Problems · NHTSA complaints

2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid problems

Owners filed 34 complaints about the 2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid with NHTSA between Mar 2026 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (10).

Complaints
34
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
6
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
6
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Electrical system10
  2. Forward collision avoidance9
  3. Power train3
  4. Air bags3
  5. Back over prevention3
  6. Lane departure2
  7. Exterior lighting2
  8. Engine and engine cooling2
  9. Seat belts1
  10. Steering1
  11. Seats1
  12. Service brakes1
  13. Engine1
  14. Fuel/propulsion system1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Electrical system

10 reports2 related recalls
“On approximately XXX, while traveling on [XXX], the vehicle's automatic emergency braking system engaged abruptly and without warning. The vehicle ahead had stopped with sufficient distance for a normal, controlled stop. Despite this, the automatic braking system activated suddenly on the 45-mph roadway, causing my left arm to jam and my head to jolt forward. Within the following week, two additional incidents of similar abrupt automatic braking occurred. Recall Discovery I subsequently researched the vehicle online and discovered an active recall for sensitive braking on this year, make, and model. The recall number may be researched and verified via the vehicle VIN number provided above. I was never notified of this recall by either the manufacturer or Element Fleet Management. I have since taken the vehicle in for resolution of the recall, and the problem has not recurred. Injury and Medical Treatment In the days following the initial incident, I began experiencing shoulder, neck, and back pain. I sought chiropractic care for approximately six weeks. As symptoms persisted, I consulted an orthopedic specialist and was diagnosed with whiplash. My symptoms have…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 8, 2026Electrical system, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11769810

Forward collision avoidance

9 reports2 crashes1 related recall
“Driver alert system frequently comes on with blinking lights and on several occasions has slowed the vehicle while on cruise control even though both hands were on steering wheel. It appears that system is overly sensitive to glare from the sun. Hyundai should issue either a recall or software fix.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 13, 2026Unknown or other, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11763896

Power train

3 reports
“Suspect faulty TCU or associated software: My 2026 Tucson Hybrid, purchased in February, has an intermittent “Shift-by-Wire (SBW)” fault where the car refuses to shift into gear (e.g., Reverse) and displays “The car is already in the desired gear” warning on dashboard and the Check Engine light comes On. Retrying (turn car off, wait a while and restart) generally resolves the immediate issue and the Check Engine light turns Off. However, I don’t feel safe driving the car until a definitive warranty repair can be done. So, I had it towed to the dealer. The dealer showed me screen shots of their initial scan indicating No DTC codes were found, that they could not duplicate the problem, and I could pick the car up. If the Check Engine light came on there should be a DTC code stored in non-volatile memory, right? I asked the dealer to keep the car and have a technician drive it until they duplicate and fix the problem. They agreed but I have evidence that indicates the car is not being driven. I filed a formal consumer complaint with Hyundai Corporate Customer Care and received a Case Number (43328121) but no other communication in the weeks since.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 20, 2026Power trainODI 11772331

Air bags

3 reports3 crashes1 related recall
“The accident occurred at the intersection of [XXX]. On XXX 2026 at 2:32 pm I was involved in an accident where I was T-Boned on the drivers side impacting my drivers side front fender, drivers door and drivers side grill. I was given a green light when I entered out on to [XXX] from [XXX].The other driver in a silver VW 4door hatchback going East on [XXX]. I was dong about 10 mph when the primary impact was the drivers side front fender and grill. The impact lifted my car in the air and pushed it over several feet. No airbag deployment whatsoever. I had back, neck, arm leg and seatbelt injures for pelvis to and including left arm. I was taken from my car to the via ambulance to the hospital. My car was totaled due to severe damage. My car was not involved in NHTSA recall 26V254000”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 20, 2026Air bagsCrash reportedODI 11772370

Back over prevention

3 reports2 crashes
“Safety of anyone, including a service dog in the car, is at risk from accident. 10-01-2026 5:30 am accident. -I was Struck on drivers side (t-bone) both driverside doors, -NO airbag or seatbelt tensioning. - Whole body slammed up against driver's door, INJURIES-spinal, left leg (required a leg brash to stabilize), head injury - Car executing dtc B1413 safty airbag alerts since day purchased (pages of them) had to constantly fight lane keeping steering me over lane markings shut off on steering wheel blue link helped me shut it down completely. In settings- manufacturer has not inspected. I've tried two escalated complaints. - there's a red airbag indicator in the cabin. Above that says airbag off, it goes on and off on its own. Filed to complaints with manufacturer last complaint. Prior to accident is complaint number 43328081”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 9, 2026Air bags, Seat belts, Back over preventionCrash reportedODI 11770128

Lane departure

2 reports
“The "Consider Taking a Break" alert and chime comes up randomly and is a driving distraction. There is no way to turn off the alert. I feel this is a safety issue since it causes a distraction.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 19, 2026Lane departureODI 11772144
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.