Automatic Emergency Braking Problems of Hyundai Tucson - part 1

Automatic emergency braking stopped the vehicle because another vehicle in front turned right.

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About once a month on average my Tucson's emergency system braking comes on without an emergency. It seems to occur mostly when taking an exit on the highway, but a few times it has been completely random. All of these instances have had no other vehicles around or any roadway barriers present. When it activated, lighting comes up on my dash telling me the emergency braking is activating. Sometimes it brakes, other times it does not seem to. Mostly, it seems that if I keep pressing down on the gas pedal it just turns itself off. I've never had my car come to a complete start but I have had it hit the brakes hard a few times. I bought the vehicle brand new and have had it for 4. 5 years, and it has always done this. I've had the dealership reinstall the software that controls the braking system, but it had no affect. I ask the dealer every time I go in if others are complaining about this and I am always told no. However, I saw a similar recall was just put into place for the newer years of the Tucson, and it makes me think they are told to tell people no one is complaining about this.

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On xxx, my vehicle unexpectedly activated its automatic braking system while driving, resulting in a rear-end collision. My infant daughter was in the vehicle at the time. While we were fortunate to avoid catastrophic injuries, the incident placed both of us in significant danger and could easily have resulted in a much more serious outcome. The other driver may also have sustained injuries as a result of the collision. The vehicle sustained approximately $20,000 in damage. Since the accident, I have learned of Hyundai’s recall involving this braking system. Given the circumstances, I am deeply concerned that the condition addressed by the recall contributed to the collision. What is particularly troubling is that this was not the first time I raised concerns regarding the vehicle’s braking behavior. On February 23, 2026, at approximately 11:00 a. M. , I spoke with my dealership, north bay Hyundai in [xxx] regarding unexpected braking behavior that I was experiencing with the vehicle. My concerns were not escalated, and I was not advised that a potential safety issue might exist. Several months later, I was involved in a collision involving the same system that is now subject to recall. I am also deeply concerned by the manner in which this recall was communicated. I received only a text message regarding a defect involving a critical vehicle safety system. Given the potential consequences of unexpected braking events, I do not believe the seriousness of this issue was adequately conveyed to affected customers. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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The forward collision automatic braking happens randomly and for no reason causing immediate and complete stops in the middle of traffic. It whips the head forward as if a crash had occurred and causes drivers to the rear to have to suddenly brake to avoid collision. Ive had it occur multiple times since purchase with the most recent being this morning in the middle of a roundabout. I know I can disable the system but 1) that's also a safety risk and 2) it turns back on every time I start the car which is unacceptable. Ive asked the dealership about it and was told that it cannot be disabled. I already have the sensitivity turned down as much as possible and it still is happening. This issue makes an otherwise wonderful vehicle almost uunrivaled. When this happens there's no warning before the sudden braking. It also will randomly just slow speed down for no reason and with no way for the driver to stop it. Something needs to be done. Fix the system and make available a way to disable it without it auto turning back on. Im fed up.

On 5/14/2026, while driving southbound on I-95 with my pregnant wife and young daughter, my 2025 Hyundai Tucson (approx. 7,500 miles, purchased new 10/2025) experienced multiple critical safety failures. Two days prior, the heads-up display (hud) intermittently failed to activate. On 5/14, traveling at 65-70 mph near [xxx] , the brakes auto-applied without driver input. Simultaneously, the instrument cluster and hud went completely black, eliminating all speed and vehicle status information. This recurred intermittently. Near [xxx] , the brakes auto-applied with full force, locking all four tires and bringing the vehicle from approx. 70 mph to a complete stop on the active interstate. Two trailing vehicles spun out and left the travel lane to avoid rear-ending us. A multi-car pileup was narrowly avoided. The vehicle was taken to pearson Hyundai in midlothian, va. They diagnosed and replaced a faulty wiring harness. Immediately after the repair, driving northbound on I-95 back to [xxx] (5/16), the lane keep assist/lane departure system began pulling the steering wheel into the adjacent lane without driver input, repeatedly and unpredictably at highway speed. The dealer repair did not resolve the all defects. Within a three days this vehicle exhibited: (1) total instrument cluster/hud failure, (2) uncommanded emergency braking at 70 mph causing two other vehicles to take evasive action (3) uncommanded steering input into an adjacent lane. These failures created immediate risk of serious injury or death. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

On may 14, 2026 at approx 6:00 pm, driving 2026 Hyundai Tucson on north lamar blvd, austin TX at approx 30 mph, vehicle applied brakes suddenly with no obstacle ahead. Forward collision avoidance system activated unexpectedly. Vehicle was immediately struck from behind. Rear-end collision caused total loss ($54,295 repair estimate). No injuries. Police report filed. On may 23, 2026 discovered open manufacturer recall 302 for fca system increased sensitivity causing sudden braking. Incident occurred 4 days before recall was issued.

There have been two instances now within about 4 months where my 2025 Hyundai Tucson's emergency braking/anti forward collision system has engaged completely unnecessarily, slamming on my brakes and almost causing the car behind me to hit me. In both cases there wasn't a car in front of me within at least 100 feet. In both cases I was going probably 30-40 miles per hour.

My vehicle has an ongoing safety?critical defect involving the braking system, powertrain, and adas logic. I have not driven the vehicle since 04/27/2026; all diagnostic trouble codes were recorded while the vehicle was in the dealership’s possession. On 05/05/2026, the vehicle stored multiple dtcs, including c164286, p071300, p076800, u060ff1, u060f29, and u061386. On 05/13/2026, p071300, p076800, u060ff1, u060f29, and u061386 were recorded again, showing repeated powertrain, communication, and control?system faults while the vehicle remained with the dealer. On 05/22/2026, two additional safety?related dtcs (p107600 and c272146) were first recorded, and both were last reported again on 05/27/2026, still while the vehicle was in dealer custody. These dtcs now show as historical because the vehicle has not been operated since the last fault was recorded. Their historical status only means the system has not run a new check — it does not mean the defect is repaired. The vehicle has also exhibited brake?logic abnormalities, including a persistent brake?on signal at highway speeds, which violates brake?throttle override safety logic and affects adas functions. The powertrain shows signs of torque converter instability, mechanical drag, abnormal slip, and heat buildup documented across these dates. Two ota updates were performed during periods of instability, but neither corrected the defect. The dealership has not provided documentation confirming the safety issues were resolved. Because the braking logic, powertrain behavior, and repeated dtc activity remain unexplained and unresolved, I do not believe the vehicle is safe to operate.

The automatic emergency braking system has activated on four separate occasions for unknown reasons or warning. Tapped the brakes and it disengaged. In three of the situations no vehicles or pedestrians nearby. One incident I was driving along a sidewalk when the braking system activated causing an abrupt stop.

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On at least three occasions, the forward collision system incorrectly determined there was an imminent collision when a car or truck was simply coming over into my lane. The tucscon locked the brakes, bringing the car to a full stop in the middle of high-traffic roads even while the car in front was pulling away. I was unable to give the car gas to continue driving forward. On two occasions this was on an interstate, going from almost 70 mph to stop when there was no car or obstacle in front of the car. It created a very dangerous risk of being rear-ended. The car did display the message "collision warning" on the instrument panel, emit an audible alarm, and shook the steering wheel.

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. Today as I was already breaking due to traffic ahead, the dang vehicle used its emergency breaks (as I was breaking) and completely took over and broke in the middle of the lane, I was nearly rear ended - you can head the brakes from the vehicle behind me and they had to move into a grass area to avoid hitting me- I was unable to accelerate or break on my own.

4/I was in the turn lane and slowly approaching the vehicle in front of me. I was at least 12 feet back when the emergency brake engaged causing me to fling forward in my seat. However, I did have my seatbelt on a was not physically harmed, but mentally rattled. This also caused the car behind me to almost rear me. 5/1: I was in the parking lot of a local store. A pedestrian was passing at a safe distance as I was slowly cruising towards them. The car engaged the automatic brake even though the pedestrian was clearly out of harms way. There two incidents have occurred within 2 weeks of purchase of my car. There is a feature to temporarily turn off automatic brake, but resets with each restart of the engine making it inconvenient to apply. Also, it is easy to forget to apply each time you start the car. I’ve also read since my incidents other reports of Hyundai drivers saying the disable feature does not always work and automatic brake engages. I feel that the automatic braking is a huge safety risk for driver, passengers, pedestrians and other vehicles on the road. I frequently drive to another state via highway to visit my mother and a now terrified to drive that distance considering all of the accelerations and decelerations involved with highway travel. I feel completely unsafe in my new vehicle. Please review and encourage a software recall that completely removes automatic brake or allows drivers the option to disable and enable at will.

