2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
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
- Driver assistance834.8%
- 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.
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.
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.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
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,
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
See attached document for complaint.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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,
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .