this was very scarry and since I am not tall I had to reach forward to keep my arms on the stering whell and the gas and brake pedals. Since this is clearly a safety matter I imediately contacted the dealer where the car was purchased. They told me to bring the car in. However they then called me saying that since they could not reproduce the problem I should pick up he car. I am very scared to drive this car. Chatgbt reports other owners have repoted the same problems, but they apperar to be relativly uncommon,

NHTSA ID 11755935 · filed Aug 10, 2026

I was traveling on the highway at approximately 75 mph, in TX with my wife, mother in law, and my two pets when the emergency breaking system triggered suddenly. There were no cars or obstacles in front of me. But there was a long line of vehicles, including 18 wheelers right behind me. The vehicle went from about 75 mph to about 55 in less than a second or so it seemed. This was terrifying for everyone. I pulled up to a gas station and restarted the vehicle and it seemed to go back to normal. I got back on the highway, still shaken, and at about 15 or 20 minutes later, the main screen blacked out for about 2 seconds. Then, I was doing about 70, and again the automatic breaking system suddenly slammed, almost causing an accident. The car prompted me to contact Hyundai blue link and as I got off the highway, the vehicle started to loose power until it totally died; leaving stranded in the middle of nowhere with my family and pets under the extreme Texas heat. This horrific, traumatizing experience, has led me to decide to stay as far away from these vehicles. These vehicles are dangerous, a death trap, and I feel lucky to be alive after these incidents.

NHTSA ID 11752955 · filed Jul 26, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My 2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid has lost drive/propulsion three times at freeway speed within the first month of ownership. The loss of power is sudden, and the vehicle does not re-engage drive for approximately 15–20 seconds. On July 5, 2026, at approximately 60 mph, the vehicle lost propulsion entirely and went limp in live freeway traffic, forcing me to coast off the freeway. Drive was only restored by shutting the engine off and restarting it. Two earlier occurrences happened on July 5, 2026 (earlier in the same drive) and on June 14, 2026. The vehicle is currently at the dealer service department; no fault codes were found and the technician could not reproduce the condition. This is an intermittent but repeatable loss of vehicle control at highway speed and I consider it a serious safety hazard with crash potential. Hyundai Consumer Affairs case #xxxxxxx is open on this vehicle.

NHTSA ID 11748907 · filed Jul 7, 2026

After purchase, I drove home on the highway and noticed an obvious rattle/vibration. I returned the vehicle 3 times before it was finally discovered that there was a defect in the drive shaft. To hide the defect, during manufacturing multiple balance weights were installed on the same side of the drive shaft to allow it to pass safety checks, despite posing a major safety risk. The vehicle has been declared a Lemon and they must repurchase, but I suspect this problem will extend beyond my one vehicle.

NHTSA ID 11746828 · filed Jun 26, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I purchased my vehicle from Ideal Hyundai on 04/23/26. On 06/22/26 (less than 2 months later), I was driving to work and the car started to lose power. The display said to check hybrid system and stop safely. After 10 minutes, I was able to drive the car 3 more miles to work. I took it to Ideal Hyundai the next day. I got the car back on 06/26/26 after they said they address the issue and the open recall. Two weeks later, on 07/23/26 I was driving home on a busy highway when the car began to lose power again. We were able to get to the side of the road but were still in a dangerous position. Within minutes, the car's power went out and fuel drained from the car. We used Hyundai Roadside Assistance and they towed it to the nearest Hyundai dealer (Antwerpen). They told me the next day that the car had serious issues and another recall. They said they'd repair it by the end of the week. I also had called the Hyundai corporate office on 07/13/26. They said someone would get back to me in 2-3 business days. They have not done so yet. When I called yesterday, they said someone will get back to me tomorrow (9 business days after my initial call). No one from Antwerpen is answering the phone. I just got a text from them on 07/17/26 saying the car would be ready on 07/20/26 (it's not ready). Because the car lost power in the middle of a busy highway and has lost power twice in less than a month, I am afraid to drive it and believe it has issues that make it unsafe.

