- Hyundai is recalling 424,743 vehicles over three separate issues.
- A software problem can cause some models to brake unexpectedly.
- Elantras have an airbag inflator that can rupture and spew shrapnel.
Hyundai has issued three new recalls that impact nearly 425,000 vehicles. They involve an assortment of models including the Santa Cruz and Tucson as well as the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 9.
The most serious recall impacts 3,493 Elantras from 2015 and 2016. They may be equipped with an airbag inflator that can rupture and spew shrapnel at the driver, potentially causing injury or death.
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While the campaign brings back memories of the massive Takata airbag recall, these inflators were made by ARC Automotive. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says they “might contain propellant outside of density specifications” and this can result in “increased internal inflator pressures, potentially leading to rupture of the inflator during airbag deployment.”
The automaker isn’t aware of any ruptures, but decided to conduct a recall out of an “abundance of caution.” Owners will be notified in July and instructed to take their vehicle to a dealership for inspection. If needed, technicians will replace the airbag inflator.
Premature Braking
The largest recall involves a forward collision avoidance system that can unexpectedly apply the brakes on 421,078 vehicles. This includes the 2025-2026 Santa Cruz, Tucson, Tucson Hybrid, and Tucson Plug-In Hybrid.
The models may exhibit “increased sensitivity” to objects in front of the vehicle due to a software issue. This can cause the forward collision avoidance system to act prematurely and unexpectedly apply the brakes.
Hyundai began investigating the issue early last year and the company has received 376 reports related to the forward collision avoidance system. Unfortunately, four of these involved accidents where a Hyundai was rear-ended by another vehicle. These crashes reportedly resulted in four injuries.
To address the problem, dealers will update the front camera software. Notifications are scheduled to go out in mid-July.
Loose Suspension
The third and final recall involves the 2025 Ioniq 5 and 2026 Ioniq 9. The EVs may have been equipped with rear suspension fasteners that weren’t torqued down properly. As a result, vibrations can eventually loosen nuts and bolts, which can lead to a loss of control.
Hyundai was tipped off in 2025 by a complaint alleging an odd noise coming from the rear suspension of an Ioniq 5. This kicked off an investigation and the automaker is only aware of two incidents.
The campaign impacts 172 vehicles, but only 1% of them are believed to have improperly torqued suspension components. As part of the recall, dealers will inspect and replace rear suspension fasteners as well as perform a rear vehicle alignment.
