721 of the 8,589 complaints filed about the Hyundai Tucson are about the braking system — 8% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2019.
721
Complaints
8%
Share of all complaints
48
Crashes
20
Fires
SERVICE BRAKES
When the vehicle in front of me stopped quickly, I braked quickly but did not hit the car. At that time, all the lights on my dashboard went off and were still on when I took the car to dealer for a diagnosis.
NHTSA complaint #11758362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
I was sold this vehicle as new. Then I look it up and it has these recalls. They should have to buy it back
NHTSA complaint #11756929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
My 2025 Hyundai Tucson required the front brake rotors to be resurfaced at approximately 12,200 miles. The Hyundai dealership diagnosed the rotors as overheated and warped, despite the brake pads being in good condition. The repair occurred before Hyundai issued Recall 302 (NHTSA Recall 26V-316). Hyundai Recall 302 identifies a defect in the Forward Collision-Avoidance (FCA) system’s front-camera software that can cause the FCA system to engage earlier than expected and potentially result in sudden braking. Hyundai’s FCA system is capable of automatically applying the brakes. I am concerned that premature or unintended brake application associated with this recalled software condition may have contributed to excessive brake heat and premature overheating/warping of my front rotors. I am NOT claiming that this causal relationship has been established. Rather, I am reporting a potential safety defect and asking NHTSA to evaluate whether there may be a relationship. The dealership confirmed that the rotors were overheated/warped but characterized the condition as wear and tear. Hyundai Motor America subsequently denied my reimbursement request on the same basis. I have repeatedly asked Hyundai to evaluate whether Recall 302 could have contributed to the brake condition, but Hyundai has not acknowledged or technically addressed this potential relationship. The original rotors are no longer available for inspection because they were resurfaced during the repair. The dealership performed and documented the diagnosis and repair. I am submitting this complaint because I believe the combination of premature rotor overheating/warping at only 12,200 miles and a subsequently identified FCA defect involving unexpected braking warrants investigation.
NHTSA complaint #11755663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
Front brake rotors warped causing violent brake pedal pulsating and steering wheel vibration. My vehicle has only 18000 miles. The dealership Hyundai reported problem as a service bulletin TSB 23-BR-004H. I believe this a safety issue and a recall should be annouced.
NHTSA complaint #11755025 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle responded as intended; however, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired at the owner's expense. The contact became aware that notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V543000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); was previously received; however, the VIN was no longer included in the recall. The contact was unsure if the recall repair was performed. The contact requested a reimbursement from the dealer, but the request was denied. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
NHTSA complaint #11754470 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
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 complaint #11752547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
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 complaint #11751443 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
On XXX, while approaching a stop sign, the vehicle did not engage the brakes as expected. I had to press the brake pedal multiple times, and the vehicle jerked several times before it came to a stop. Given that a brake failure of this kind poses an immediate risk to my safety and the safety of others on the road, I had the vehicle towed in for service right away. I took the vehicle to Courtesy Hyundai of Tampa (3810 W Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33614) on Monday, XXX (Repair Order #XXX). Service Advisor Dominick DeLeva documented the complaint and had the vehicle test driven. The dealership's notes state that the issue could not be duplicated, no fault codes were present, and the brake fluid level was correct. A multi-point inspection was also completed. The vehicle was returned to me on July 14, 2026, with no repairs made and no explanation for the braking irregularity I experienced. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11750511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
I was intending to make a left hand turn out of a dinner parking lot. As I approached the exit, I saw that a car was about to drive past me preventing me from making that turn, so I put my foot on the brake pedal to stop my car and let the vehicle safely pass in front of me. But the brake did not work. It did not stop my car. The pedal felt limp not firm I turned sharply to the left to avoid striking the other vehicle. Fortunately no other cars were coming in either direction. I put the car in neutral and then in park. Only by the grace of God a collision was averted. I then restarted the car, the brake pedal was now firm again and I drove home. I returned home and left the car in my driveway until Monday, July 13 when I had a tow truck take the vehicle to the dealer. This is not the first time my brakes became soft and limp and failed to stop my car. There have been at least two or three previous incidents over the the past months while backing out of a parking space, the brake pedal became limp. In those instances I was able to stop the vehicle by putting it in park. When I restarted the vehicle, the brake returned to being firm. These incidents are intermittent. I don't know when and where they will occur. To date, the dealer claims not to have found anything wrong with my brakes. Apparently, unless they can replicate my experience directly themselves, they intend to send me on my merry way. I don't consider the vehicle is safe to drive. The intermittent problems I have had with the brakes all occurred in exiting parking lots and not on the highway at 55 MPH - fortunately. These incidents occurred. The brakes have failed
NHTSA complaint #11750409 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
Phantom braking while driving under a bridge. No cars around but Tucson warned collision while driving under a bridge and slammed on the brakes! This has happened multiple times. This fake safety feature is actually a hazard!
NHTSA complaint #11749738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
When driving have been reviving a warning that says adaptive cruise control failure followed by a short time were the car may unexpectedly break on the interstate.
