Recall details

Number affected: Regulators and news outlets report roughly 421,078 U.S. vehicles included in the campaign. The recall covers select 2025–2026 Santa Cruz and Tucson variants, including hybrid and plug‑in hybrid Tucson models. Official VIN ranges will appear in the NHTSA database and Hyundai campaign materials.

What the defect is and how it works

Investigators attribute the issue to the front‑view camera software that supports Forward Collision‑Avoidance (FCA). The software can misinterpret conditions and command the FCA to apply brakes before an actual collision threat exists. At highway speeds, an abrupt unexpected slowdown can turn the Hyundai vehicle into an obstacle for following traffic, increasing the chance of rear‑end strikes.

“The NHTSA and Hyundai identified a pattern of premature FCA activations in their review of owner reports and system data.”

Which vehicles are included

This recall targets certain 2025 and 2026 Hyundai models: selected Santa Cruz and Tucson variants, including Tucson Hybrid and Tucson Plug‑In Hybrid. Owners should use the official lookup tools to confirm inclusion by VIN.

How the problem came to light

Between Oct. 28, 2024 and April 27, 2026 Hyundai logged 376 consumer reports about FCA behavior in affected models. NHTSA reviewed those reports alongside Hyundai’s internal data and determined the camera software defect constituted a safety risk requiring a recall. Of the reports, four described rear‑end crashes and four alleged injuries; no deaths have been publicly linked to the defect.

Remedy and owner guidance

Dealers will perform a free front camera software update to correct the fault. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed beginning July 17. Owners are advised not to wait for mail:

  • Check your VIN on the NHTSA recall lookup or Hyundai’s recall site.
  • Call Hyundai customer service at 1‑855‑371‑9460 for assistance or to confirm recall status.
  • If included, schedule a dealer appointment for the free software update.
  • Until the update is applied, maintain safe following distance and remain cautious when FCA or other driver‑assist features are active.

This FCA software recall follows a separate recall last week affecting more than 54,000 Elantra Hybrid vehicles over a hybrid power system defect that could lead to overheating and fire risk. The two recalls are unrelated in cause but reflect increased recall activity across different Hyundai systems.

Regulatory context and oversight

The campaign is managed under the NHTSA, which enforces U.S. auto safety standards. NHTSA’s review of consumer complaints and Hyundai’s data led to classification of the camera software fault as a safety defect that must be repaired under federal law. Owners can search the NHTSA public recall database for the official campaign number and VIN ranges (NHTSA recall lookup).

Investigative notes on risk and liability

Automatic emergency braking systems are designed to reduce collisions, but incorrect activations can create new hazards, particularly at highway speeds. The relatively small number of reported crashes and injuries (four crashes and four alleged injuries among 376 reports) will remain part of ongoing regulatory scrutiny.

Implications for the United States

Economic: A recall of this size creates dealer workload, logistics demands, and potential impacts on consumer confidence and resale values.
Policy: The action underscores federal oversight of software‑driven vehicle features and may prompt calls for clearer testing standards for driver‑assist systems.

Practical steps for drivers and fleet managers

Action checklist:

  • Check VINs now at the NHTSA recall lookup or Hyundai’s recall site.
  • Schedule dealer appointments for the free front‑camera software update.
  • Update fleet maintenance plans to include recall checks and appointment scheduling.
  • Until repair, increase following distance and exercise caution when driver‑assist features are active.

For assistance or to confirm recall status, call Hyundai at 1‑855‑371‑9460.

Sources

Reporting and regulator summaries: Reuters/TradingView summary; News3LV local reporting; official lookup and remedy pages at NHTSA recall lookup and Hyundai’s recall site.