Table 1 shows one common exterior lighting related problems of the 2026 Hyundai Tucson.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Exterior Lighting problems |
I own a 2026 Hyundai Tucson limited and am reporting extremely poor daytime visibility of the entire lower row of touch-sensitive controls on the center dashboard. The illuminated symbols and status indicators are so dim in normal daylight, and especially in bright sunlight, that they are difficult to see while driving. This includes the climate controls and heated/ventilated seat controls. The ventilated-seat control is a particularly concerning example because I can press the control but cannot reliably determine whether it is off, low, medium, or high without looking closely at the panel. The controls function properly, but their status is essentially invisible in daylight, requiring the driver to divert their attention from the road. Increasing the vehicle’s interior/instrument illumination does not adequately correct the problem. This appears to be an illumination/design issue affecting the new\-generation Tucson, rather than a failure unique to my vehicle. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate the inadequate daytime visibility of these controls as a potential driver distraction and safety concern.
On my 2026 Hyundai Tucson limited, the hvac touch-panel status indicators are extremely difficult to see in daylight conditions. The illuminated indicators for a/c, recirculation, vent mode selection, and heated/cooled seat levels become washed out by sunlight and reflections. From the normal driving position, the indicators are often not visible. To determine the status of hvac functions, I must lean forward and/or shield the panel with my hand to see the illuminated indicators. This requires additional driver attention and time looking away from the road. The condition occurs even with instrument panel illumination set to maximum and display settings to maximum. We had the SUV at the Hyundai dealer and showed the service adviser the problem and he agreed is was a design problem. It is especially a problem in lots of traffic these days when you have to lean over/closer or cup your hand to see the settings which requires taking your eyes off the road and your hand off the steering wheel for a long period of time, creating a distraction and safety concern.
Rear turn light visibility, turn signals are a foot off the ground and hard to see by cars following due to location on the bumper. This is only pertaining to the 4th generation Tucson (current), not any other generation. We didn't realize the issue when we bought the car, nor did we realize the placement in the bumpers. However someone stated it was hard to see the blinkers, especially in the rain. At first we thought the wiring had come undone, but then we noticed the same issue on all 2025-2026 model Tucsons. Then I noticed this video on youtube and realized it's been a problem. This gentleman seems to have a fix, which imo should already be done, maybe Hyundai accidently missed the hookup when making the vehicle. It seems the brake lights were meant to be hooked up as blinkers and the rear horizontal line light was to be a part of the braking lights. Anyway the way the current blinkers a placed is where the backup lights should be. Please help with this, it's definitely a safety issue in the rear back and or rear quarter side panel turning of the vehicle. Visibility is very poor to say the least. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
My 26 Hyundai limited’s design control buttons on the lower dash to be unreadable. I’ve contacted Hyundai customer service thus far response has been there are no recalls. The issue presents a safety issue when driving and trying to locate the button while driving. Help.