Hyundai Phantom Brake Issues Sparks Recall
» Posted May 22, 2026 • Resources | Share This Post
Hyundai is recalling more than 400,000 sport utility vehicles over a serious software issue that could cause them to brake unexpectedly.
A software bug in the SUVs’ front cameras could cause the forward collision‑avoidance system to activate, the automaker recently told federal regulators. The defect, which impacts the vehicles’ forward collision avoidance systems, increases the risk of crashes for people in the SUVs and anyone sharing the road with them.
“The FCA’s multifunction camera software logic is conservatively tuned to detect impending frontal crashes using specific parameters such as speed, operator input, and proximity to surrounding vehicles,” Hyundai said in a recall notice, filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “Sudden braking may increase the risk of a rear-end crash with closely following vehicles.”
The recall covers certain Santa Cruz and Tucson SUVs from model years 2025 and 2026. Hyundai plans to notify owners of recalled vehicles via mail by July 17. Owners also can check the NHTSA website to see if their SUVs are covered by the recall.
Hyundai wants owners of recalled cars to bring their vehicles to authorized service providers for inspection and repair. Technicians will update the front camera software, according to the automaker.
Hyundai Safety Problems
This is just one of several safety issues affecting Hyundai and its drivers.
The automaker also recently recalled nearly 55,000 Elantra hybrid vehicles, citing fire risks, among other issues. Hyundai said at the time that the cars’ hybrid power control units could overheat.
The move came shortly after Hyundai recalled roughly 300,000 cars and SUVs, warning that their seat belts could malfunction. That recall covered some Santa Fe SUVs, as well as Ioniq 6 electric vehicles and Genesis G90 sedans.
Know Your Lemon Law Rights
The world’s leading automakers recall millions of vehicles every year, citing a wide range of defects that pose real safety risks. That is where the California lemon law comes in.
The lemon law requires Hyundai and other auto manufacturers to perform certain repairs on vehicles under warranty. The law also requires companies to buy back cars they cannot or will not fix.
The buyback requirement includes compensating the owner for any down payment on the car, as well as monthly loan payments and the outstanding balance on any vehicle loan. An automaker can instead offer to replace the vehicle, but it is up to the owner to decide whether to accept or reject this alternative arrangement.
There is no specific number of repair requests or attempts that must happen before the buy-back or replacement requirement kicks in. An experienced California lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and explore your options
Talk with a Sacramento Lemon Law Attorney
If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a Sacramento lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.
Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a Sacramento lemon law attorney.
