By Ginika Igboke
Hyundai Motor America is recalling 421,078 vehicles due to a potential defect in the forward collision avoidance system that could unexpectedly activate the brakes, increasing the risk of crashes.
According to a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recall affects certain 2025–2026 models of the Hyundai Santa Cruz, Hyundai Tucson, Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, and Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid.
Officials said a software issue involving the front-facing camera system may cause the forward collision avoidance feature to activate too early, triggering sudden braking even when no hazard exists.
Hyundai dealers will update the camera software free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed beginning July 17.
Vehicle owners seeking more information can contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460 and reference recall number 302. Affected Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) can also be checked through the NHTSA website.
Investigation Traced Issue to Camera Software
The automaker began investigating reports of unintended braking incidents between January and May 2025.
The investigation continued through September as engineers attempted to reproduce the issue and identify the exact cause. Testing and analysis continued through late 2025 and early 2026 under Hyundai’s North America Safety Office.
By early May, Hyundai’s North America Safety Decision Authority reviewed the findings and determined a safety recall was necessary.
As of May 11, the company had received 376 reports related to the issue.
Four crashes have reportedly been linked to the malfunction, involving vehicles that were rear-ended after unexpectedly braking. Four injuries were also reported, although no deaths or vehicle fires have been confirmed.
Similar “Phantom Braking” Issues Have Led to Lawsuits Across the Industry
Consumer advocates and legal filings suggest similar braking issues have affected other automakers.
Subaru Official Site is facing litigation involving its EyeSight driver-assistance system. Lawsuits allege the technology can activate braking without cause and may fail to react properly during actual emergencies.
The legal claims involve multiple 2022–2026 models, including the Subaru Forester, Subaru WRX, Subaru Outback, Subaru Ascent, and other models.
Similar lawsuits have also involved Nissan Motor Corporation, where plaintiffs allege software defects caused vehicles to engage in sudden “phantom braking.”
Phantom braking occurs when automatic emergency braking systems mistakenly detect hazards and abruptly stop vehicles even though no immediate danger is present.
Lawsuits claim such incidents can increase the risk of rear-end collisions, loss of vehicle control, and injuries ranging from whiplash to more serious trauma.
More than two years ago, General Motors recalled nearly 56,000 midsize trucks after software calibration issues caused false emergency braking activations.
According to reports submitted to the NHTSA, General Motors received 234 complaints related to the issue, along with four crashes and three minor injuries.