NHTSA (USA)Medium Risk
At a glance
What can fail
A software error in the instrument panel display may cause it to fail, preventing the display from working properly.
What the fix does
This page covers 6 recalls, 28 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2026 Hyundai Tucson.
26–36 mpg combined
6.5–9 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 3 tested variants for this model year.
The 2024 to 2026 Hyundai Tucson received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program for US-market vehicles. The Tucson earned five stars in frontal crash, side crash, and side pole crash tests. It received four stars in rollover testing. NHTSA applies these ratings across model years until a major redesign occurs, so this rating covers the entire 2024 to 2026 range.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Forward collision avoidance is by far the dominant complaint theme owners report for the 2026 Tucson. Owners consistently describe the automatic emergency braking activating unexpectedly during normal driving, braking hard and abruptly with no obstacle present. The sudden stops are forceful enough that belongings and occupants lurch forward, and several owners describe physical impact with the steering wheel or seat. Lane departure complaints are limited to a couple of reports. The electrical system category draws two reports, one involving a driver attention alert (the "Consider Taking a Break" chime) that owners say triggers repeatedly and cannot be disabled, and one describing a sudden unintended acceleration incident. The false-activation pattern on the forward collision system is the clearest recurring theme, with owners describing it happening multiple times across different driving conditions.
28
Total Complaints
4
Crash-Related
4
With Injuries
By System
The 2026 Hyundai Tucson has 6 recalls, the most serious being a software fault that can cause the automatic emergency braking system to trigger without warning, and a separate engine issue where loose connecting rod bolts can cause sudden power loss or an oil leak that may lead to an engine fire.
The airbag system has two related concerns: B-pillar side-impact sensors on certain vehicles may have been misassembled, which can delay side airbag deployment in a crash, while front airbag sensors on some vehicles were not manufactured properly and can prevent the driver and passenger front airbags from working as intended. Both issues affect hybrid and plug-in hybrid models as well as standard Tucson trims. The instrument panel also carries a software defect that can cause the entire display to go blank, taking the speedometer and warning lights with it. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve this issue, which is why it appears under two separate filings, but the underlying problem is the same: a software error that cuts off the information a driver needs while the vehicle is moving.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error in the instrument panel display may cause it to fail, preventing the display from working properly.
What the fix does
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Hyundai will update the instrument panel display software at no cost, either wirelessly or at a dealer.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Front camera software may cause the forward collision avoidance system to activate unexpectedly and apply the brakes without warning.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the front camera software at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Side-impact sensors may be manufactured incorrectly, preventing the driver and passenger front airbags from deploying properly during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealerships will inspect the side-impact sensors and replace them if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The B-pillar impact sensors may be misassembled, which can delay airbag deployment in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the impact sensor(s) as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error in the instrument panel display may cause it to fail, preventing the display from functioning properly.
What the fix does
The instrument panel display software will be updated for free either over-the-air or at a Hyundai dealer.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Engine connecting rod bolts may not be tight enough, causing loss of power, engine damage, and possible oil leaks.
What the fix does
The engine will be replaced at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