I was turning right from [xxx] onto [xxx] . It was raining lightly, the car initiated emergency braking and no one was in front of me. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Subject: 2025 Hyundai Tucson - persistent phantom braking issue I am reporting a severe safety defect regarding the forward collision-avoidance assist (fca) system on my 2025 Hyundai Tucson. Since purchasing the vehicle, I have experienced five separate "phantom braking" incidents where the automatic emergency braking (aeb) engaged abruptly without any obstacles in the path. In the most recent incident, the vehicle suddenly braked from 30 mph to 20 mph] while driving on a highway. There were no cars or objects in front of me. This unpredictable behavior is extremely dangerous as it almost caused a rear-end collision with trailing vehicles. I believe this is a systemic software or sensor defect that misinterprets shadows or road signs as hazards. I request a formal investigation into this safety risk.

I was driving on the highway in heavy traffic which was moving relatively slowly (15-30mph). I had plenty of room in front of me and was in the process of braking when the vehicle suddenly applied the breaks automatically, coming to a very abrupt stop. It threw me forward and almost caused an accident. Luckily the truck behind me was leaving enough room as well and was able to swerve out of the way and avoid hitting me. There was no need for automatic braking and it seemed very random. The incident scared me a lot and I have felt unsafe driving the car without turning this feature off each time I start the car.

Safety risk: while traveling at approximately 25 mph on the I-495 (way to work) the vehicle initiated a full-force emergency braking event (phantom braking) without any warning. There were absolutely no obstacles, vehicles, or pedestrians in the roadway ahead. This sudden, unprovoked stop nearly caused a rear-end collision with the vehicle following closely behind, putting myself and other car at immediate risk of injury. There were no issues in front of me - only a straight road and I was not tailgating anyone.

I was driving on the highway in heavy traffic going about 65 mph. An unusual symbol appeared on the dash in red that I don't know what it was or what it meant but I thought it must be something serious. Then a warning came up saying for me to take a break. Then a different warning came up saying that I should take control of the car immediately, it was about to brake. The car immediately began to brake. Fortunately I was in the right hand lane of the three-lane highway and I was able to pull into the breakdown lane. I can't even imagine what would have happened if I was in the middle or far left lane. I was not unobservant and both of my hands were on the steering wheel when this happened. Once the vehicle stopped, the symbol on the dash disappeared and the brakes released. I was able to resume driving. Although there was no accident, injury or fire, and no police report needed, this does not discount the seriousness of this event. This could have been life-threatening if I had been in a different lane or had panicked, causing a multi car pileup in the heavy traffic. Serious enough that I feel the need to get rid of this car.

The automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning systems activated while making a left turn after stopping for a red traffic light and locked the brakes of the vehicle in the middle of the intersection with no other car in front of me. Dash alerted that a collision was going to occur. This was the second time. The first time it happened the dealer said it can happen if there is a bug or dirt on the sensor in the bumper or dirty windshield by the camera, they even said it can happen with glare from the sun or light glare.

4/16/2026 at 1:35pm I was traveling north on hwy 69 traveling +-45mph. Vehicle on my right in his lane and one vehicle in from of me about 50yrds. My vehicle auto applied the brakes and alarm indicating emergency collision to happen. A new minutes later (5 minutes) traveling in same direction same speed but no cars on either side but one care approximately 100 yds in from and again the emergency collision brake and alarm took place.

The automatic emergency braking system has literally locked the brakes up 5 times in the last several months since the car was purchased new from the dealer due to this system thinking we were going to hit the car in front that was not braking hard. One time a car had already turned off the roadway and as we started to accelerate on down the road our car locked the brakes up as it has done 4 other times and then will not let you accelerate for a few seconds. 3 of those 5 times we have had cars behind us, one time was a semi, that almost hit us due to the unexpected locking of the brakes. This system can only be turned off each time you start the car by going through numerous menu steps and then it is right back on the next time you start the car. Not only is this going to cause an accident and potential injury(s) but it could even cause an argument with the vehicle behind thinking they were being brake checked. The dealer said they could not turn it off and the only choice was to do it each time you started the car but could turn the sensitivity down which we have tried and it still does it when you least expect it to when there really is no potential crash about to occur. We have emailed Hyundai and awaiting a response as well and advised if this system causes a crash and especially an injury as a result that we would sue and have requested a software update be done ASAP to allow the driver to turn it off and it stay off until it is turned back on or buy the car back as this is a very realy danger and safety issue. A safety feature shouldn't cause another safety issue in itself and this system is doing that and we would be shocked if it hasn't already caused crashes/injuries as a result in other Hyundai cars with this feature. There are numerous complaints by other owners regarding this same issue all over the internet.

