Hyundai Recalls 421,078 Tucson and Santa Cruz Vehicles Over Unexpected Automatic Braking

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 421,078 vehicles because the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist system can apply the brakes earlier than expected, raising the risk of a rear-end crash. The recall covers model-year 2025-2026 Santa Cruz, Tucson, Tucson Hybrid, and Tucson Plug-In Hybrid vehicles.

The recall is identified as NHTSA campaign 26V-316.

The defect

According to the recall notice, the front-camera software in the affected vehicles has increased sensitivity that can cause the system to interpret the road environment incorrectly and apply the brakes when no collision is imminent. Unexpected braking at speed raises the risk of a rear-end strike by a following vehicle.

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist is the umbrella name for the camera-based system that warns of an imminent forward collision and can apply the brakes automatically. It is part of the broader category of advanced driver-assistance systems, or ADAS.

The remedy

Hyundai's remedy is a software update to the front-camera system, performed by dealers at no charge.

What owners should do

Owners can look up their vehicle by VIN at the NHTSA recalls lookup to confirm whether their vehicle is included and to track the notification timeline. Dealer notification letters and owner notification letters are issued on the schedule set in the recall filing.

What we're watching

• Any reports of crashes or injuries tied to the defect as the recall is administered
• Whether the software fix resolves the sensitivity issue in the field
• Related recalls on the same ADAS platform