Hyundai Motor America, the US arm of the South Korean automaker, has issued a recall for more than 421,000 vehicles due to a software glitch that could cause sudden and unanticipated braking, raising the risk of rear-end collisions. The recall affects specific 2025 and 2026 models of the Hyundai Tucson, Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid, and Hyundai Santa Cruz vehicles, as per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
A software error in the front-facing camera module has been identified as the cause of the problem, leading to the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) system inaccurately detecting road obstacles. This error may trigger emergency braking without an actual threat being present, posing a safety concern for drivers.
The issue is attributed to a flaw in the vehicle’s sensor framework, resulting in the misinterpretation of environmental data and premature activation of brakes while the vehicle is in motion. Hyundai has received 376 consumer complaints regarding sudden braking incidents between October 2024 and April 2026, with the defect being associated with four crashes and four injuries, although no severe injuries have been reported thus far.
To address the issue, Hyundai dealers will install updated front camera software at no cost to the owners. Notifications are set to be sent out to affected owners by July 17, 2026. This recall follows a recent recall by Hyundai involving over 54,000 US vehicles due to a separate fire-risk issue related to overheating in the hybrid power control unit. Despite this, the company has not instructed owners to cease driving the affected vehicles but has advised them to schedule service appointments upon notification.
