Hyundai is recalling more than 421,000 vehicles in the United States after federal regulators identified a software issue that may cause unexpected braking in some 2025 and 2026 models.
According to a May 19 recall report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a defect in the front camera software can cause the Forward Collision-Avoidance system to activate earlier than intended. If the system applies the brakes without warning, the vehicle could be struck from behind, increasing the risk of a crash.
The recall applies to certain 2025-2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz, Tucson, Tucson Hybrid and Tucson Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. NHTSA said Hyundai received 376 reports related to the operation of the collision-avoidance system between Oct. 28, 2024, and April 27, 2026.
The agency said four crashes have been reported in connection with the defect. In those cases, the Hyundai vehicles were rear-ended by closely following vehicles. Four injuries were alleged in the reports.
Owners are expected to receive recall notification letters by July 17. Hyundai dealers will update the front camera software at no cost to owners, according to the NHTSA notice.
The recall comes as automakers continue to address safety issues linked to increasingly complex vehicle software and driver-assistance features. Recent recalls across the industry have involved systems ranging from airbags to rearview camera displays. In a separate action last week, Hyundai recalled more than 54,000 Elantra Hybrid vehicles in the U.S. because of a hybrid power system defect that could overheat and create a fire risk.
Drivers who believe their vehicles may be affected can check recall information through NHTSA or contact a Hyundai dealer. FOX Business reported that it contacted Hyundai for comment. The company had not provided a public response in the report, and the regulator’s filing remains the primary source for details at this time.