2026 Hyundai Tucson Driver assistance Problems

Forward collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking systems failed on 5/13/2026. Driving at a low rate of speed, approximately 15mph in a roundabout traffic circle with no other vehicles in front of the vehicle, sunny dry weather, 740am. Proceeded into traffic circle and FCA engaged and hard braking occurred for instantaneous stop and my vehicle was hit in the rear by a school bus. Air bags did not deploy. No recall on the vehicle at time of accident. Recall issued 6 days after accident for FCA. After contacting insurance company, Hyundai was contacted and made aware of the incident and safety concerns. The vehicle was towed to the dealership that evening and the next day I was advised that they could not check out the vehicle prior to having the collision repaired. The vehicle was then towed to a collision repair shop and released from there and towed back to the dealership on 6/19/2026. The vehicle had two safety recalls at that time and according to the service department both have been addressed. The vehicle is presently sitting the dealership (8/4/2026) waiting for Hyundai to investigate further. There were a few incidents prior to the collision that occurred randomly with the warning going off when no other vehicles or structures were close by. I took possession of this vehicle on 11/22/2025 and it had 2,431 odometer miles when this accident happened.

NHTSA ID

11754769

Incident

May 13, 2026

My Gf was driving car coming up on stopped traffic when automatic braking engaged slamming on brakes for no reason causing the car behind to rear end my vehicle, My Gf was transported to hospital with 4 broken ribs with each rib having multiple fractures, She was in ICU for 2 days and total of 4 days. She has had to go back for another 1 day stay for pain and breathing difficulty.

NHTSA ID

11754733

Incident

Jul 21, 2026

The contact owns a 2026 Hyundai Tucson. The contact was notified the following day after purchasing the vehicle that there was an open recall on the VIN. The VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V316000 (Forward Collision Avoidance). The parts were available for the recall repair; however, the dealer where the vehicle was purchased was 97 miles away. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the local dealer for the recall repair. The repair was in the process of being completed on 08/03/2026. The contact researched and became aware that the “Do Not Sell” restriction was in place and was dated 5/19/2026. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue.

NHTSA ID

11754383

Incident

Jul 28, 2026

First time it happened I was driving on the freeway from [XXX] to [XXX]. The car did an instant jerk stop ON THE FREEWAY!! I thought my granddaughter touched something but then it did it again when I was driving by myself. So I took the car in for the recall that came out for this issue and the day after that as I parked into an In-N-Out parking space my collision light came on warning me that there was a collision ahead. I was in a parking space so in that moment, I kind of let it go. Has done it a few times in local traffic. Fast forward to yesterday XXX It was way more serious. I was doing a U-turn and my car jerked. Stop the car behind me almost hit me and I was stopped in oncoming traffic. It released and I got to move so I didn’t wreck, but it scared me. I was very shaken. This is now happened a few times and I have already done the recall at this point I feel very unsafe uncomfortable driving the car and feel like I need a refund full refund. I am now afraid to drive it. It’s gonna kill one of us. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11752547

Incident

Jun 17, 2026

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 111 regulates rear visibility systems. It requires backup cameras to shut off within a specific time or distance after moving forward to prevent driver distraction. A screen stuck on the reverse camera means the vehicle failed to comply with federal safety safety standards in that moment, actively flashing an illegal, high-contrast visual distraction while trying to navigate. I am writing to formally report a critical safety defect regarding the infotainment system in my 2026 Hyundai Tucson, which directly resulted in property damage on 7/6/26. While driving at approximately 35 mph, the center display screen failed to disengage the rear view camera. The persistent, high-visibility flashing of moving traffic behind me in my peripheral vision completely obscured my forward safety alerts and navigation, creating an immediate visual hazard. This system glitch distracted me at a critical moment, causing an impact with a curb. Given that this incident was precipitated by a verified malfunction of a federally regulated safety system (FMVSS 111), I requested that Hyundai corporate review this case, investigate the failure of this component, and cover the cost of the $3,337 structural repairs. They have denied my request. I am aware that NHTSA Recall 26V400000/Hyundai Recall 304 is pending complete entry of all affected vehicles (vehicle was built at the Montgomery plant). Hyundai issued Technical Service Bulletin TSB 24-BE-001H for 2022–2026 Tucsons. It officially documents that these infotainment systems suffer from "freezing, lagging, unresponsive touchscreens, and intermittent blank screens". The bulletin attributes this to a loose internal coaxial cable and software bugs. I feel strongly that the camera freeze is a direct byproduct of this documented hardware/software defect. Hyundai explicitly stated to the federal government: "An instrument panel display that fails increases the risk of crash".

NHTSA ID

11752032

Incident

Jul 6, 2026

Component: Forward Collision Avoidance / Steering / Electrical SystemDescription of Incident: While driving a rented 2026 Hyundai Tucson SEL AWD (VIN: [XXX]) on the [XXX], the vehicle experienced a severe, uncommanded steering intervention. While maintaining momentum on a winding road, the vehicle's automated systems falsely intervened, aggressively pulling the steering wheel and forcing the vehicle toward the edge of a cliff. The sensation mirrored violent torque steer, fighting driver input and nearly causing a catastrophic departure from the roadway.Safety Risk: This VIN is currently unlisted for active campaigns, but it is exhibiting the exact life-threatening failure mode detailed in NHTSA Campaign 26V316000 (FCA software defect). The manufacturer's current recall scope is inadequate and must be expanded immediately to include this VIN sequence before an uncommanded steering event results in a fatal crash. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11751443

Incident

Jul 17, 2026

The contact rented a 2026 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving and merging onto traffic on a highway, the brake pedal was slightly depressed and the vehicle overcorrected the brake, and abruptly stopped, causing the vehicle to be rear ended. There were no injuries sustained. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was driven away from the scene and was returned to the rental agency immediately. The contact was then advised that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V316000 (Forward Collision Avoidance). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11749558

Incident

Jun 30, 2026

The contact owns a 2026 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds with the Forward Collision Avoidance system activated, the system failed to warn of other vehicles or possible danger. The vehicle nearly collided with another vehicle while testing the feature. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where the failure could not be replicated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 17.

NHTSA ID

11749308

Incident

Jun 17, 2026

Mileage

17 mi

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 ID

11748615

Incident

Jun 24, 2026

Mileage

6,275 mi

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 ID

11746742

Incident

Jun 25, 2026

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 ID

11741093

Incident

May 30, 2026

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 ID

11740938

Incident

May 26, 2026

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 ID

11740081

Incident

May 14, 2026

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 ID

11739948

Incident

Mar 15, 2026

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 ID

11739680

Incident

May 7, 2026

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 ID

11739500

Incident

May 21, 2026

Mileage

3,700 mi

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 ID

11739395

Incident

May 20, 2026

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 ID

11736735

Incident

May 8, 2026

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 ID

11735515

Incident

Apr 3, 2026

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 ID

11735306

Incident

Apr 26, 2026

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 ID

11735204

Incident

Apr 22, 2026

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 ID

11734061

Incident

Apr 27, 2026

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 ID

11732885

Incident

Apr 21, 2026

Every time we drive our brand new Tucson on the highway the driver assistance warning is constantly flashing a coffee cup symbol on the dashboard along with an audible bell dinging and text suggesting we pull over and take a break for no apparent reason other than we're on a highway at highway speed. It's very distracting and upsetting to say the least and there's no way to disable the defective feature.

NHTSA ID

11732235

Incident

Apr 19, 2026

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 ID

11730400

Incident

Mar 18, 2026

Mileage

4,000 mi