2026 Hyundai Tucson Problems
Compared with other Hyundai Tucson years
Too new to compare
- Model years are compared once their first three years of complaints are in; the 2026 can be compared from 2029.
- Most reported problem: Automatic emergency braking engages when nothing is ahead (26 complaints, median 4,000 mi).
- 5 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 64filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 1,682miles, 8 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 5campaigns on record
- Trend
- Too newThis model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 28 mpgcombined, 2.5L 4-cyl FWD · 25 city / 33 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2026 Hyundai Tucson (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Almost all of what owners of this model year describe so far concerns the forward collision avoidance system, with repeated reports of the brakes applying suddenly when no obstacle is present. Complaints also describe brake pedal feel and dashboard/electrical troubles. Because this is a very new model year, most reports arrive within the first few thousand miles, and several owners say the dealer could not reproduce the behaviour.
- Forward collision avoidance
Automatic emergency braking engages when nothing is ahead
- 26 complaints (41%)
- median 4,000 mi at 0.5 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- 10 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2026
Owners describe the vehicle braking hard on its own at highway and city speeds when there is no vehicle or pedestrian in the path, sometimes while they are already pressing the brake themselves. Several say the stop was abrupt enough to throw occupants forward, and many report that a following vehicle then struck them. According to the complaints, dealers have either been unable to duplicate the behaviour or applied the recall software, and some owners say the same braking recurred after that repair. Reported at a wide range of mileages, from a few hundred miles up to the mid four-thousands, with many occurring within the first month of ownership on highways, in stop-and-go traffic and in parking lots.
Recall 26V3160001 related service bulletin
What to check: Ask whether the recall for the front camera software has been performed and whether the owner noticed any unexpected braking afterwards. On a test drive, try the system at highway speed and in slow traffic with a clear gap ahead, and ask how easy the forward collision settings are to change.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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 complaint #11754733, filed 2026-08“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11734061, filed 2026-04 - Lane departure
Driver attention warning chime that cannot be turned off
- 8 complaints (13%)
- typically at 0.7 yrs old
- filed 2026
Owners describe a frequent chime and a coffee-cup message advising a break, which they say appears within minutes of starting out and many times on long trips. Complaints say the alert cuts the radio volume, cannot be permanently disabled, and is distracting enough that drivers look away from the road. Some owners say the dealership attempted to find a way to switch it off without success. Reported on highway drives with cruise control on, occurring within minutes of setting out and repeatedly over long distances.
What to check: During a test drive, use cruise control on a steady road for several minutes and note how often the attention warning chimes and whether the settings menu offers any way to reduce it.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The DAW system goes off numerous times during any trip. Many times within 10 minutes of stating out. the constant annoying warning telling me to take a break when I just did puts me on edge. It went off about 30-40 times during a recent 2 day trip. At some point you just swear at the thing and want to rip the dam camera off the steering wheel. This is not the kind of attitude you want while driving long distances. …”
NHTSA complaint #11758726, filed 2026-08“I always have the Forward Attention Warning turned off in Vehicle Settings. This past week, 8/13/2026, while on the freeway I was doing the speed limit which was 70 mph. I had the Cruise Control turned on as well as the Lane Assist. While briefly changing the map setting on the display and not looking forward I got the warning “Eyes on the road, Hands on the wheel”. I got that warning twice within a minute. I was in the middle lane of a 3 lane freeway with fairly heavy traffic. …”
NHTSA complaint #11757453, filed 2026-08 - Electrical system
Dashboard display goes blank
Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners describe the instrument cluster intermittently going dark or showing a no-signal message while driving, taking the speedometer, gear indicator and warning lights with it. Others report an update that repeatedly fails to finish or a screen that stays on the rearview camera image after moving forward. Complaints mention software updates performed by the dealer, with at least one owner reporting the display failed again shortly afterwards. Described at low mileage, often within the first months of ownership and during or after a software update.
Recall 26V400000Recall 26V0470003 related service bulletins
What to check: Confirm the instrument cluster software recalls have been completed and ask if the owner ever saw the cluster go blank or show no signal. Check that the screen returns to its normal display after reversing.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Our dashboard went blank and said “No Signal” over two weeks ago. (recall 304). We took it in for service. They did a Software upgrade which is the stated remedy. Two days ago it did it again. This time we had it towed to the dealership. They have had it since Thursday but no word back on a solution”
NHTSA complaint #11754210, filed 2026-08“After 3 months and 840 miles, my 2026 Hyundai Tucson wouldn't respond one morning. No power at all, including to unlock the car. Road side assistance struggled to jump out but finally the car started, but the cluster panel would not turn on. I had to drive to the dealership with no speedometer or other screen sensors, as well as a lack of blinker or lights. This is outrageous because I barely drive the car and it's brand new.”
NHTSA complaint #11724310, filed 2026-03
Buying note. Ask for the recall history on any specific vehicle and confirm the front camera software and instrument cluster updates have been done. A longer test drive covering highway speed, slow traffic and a parking manoeuvre is worth doing before deciding, since many of the complaints describe behaviour that only shows up in those situations.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 64 consumer complaints for the 2026 Hyundai Tucson. 8 of the complaints include a mileage, and 100% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 1,682 miles. Of all complaints, 15 involved a crash, 8 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 22 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes15 23%
- Other or unknown11 17%
- Electrical system8 13%
- Exterior lighting3 4.7%
- Engine2 3.1%
- Lane departure2 3.1%
- Body and structure2 3.1%
- Air bags1 1.6%
Also reported: Fuel system (1), Seat belts (1), Steering (1), Tires (1), Transmission and drivetrain (1), Vehicle speed control (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Forward collision avoidance: “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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11739500, filed 2026-05, 3,700 milesBrakes: “The brakes pushed down to the floor before the collision and wouldn’t stop the car my passenger was injured no warning system on the collision prevention and nothing engaged my foot was on the floor and there was about a 10 second delay before the brakes kicked in it’s all on dash cam”
NHTSA complaint #11721876, filed 2026-03Other or unknown: “7/9/2026 Check engine light on at 320 miles. Had car 3 weeks. Took to dealership they ran diagnostics & the code came up as P050B00 (cold start ignition timing performance). Dealership told me that the manufacture knows there is a problem but does not know how to fix at this time. I was told there was nothing they can do and keep driving the car with a check engine light on, which is ridiculous. Filed a claim that day with the manufacturer. …”
NHTSA complaint #11751686, filed 2026-07Electrical system: “Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2026 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that they discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 18. It was later discovered upon checking the Title that the mileage was 2,664.”
NHTSA complaint #11739324, filed 2026-05, 2,664 milesMileage when problems were reported
100% of the 8 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 500 and 3,700 miles.
Complaints by year filed
This model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2026 Hyundai Tucson. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tucson · SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 17.4% risk |
| Tucson · SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 15.9% risk |
Neighbouring years: 2025: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2026 Hyundai Tucson version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tucson AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 24 | 30 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Tucson FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 25 | 33 | 28 | $2,400 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 26V400000Jun 23, 2026Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panelCovers: Hyundai Tucson 2025–2026, Tucson Hybrid 2025–2026, Tucson Plug-In Hybrid 2025–2026
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Tucson, Tucson Hybrid, Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements…
- 26V316000May 18, 2026Forward collision avoidance › Automatic emergency brakingCovers: Hyundai Tucson 2025–2026, Tucson Hybrid 2025–2026, Santa Cruz 2025–2026 +1 more
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Santa Cruz, Tucson, Tucson Hybrid, and Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles. Software in the front cameras may cause the forward collision avoidance system to activate prematurely and…
- 26V254000Apr 20, 2026Air bags › Sensor › Side impactCovers: Hyundai Tucson 2026, Elantra N 2025, Tucson Hybrid 2026 +2 more
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025 Elantra N, 2026 Tucson, Tucson Hybrid, Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), and Elantra vehicles. The B-pillar impact sensors may have been misassembled, which can delay air bag deployment.
- 26V047000Jan 26, 2026Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panelCovers: Hyundai Tucson 2026, Tucson Hybrid 2025–2026, Tucson Plug-In Hybrid 2025–2026 +9 more
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Tucson Hybrid, Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 IONIQ 5, Santa Cruz, Kona, Palisade, Palisade Hybrid, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Hybrid, Sonata, Sonata Hybrid, and Tucson vehicles. Due to a…
- 25V549000Aug 25, 2025Engine and engine cooling › Critical fastenersCovers: Hyundai Tucson 2025–2026, Santa FE 2025–2026
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Tucson and Santa Fe vehicles. The connecting rod bolts in the engine may have been improperly tightened, which can cause a loss of drive power and engine damage, possibly resulting in an oil leak.