NHTSA complaint #11749646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The engine turned over but failed to restart. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V056000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic shop and then to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine seized; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The dealer advised that there was no warranty coverage. The Better Business Bureau was contacted and informed that the warranty had expired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed, but a request for repair coverage was declined due to a failure to have the recall remedy completed; however, both the contact and the previous owner were unaware of the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
NHTSA complaint #11749344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
The automatic emergency braking system activated early and aggressively causing a rear end collision. It is available for inspection upon request. While driving in busy traffic on a highway I was lightly braking to avoid sudden stops or unexpected movements of the vehicle while traveling between 20-30 mph. The vehicle then activated the emergency braking system and came to a sudden and unexpected complete stop. This sudden stoppage caused myself and my passenger to be thrown forward harshly against the seatbelts. Additionally I was unable to steer the vehicle towards the side of the road as the wheel had locked and avoid an SUV that was rapidly approaching my rear. This SUV subsequently rear ended me. The actual collision was minor thankfully due to the low speed of the traffic, but could have been much more severe if traffic conditions had been different. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Not yet. (I am in the process of this right now, but because my car was in a collision the dealer will not fix the recall or inspect the vehicle until the collision damage is fixed) Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? See previous answer Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? The vehicle had not exhibited any issues prior to this sudden stopping.
NHTSA complaint #11749404 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Tucson. While the contact’s son was driving approximately 55 MPH on a three-lane highway, the brakes locked up. While attempting to move the vehicle to the shoulder, the driver lost control of the vehicle and struck the guardrail and rolled over several times. The air bags deployed, and the glass shattered. There were no injuries reported. A Police report was filed. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V316000 (Forward Collision Avoidance). The vehicle was towed from the scene to a tow lot. The local dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The insurance company later towed the vehicle to the facility and deemed the vehicle a total loss. The manufacturer was notified of the issue; however, an assigned case manager had not responded. The approximate failure mileage was 19,081.
NHTSA complaint #11747940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
My 2022 Hyundai Tuscon came to a complete stop on the highway in Colorado twice in the last 2 months for no apparent reason. There weren't any obstacles or cars in front of me that would have caused the car to brake suddenly. I had passengers in the car and we were jolted forward. The air bags did not inflate and we were not hit from behind, but we could have been severely injured or killed. There are numerous "phantom braking" reports like this here on the NHTSA site for the 2022 model as well as more recent models. Yet Hyundai has only issued recalls for the 2025 and 2026 models. How are you addressing this issue?
NHTSA complaint #11746292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
I was driving in a line of cars when there was a sudden slowing of all cars ahead of my 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. Car's Forward Collision Avoidance system applied brakes too early and too hard. Car behind me almost collided with my car's rear. My 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid had less than 1,300 miles. I confirmed this early collision avoidance early braking incident to salesman, Stephan, on May 7, 2026 during service at Piazza Hyundai of West Chester. I explained it was a near collision by car behind me. No action taken by dealership, and no recall information was provided to me.
NHTSA complaint #11746132 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
While driving on a highway shortly after taking delivery of this vehicle as a Certified Pre-Owned purchase from an authorized Hyundai dealership, I experienced sudden and total brake failure. The Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) warning light illuminated and an audible warning chime sounded. The brake pedal did not respond normally. I was unable to slow the vehicle with the brakes and was forced to make an emergency maneuver to exit the highway and come to a safe stop. Upon inspecting the vehicle after stopping, I discovered that the rear left brake caliper had completely detached from its mounting bracket. The caliper was on the ground beneath the rear of the vehicle. Brake fluid had leaked onto the road surface. The vehicle had been in my possession for less than one full drive since purchase. As part of the CPO certification, the selling dealer performed a multi-point inspection and documented installation of new brake pads and certified the brake system as in good working order. The detachment of the caliper is consistent with mounting bolts that were either not reinstalled or not properly torqued following the dealer's brake service during CPO preparation. I have photographic evidence of the detached caliper and brake fluid loss. INJURIES: None, but significant risk to myself and other highway drivers. FIRES: No. MEDICAL ATTENTION: Not required. CONTACT WITH DEALER/MANUFACTURER: Yes — Hyundai corporate complaint filed. I am requesting this complaint be investigated as a potential safety defect related to brake service practices during Hyundai CPO vehicle preparation.
NHTSA complaint #11745559 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
Automatic emergency braking stopped the vehicle because another vehicle in front turned right.
NHTSA complaint #11744187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
On 3 occasions over my 18-month ownership of this certified pre-owned Hyundai 2022 Tucson, the vehicle surged suddenly forward WITH BRAKE APPLIED at creeping (parking) speeds of 3-4 mph. No warning lamps were observed. On the most recent (3rd) occasion, a crash over a sidewalk and into a storefront caused $10,000 damage. No pedestrians were harmed, no airbags deployed and neither passenger was harmed. The service department is "unable to duplicate" the surging behavior and declares the car mechanically "safe to drive."
NHTSA complaint #11743887 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.