NHTSA ID 11751767 · filed Jul 21, 2026

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID 11740648 · filed May 28, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

Date: Sunday, XXX at approximately 10:30 AM Location: LAZ Parking Garage, [XXX] Details: While exiting the parking garage at approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly engaged automatic braking, causing the vehicle to make contact with a yellow pole in the garage. As a result of the impact, the front fender and bumper sustained damage. There was one occupant in the vehicle (myself), and I was wearing my seatbelt at the time of the incident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11750960 · filed Jul 16, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2026 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while slowly driving into a parking space, the vehicle suddenly stopped and then suddenly jolted forward and crashed into a guard rail and steel fence in front of the local Post Office. During the crash, the front end of the vehicle was severely damaged, but no air bags deployed. No injuries were reported. A Police report was taken at the scene, and the vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was not contacted after the failure. The contact was later informed of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V316000 (FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 7,700.

NHTSA ID 11747172 · filed Jun 29, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I purchased my vehicle from Ideal Hyundai on 04/23/26. On 06/22/26 (less than 2 months later), I was driving to work and the car started to lose power. The display said to check hybrid system and stop safely. After 10 minutes, I was able to drive the car 3 more miles to work. I took it to Ideal Hyundai the next day. I got the car back on 06/26/26 after they said they address the issue and the open recall. Two weeks later, on 07/23/26 I was driving home on a busy highway when the car began to lose power again. We were able to get to the side of the road but were still in a dangerous position. Within minutes, the car's power went out and fuel drained from the car. We used Hyundai Roadside Assistance and they towed it to the nearest Hyundai dealer (Antwerpen). They told me the next day that the car had serious issues and another recall. They said they'd repair it by the end of the week. I also had called the Hyundai corporate office on 07/13/26. They said someone would get back to me in 2-3 business days. They have not done so yet. When I called yesterday, they said someone will get back to me tomorrow (9 business days after my initial call). No one from Antwerpen is answering the phone. I just got a text from them on 07/17/26 saying the car would be ready on 07/20/26 (it's not ready). Because the car lost power in the middle of a busy highway and has lost power twice in less than a month, I am afraid to drive it and believe it has issues that make it unsafe.

NHTSA ID 11751767 · filed Jul 21, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

While driving on the turnpike, the driver seat moved backward. Both of my hadds were on the steeeringwheel during the entire time. The seat motor was clearly engaged in moving the seat. There was no coat, cloth, or any obstruction near the seat control switch. I tried to move the seat up, however the seat would not move up or back. About 20 minutes later I was able to move the seat forward with the switch. Then about 3O minutes later while traveling accross a large bridge, again the seat moved back on its's own with the seat motor clearly engaged. Both times this was very scarry and since I am not tall I had to reach forward to keep my arms on the stering whell and the gas and brake pedals. Since this is clearly a safety matter I imediately contacted the dealer where the car was purchased. They told me to bring the car in. However they then called me saying that since they could not reproduce the problem I should pick up he car. I am very scared to drive this car. Chatgbt reports other owners have repoted the same problems, but they apperar to be relativly uncommon,

NHTSA ID 11755935 · filed Aug 10, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I WAS DRIVING DURING DAYLIGHT AND THE DASHBOARD DISPLAY BECAME BARELY VISIBLE, AND THEN ALTERNATED BETWEEN VISIBLE AND BARELY VISIBLE SEVERAL TIMES. IF IT WERE NIGHTTIME THE DISPLAY WOULD BE UNREADABLE AND I WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO SEE MY SPEED OR OTHER IMPORTANT INDICATORS WHICH WOULD PUT ME AND OTHER DRIVERS AT RISK.

NHTSA ID 11756466 · filed Aug 12, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

Twice within 3 days the car drove when was in electronic park. FIRST August 1 2026 instance got in car parked in a lot. Started it (foot on brake, push start). Spent ≈ 15 min checking iPad. When car in front of me backed out of parking space, car dinged, lit up that car in front is leaving like it we were at a stop sign. Then started to move forward. I quickly braked. I may have touched the brake while sitting but never touched the shift. • SECOND instance August 3 2026 driving (MY Mode) with Smart Cruise and Lane Assist. Parked in daughter’s driveway. Foot on brake. Absolutely pushed Electronic P for park. It was my intention to leave car on for AC while dropping a bag on their porch. I did touch brake again while gathering things to get out - but did not touch shift. While I was turned sideways it drove forward into the garage door. No the foot was not on accelerator. It was on floor as I was leaning over. For reference, a few weeks ago the front camera’s sudden stop recall was done.

NHTSA ID 11755985 · filed Aug 10, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .