Just a few days after Hyundai had to recall over 50,000 Elantra Hybrids for a fire risk, the automaker has had to initiate another recall—and this one is a lot bigger. Over 420,000 Hyundai models have now been recalled for a forward collision system that could unexpectedly activate the brakes. This comes a few months after Hyundai was sued for phantom braking in certain Tucson models. The issue has led to four reported rear-end crashes after Hyundai models erroneously activated their brakes, so there’s a potentially serious safety risk. Here’s everything we know.
Related: Hyundai Sued Over Alleged ‘Phantom Braking’ That Owners Say Happens Without Warning
Hyundai Unintended Braking Recall
Hyundai
According to the recall report on the NHTSA’s website, a total of 421,078 Hyundai models have been recalled. The following models and model years apply:
- 2025-2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz (13,082 units)
- 2025-2026 Hyundai Tucson (292,805 units)
- 2025-2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid (110,844 units)
- 2025-2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid (4,347 units)
The defect has been identified as an oversensitivity of the forward collision system, which can suddenly apply the brakes even if there isn’t a need to do so. This can startle drivers and also cause an accident, as drivers following the Hyundais will not have expected a sudden, sharp braking event.
“The Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA) system in the subject vehicles may exhibit increased sensitivity to forward object proximity in certain driving scenarios due to the front camera software,” says the report. “This condition can result in FCA engagement earlier than the operator’s expectation, potentially leading to sudden braking.”
The driver won’t have any warning that the vehicle is about to brake. In the lawsuit filed earlier this year, the plaintiffs claimed Hyundai has cut corners with cheaper radar and other sensors, although this hasn’t been proven. The automaker will update the software in affected models, which it says will resolve the problem.
What Owners Should Do Now
Hyundai
Owners of implicated Hyundai models will be notified of the remedy via mail on July 17, 2026. They’ll be able to take their vehicle to a Hyundai dealer to have the front camera software updated, which will be done at no charge. This fix will be completed even if the vehicle is no longer under warranty, and Hyundai will also reimburse owners for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred in order to obtain a remedy.
Owners can also use their Vehicle Identification Number to find out if their models are part of the recall group, which can be done via the NHTSA’s website. If required, the recall number for this recall is 26V316. Even though Do Not Drive and Park Outside warnings have not been put into effect, owners of these vehicles should drive as cautiously as possible, particularly in slippery conditions when following distances are reduced.
For Hyundai, a fix for these vehicles can’t be completed soon enough. Fortunately, none of the crashes so far have been fatal, but a cloud is already hanging over the company’s head after a defective folding seat in a Palisade resulted in the death of a toddler earlier this year. While automated safety and convenience technologies are appreciated when they work, they can also be incredibly dangerous when they don’t.
