Trial-Tested Auto Defect Attorneys Ready to Help You 

The auto product liability attorneys at McCune Law Group (MLG) are investigating reports that the Forward Collision-Avoidance (FCA) Assist system in 2025–2026 Hyundai Tucson and Tucson Hybrid vehicles may trigger sudden, aggressive braking without a legitimate collision risk. Owners describe the vehicle abruptly stopping or sharply decelerating despite maintaining a safe following distance or already applying appropriate braking pressure. 

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaint data reflects dozens of reports for the 2025 model year describing sudden braking events with no reasonable danger present. In some cases, rear-end collisions were narrowly avoided, or occurred,  due to the abrupt stop. 

If your Hyundai Tucson suddenly braked without cause, you may have legal options. Contact our firm today for a free case evaluation. 

Who May Qualify 

Owners of Hyundai Tucson & Tucson Hybrid vehicles may qualify for legal assistance if they meet the criteria below.  

You may be eligible if:   

• You own one or more of the following vehicles:
  • 2025 Tucson
  • 2025 Tucson Hybrid
  • 2026 Tucson
  • 2026 Tucson Hybrid  

• The vehicle was purchased as:
  • A new vehicle, OR
  • A Certified Pre-Owned vehicle. 

• You purchased the vehicle and currently reside in:   
  California, Texas, Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, or New Jersey   
  (State of purchase and residence must be the same)   

• You have experienced issues with the vehicle’s forward collision avoidance system’s automatic emergency braking, including:
  • No obstacle present in front of the vehicle
  • An obstacle present but does not present an imminent risk of collision, such as:
    • Car merging into lanes ahead of the Tucson but traveling at a similar speed
    • Vehicle ahead in same lane but far enough so that does not present risk of collision 
  • When making a left turn or a U-turn
  • When the driver is already applying appropriate partial braking, the FCW system will apply full emergency braking

What Hyundai Tucson Drivers Are Experiencing 

Across NHTSA complaints and online forums, drivers report consistent phantom braking behavior, including: 

• Automatic emergency braking with no obstacle present
• Hard braking when a vehicle ahead is traveling at a safe distance
• Sudden stops during left turns, U-turns, or while merging
• Full braking engagement even when the driver is already slowing appropriately 

Many owners describe the braking as violent or jarring, with seatbelts tightening and occupants thrown forward. Some report that following drivers narrowly avoided rear-end crashes, while others state minor collisions have already occurred. Drivers also report dealership visits where they were told no issue was found, despite repeat occurrences. The unpredictability of the system has caused some owners to fear driving in traffic or highway conditions. 

How the Forward Collision-Avoidance System Works and Where It May Fail 

The Hyundai Tucson’s Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) system uses cameras and radar sensors to detect potential frontal collision risks and automatically apply braking if it determines a crash is imminent. When operating properly, the system is intended to reduce accidents by assisting inattentive drivers or reacting faster than human response time. 

However, if the system misinterprets sensor data or inaccurately calculates collision risk, it may generate false positives — triggering full emergency braking when no imminent danger exists. Reports suggest the system may: 

• Misinterpret vehicles merging at similar speeds as collision threats
• Trigger braking during normal turning maneuvers
• Override driver-applied partial braking with full emergency braking
• React to perceived hazards outside the vehicle’s direct path 

NHTSA complaints describe repeated events where the FCA system activated at highway speeds or in heavy traffic without justification. In some cases, drivers report that the vehicle remains temporarily immobilized before allowing acceleration again — increasing rear-end collision risk. 

If you purchased a 2025–2026 Hyundai Tucson or Tucson Hybrid in CA, TX, IL, MI, PA, NY, or NJ and have experienced sudden braking events, contact our firm to discuss your rights.

How to Start Your Potential Hyundai Tucson Phantom Braking Case 

If your 2025–2026 Hyundai Tucson or Tucson Hybrid has experienced sudden braking, taking prompt action can help protect your rights. 

• Step 1: Document Each Incident 
  Record when the braking occurs, including speed, traffic conditions, and whether any obstacle was present. Save dashboard warnings, repair invoices, and video evidence if available. 
• Step 2: Request a Preliminary Evaluation 
  Contact our office or submit our secure intake form. Provide details about dealership inspections, FCA sensitivity adjustments, and whether repairs were attempted. 
• Step 3: Schedule a Free Case Evaluation 
  Our attorneys will assess whether your vehicle qualifies under applicable warranty protections and  explain your legal options. 
• Step 4: Prepare Supporting Documentation 
  Organize service records, repair attempts, and correspondence with Hyundai or authorized dealers. We will review your documentation and discuss possible remedies, including vehicle repurchase or compensation. 

Contact Our Team of Award-Winning Attorneys Today 

If you own a 2025–2026 Hyundai Tucson or Tucson Hybrid and have experienced sudden or phantom braking, contact our team today for a free case evaluation. We are committed to protecting drivers placed at risk by malfunctioning safety systems. Automotive defect cases involving advanced driver assistance systems are technically complex, but our attorneys have the experience and resources necessary to hold manufacturers accountable. If your vehicle brakes without cause, contact our firm today to discuss your rights and potential remedies.

Attorney Handling This Case : Todd Walburg 

Todd Walburg is a Partner at McCune Law Group and leads the firm’s Northern California office. With over two decades of experience representing plaintiffs nationwide, he has built a distinguished career handling product liability, personal injury, and class action matters. Inspired at a young age when he first worked for a personal injury trial lawyer, Mr. Walburg remains committed to advocating for clients harmed by corporate negligence, finding the pursuit of justice alongside them to be the most meaningful aspect of his work.      

Mr. Walburg is widely recognized for his expertise in complex auto product liability litigation, including cases involving unintended acceleration, engine and transmission failures, seatbelt and airbag malfunctions, fuel-system fires, carbon-monoxide poisoning, rollover incidents, and crashworthiness defects. His work spans a broad range of high-stakes consumer safety matters, including litigation against major institutions and corporations, law-enforcement agencies, and Big Tobacco. His incredible track record in auto product liability matters has led to appointments to the Plaintiffs Steering Committee for the Toyota Unintended Acceleration JCCP in Los Angeles Superior Court and the Executive Committee for the Toyota RAV4 Battery Fires litigation pending in Texas.      

This investigation takes up issues at the heart of Mr. Walburg’s expertise. Drawing on his extensive background in automotive-defect cases, Mr. Walburg leads the firm’s efforts to hold the manufacturer accountable and pursue justice for affected consumers.      

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Counsel Richard McCune is licensed to practice only in the state of California. The law firm of McCune Law Group has attorneys licensed to practice law in AZ, CA, GA, MO, NY, and PA. McCune Law Group is a national firm that brings lawsuits in a majority of the states. In states where one of its attorneys is not barred, it does so by filing the complaint along with local counsel barred in that state.                       

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