NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Hyundai Tucson
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
The Hyundai Tucson is a compact crossover SUV competing in one of the most crowded segments in America. Aimed squarely at value-conscious families and urban commuters who want practicality without sacrificing refinement, the Tucson has evolved significantly across its 2019-to-2025 run, growing in technology and polish while carrying a safety record that deserves a careful, clear-eyed look before you sign anything.
The 2026 Hyundai Tucson earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 77 out of 100, an average result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. Both frontal and side crash protection reached the full 5 stars. It has 5 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
Reviewers generally regard the Tucson as a well-rounded compact SUV that punches above its price point in interior quality and feature content. Most praise its comfortable ride and user-friendly technology. Opinions on driving dynamics are more measured, with reviewers tending to describe it as competent rather than exciting. The overall tone is positive, particularly for the post-2022 redesign.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21143
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL26V400000
Risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 22, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai's customer service at 855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 304. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 25, 2026.
Reported 2026-06-24
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING26V316000
Risk: Unexpected braking increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the front camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 17, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 302. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 20, 2026.
Reported 2026-05-19
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:SIDE IMPACT26V254000
Risk: Air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the impact sensor(s), as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 11, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai's customer service at 855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 299. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 22, 2026.
Reported 2026-04-21
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL26V047000
Risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 24, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai's customer service at 855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 293. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 28, 2026.
Reported 2026-01-27
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:CRITICAL FASTENERS25V549000
Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. An oil leak in the presence of hot engine components can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 2025. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 281.
Reported 2025-08-26
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
42 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.