Over the past four days, my vehicle has repeatedly applied braking unexpectedly without a valid obstacle or need to brake. This has occurred multiple times under normal driving conditions, including: twice on the freeway in stop-and-go traffic with vehicles at a safe distance ahead multiple times on regular city streets with vehicles ahead at approximately 15–20 feet once while turning into my driveway as my garage door was opening in one instance on the freeway, a vehicle behind me nearly collided due to the sudden unexpected braking. The forward collision-avoidance assist (automatic emergency braking) system is set to “late,” yet the vehicle still applies braking unnecessarily. This behavior did not occur previously and has started happening repeatedly within the past four days. This creates a significant safety risk, particularly in traffic where unexpected braking can cause rear-end collisions. The vehicle has approximately 1050 miles and has not been modified. The issue is currently being evaluated by a Hyundai dealership and has been reported to Hyundai motor America under an open case.

Hello, in my 2025 tuscan hybrid, the vehicle all of a sudden came to a near complete stop driving down the highway at lower speeds due to vehicles in front of me slowing down before a tunnel. While it was apparent I had to slow down, there was no immediate danger to me potentially crashing into the car in front of me which is why I am concerned the car is over reacting to my environment whilst driving.

3 times my car have braked while im driving causing my whole car to jerk 2 of the time I hit my head and my knuckle and finger got hurt and was bleeding I have pictures but they are not allowing me.

Subject: safety concern – excessive automatic braking (2025 Hyundai Tucson) I am reporting a safety concern regarding the automatic braking system (forward collision-avoidance assist and parking collision-avoidance assist) in my 2025 Hyundai Tucson. The vehicle frequently applies sudden and aggressive braking in situations where there is no immediate collision risk. This occurs during normal driving and low-speed parking scenarios, including when passing nearby objects, backing out of parking spaces, or maneuvering in tight areas. The braking is abrupt enough to create a potential safety hazard, including: - risk of being rear-ended due to unexpected deceleration - disruption of normal traffic flow - reduced driver confidence and control this behavior appears overly sensitive and does not align with actual collision risk in many cases. I have attempted to adjust the system settings (including warning timing), but the issue persists. Additionally, the system resets upon restarting the vehicle, preventing a consistent mitigation of the problem. I am requesting: - a review of this system behavior as a potential safety defect - a software update or calibration option to reduce braking aggressiveness - the ability to permanently adjust or disable this feature please advise on next steps and whether this issue is known or under review. Sincerely, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

When driving in daylight at about 5 pm in light traffic at speeds of about 20 mph the car suddenly had a dead stop. My grandsons, ages [xxx] and [xxx] were in the back seat with seat belts but their and my drinks went flying. There was no potential collision that precipitated this and luckily the car behind was not close enough for a rear end collision. This has happened 2 or 3 times previously and I think this "safety feature" which cannot be turned off is a safety hazard. I also had a disturbing experience when I left a lane briefly to give a bicycle rider more space. The car suddenly tried to pull me back into the lane and I had to fight the wheel to keep it where I wanted the car to be. I was able to disable this feature. The car has only 7k miles and is almost a year old. I am a good driver and am concerned that I will get into an accident due to unwanted safety features! thank you. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Automatic braking engages when there is no actual hazard present and brings vehicle to a full stop. This causes a serious whiplash hazard to me and my passengers as our heads are thrown forward unnecessarily. It also significantly increases the risk of being rear ended by the vehicle behind me. This has happened on several occasions. Today it occurred because the car hit a small bump in the road while doing less than 10 mph. Google search confirms that this is a widespread and well-known defect and that Hyundai has not been willing to release a software upgrade that allows owners to turn-off they automatic braking feature from the dashboard control panel. Immediate action by NHTSA is required before somebody gets seriously injured or killed by this defect.

On at least three occasions, the emergency braking system has engaged when there was no risk of a collision. The vehicle ahead was moving forward and was a safe distance ahead. This has occurred even when the forward collision system is set to "late. " when the emergency braking system engaged, it stopped the vehicle with such force that it threw items in the back seat forward into the foot well and was very jarring for me, the driver. This has made me anxious when driving the vehicle and is very frustrating.

On March 16, 2026, my wife was driving our 2025 Hyundai Tucson westbound on immokalee rd in naples, FL. She was traveling at a speed of 35mph, with no vehicles in front of her, but the emergency braking system engaged without warning and caused our car to come to a screeching stop. Several cars behind my wife's car had to avoid slamming into to our car. There are no bridges, overhanging tree limbs or other structures over the roadway. The weather was clear skies and sunny, and the time of day was noon. After this incident, we contacted the dealership from which we bought the car (11/15/25) here in naples. We brough the car in for diagnosis but have not heard back from them. While there, my wife was approached by a dealership salesperson who overheard our story, and she implored my wife to "please report this incident. . . This phantom braking issue is a big deal. . . " our salesperson did not admit to having heard of such issues, but he offered to buy the car back from us. We will wait to see what their formal evaluation produces and make a decision at that time. This could have been a deadly accident if the cars behind my wife had not avoided running into her.

