Hyundai is recalling more than 421,000 vehicles in the United States because a software issue could cause the brakes to activate unexpectedly, raising the risk of crashes in certain Santa Cruz and Tucson models.
The recall covers select 2025 and 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz, Tucson, Tucson hybrid and Tucson plug-in hybrid vehicles. Hyundai said four crashes have been reported and four people were injured. Owners will be notified by mail in mid-July and can take their vehicle to a Hyundai dealership for a free software update.
The problem involves software in the front cameras that may make the forward collision avoidance system activate too early and apply the brakes without warning. That can happen even when the vehicle does not need to stop, turning a safety feature into the source of the hazard.
The latest action adds to a series of recent Hyundai safety moves. In April, the automaker recalled 290,000 vehicles over a defect that could cause seatbelt anchors to fail. In March, it said it would stop selling 2026 Hyundai Palisade Limited and Calligraphy trims after a child's death involving power seats that may not detect people or objects.
For Hyundai, the recall is not just another repair campaign. It is the second major safety-related recall in as many months named in the company's recent run of fixes, and it puts pressure on the automaker to show it can move quickly when a software flaw reaches the road. For owners, the immediate step is simple: wait for the notice, then get the update at no cost.