Recall details for the 2026 Hyundai Tucson → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 22 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038798Oct 27, 2026Electrical system. This bulletin provides information related to the navigation and head unit software changes introduced in the 2026 2nd Navigation Map and Software Update. The changes may vary depending on vehicle…
- 11038722Oct 15, 2026Back-over prevention (rear camera). Some Hyundai vehicles may be equipped with a parking distance warning (PDW) sensor(s) that may trigger various DTCs and display warning messages on the instrument cluster, resulting in the PDW…
- 11038458Oct 8, 2026Engine. Some vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin outlines the combustion chamber cleaning procedure for vehicles…
- 11038456Oct 7, 2026Engine. Certain vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin provides the inspection and repair procedures for vehicles…
- 11037491Sep 24, 2026Other or unknown. Certain Tucson (NX4A) and Santa Cruz (NXT) vehicles may exhibit air bubbles forming on the surface of the dashboard (crash pad) due to poor adhesion caused by prolonged UV and heat exposure…
- 11037490Sep 23, 2026Other or unknown. Certain Tucson (NX4A) and Santa Cruz (NXT) vehicles may exhibit air bubbles forming on the surface of the dashboard (crash pad) due to poor adhesion caused by prolonged UV and heat exposure. This…
- 11037232Aug 21, 2026Electrical system. Some Tucson (NX4, NX4A, NX4M), Tucson Hybrid (NX4 HEV), and Tucson Plug-In Hybrid (NX4 PHEV) vehicles may exhibit a 12-volt battery drain due to the passive entry feature of the Digital Key 2…
- 11036621Aug 21, 2026Exterior lighting. Certain Tucson (NX4A) vehicles equipped with bulb type "inside rear combination lamp assembly" may have a crack on the left-hand side. This bulletin provides instructions to inspect the "inside rear…
- 11034027Jun 17, 2026Electrical system. Some Palisade (LX2), Tucson (NX4), and Tucson Hybrid (NX4 HEV) vehicles may experience battery drain due to continuous operation of the cooling fan after vehicle ignition has been turned off…
- 11033710May 27, 2026Electrical system. This bulletin provides information related to the navigation and head unit software changes introduced in the 2026 1st Navigation Map and Software Update. The changes may vary depending on vehicle…
Other model years of the Hyundai Tucson
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 64 | 1,682 | 5 | 5 | 28 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 295 | 6,500 | 6 | 5 | 28 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 99 | 19,000 | 4 | 5 | 28 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 136 | 17,120 | 2 | 4–5 | 28 | 81 · More | Too new |
| 2022 | 388 | 26,100 | 3 | 4–5 | 29 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2021 | 80 | 26,972 | 1 | 5 | 25 | 32 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2020 | 179 | 8,600 | 1 | 5 | 25 | 72 · More | Stable |
| 2019 | 385 | 21,400 | 1 | 5 | 26 | 94 · More | Stable |
| 2018 | 399 | 31,962 | 1 | 5 | 26 | 65 · More | Stable |
| 2017 | 1,095 | 26,253 | 3 | 5 | 27 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2016 | 1,626 | 29,750 | 5 | 5 | 27 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2015 | 229 | 69,336 | 2 | 4 | 25 | 25 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2014 | 202 | 78,605 | 2 | 4 | 25 | 18 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 266 | 78,000 | 3 | 4 | 25 | 35 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2012 | 255 | 83,000 | 3 | 4 | 25 | 50 · Typical | Stable |
| 2011 | 124 | 72,100 | 5 | — | 25 | 49 · Typical | Rising |
| 2010 | 59 | 45,602 | 4 | — | 26 | 19 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2009 | 18 | 29,000 | 1 | — | 22 | — | Stable |
| 2008 | 43 | 44,952 | 1 | — | 22 | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2007 | 65 | 88,000 | 5 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 135 | 65,000 | 5 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 185 | 57,000 | 8 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Hyundai Tucson model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2026 Hyundai Tucson?
Almost all of what owners of this model year describe so far concerns the forward collision avoidance system, with repeated reports of the brakes applying suddenly when no obstacle is present. The issues reported most often: Automatic emergency braking engages when nothing is ahead; Driver attention warning chime that cannot be turned off; Dashboard display goes blank.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2026 Hyundai Tucson have?
NHTSA recorded 64 consumer complaints for the 2026 Hyundai Tucson as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2026 Hyundai Tucson is reported most often?
Forward collision avoidance is named most often, in 34 complaints (53% of the total), followed by brakes with 15.
Has the 2026 Hyundai Tucson been recalled?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2026 Hyundai Tucson do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2026 Hyundai Tucson 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2026 Hyundai Tucson get?
The EPA rates the 2026 Hyundai Tucson (Tucson FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 28 mpg combined, 25 city and 33 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,400 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2026 Hyundai Tucson reported?
Among the 8 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 1,682 miles and the middle half falls between 500 and 3,700 miles; 100% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.