1. The component/system that failed appears to be related to the vehicle’s braking/safety assistance system, which is now associated with the recall affecting certain Hyundai Tucson vehicles. At the time of the accident, the vehicle suddenly became difficult to control during highway driving, which ultimately resulted in the crash. The vehicle was declared a total loss, but insurance records, photographs, and inspection documentation should still be available upon request. 2. My safety and the safety of others were put at serious risk because the vehicle lost stability/control while I was operating it on the highway. The accident caused the vehicle to flip, resulting in injuries and creating a dangerous situation for myself and surrounding drivers. 3. The issue itself was not fully reproduced prior to the accident, however the recall now issued by Hyundai appears to involve the same or similar malfunction connected to braking/safety system concerns. The vehicle was inspected after the accident through the insurance process and body shop estimates were completed before it was declared a total loss. 4. The vehicle has been inspected by insurance representatives, towing personnel, and others involved in the claims process following the accident. Police also responded to the accident scene and completed an accident report. 5. Prior to the failure/accident, there were no clear warnings that would have indicated the severity of the issue. If applicable, there may have been occasional warning indicators or abnormal vehicle behavior before the crash, but no information was provided to me at that time indicating the vehicle was subject to a safety recall. The emergency brake has been horrible since I’ve purchased the car, I’ve almost crashed or gotten hit numerous of times.

After taking a left turn my car suddenly just stopped abruptly. There was a car behind me who just missed running into me.

I purchased the car about 30 days ago. In that short time on two occasions, with absolutely no reason the 'forward safety warning system' engaged and applied the brakes so severely that on both occasions I narrowly missed being rear-ended. Fortunately, all vehicle occupants had their seat belts on, otherwise we would have been thrown around the car. In the first occasion my husband was driving about 50 mph and bam wham! totally out of the blue the car throws itself into a complete stop for no reason. . . He was not close to any car. The second time happened today. I was in traffic going about 15 mph and bam wham! the car slammed on the brakes and everything in our car went flying around the cabin and the car behind me had to evade from hitting me. I am afraid to drive this car under this situation. I saw I can turn off the braking system - but it only works for each ride and will come back every time I start the car. This is very very dangerous and is an accident waiting to happen. I wish I could give the car back.

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.

I was driving inside a parking garage, making a right hand turn at a very slow speed (5 mph?), when my Hyundai Tucson hybrid slammed on the breaks while in a right hand turn. There was a wall directly in front of me, perpendicular to the direction I was heading before I started to make my right hand turn. The wall was at least 15ft away. I was never at risk of hitting the wall. The breaks were applied after I was into the right hand turn. Most unusual, as I had the fca (forward collision avoidance) system turned off and I confirmed this by observing the symbol on my dashboard that indicated the fca was off as soon as the breaks were applied. I don't understand how the car applied emergency braking going forward when the fca was off.

The brake assist feature engaged when a second car cut a corner in front of me in peoria az. The brakes engaged, and while waiting for the auto brake to release, a third care came up very fast behind me. I hit the gas in fear of being rear-ended. Apparently, in fear I simultaneously pulled on the steering column and the steering column pulled out beyond its normal range. The telescoping adjustment feature no longer works. The steering wheel is locked in a downward and elongated position. I took it to the local az Hyundai dealer for warranty repair and they said it was due to the kirkland Hyundai dealerships failure to install a pin that locks the steering column in place after installing a lo-jack system. The column is not covered by warranty. There were no warning signs except the dangerous auto braking system, that caused a series of failures in the vehicle. This is the 4th time this braking system has almost caused a rear-end crash. The az larry miller Hyundai dealership suggested I contact the kirkland Hyundai dealership in wa for damages. Damages to replace the steering column and replace the missing pin lock are nearly $3000. 00 there are no pictures as the steering column has been reassembled but is bent and needs to be replaced.

Driving to work, going into a turn with no obstructions my car frequently alerts to a "collision warning" that is not there. Additionally, I have been driving on the highway, with no obstructions in front of me and my car emergency brake despite an emergency not being present. In both instances, it is extremely distracting and induces anxiety as I am alerted of a threat that is not there. Further at highway speeds (65-70 mph) on the highway, and braking despite having no emergency nearly caused an accident. I was able to push further down on the gas to force the car to keep going to not stop on the highway. The collision warning has been an issue since purchase of the car in June 2024, the emergency brake occurred in February 2026.