Hyundai recalls 337 Tucson SUVs in South Africa over braking fault

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has announced a safety recall affecting 337 Hyundai Tucson NX4 N-Line vehicles sold in South Africa during 2023 due to a software issue that could trigger unintended emergency braking.

Why Hyundai is recalling the vehicles

According to the NCC, the issue relates to the vehicle’s Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA) system, which may be overly sensitive in certain driving conditions.

The commission said the fault could cause the system to activate emergency braking unexpectedly, even when there is no immediate collision risk, increasing the possibility of a crash.

Which vehicles are affected?

The recall applies to:

• Hyundai Tucson NX4 N-Line vehicles sold in South Africa during 2023
• A total of 337 affected vehicles nationwide

The NCC urged owners to have their vehicles inspected and updated as soon as possible.

Free software update available

According to the NCC notice, Hyundai dealers will perform a front camera software update free of charge to correct the problem.

The update is intended to address the FCA system’s sensitivity and prevent unintended emergency braking events.

What owners should do

Owners of affected vehicles are advised to:

• Contact their nearest authorised Hyundai dealership
• Schedule the required software update
• Ensure the vehicle is inspected as soon as possible

Motorists seeking more information can contact Hyundai Customer Care on 010 248 8085.

Queries may also be directed to the NCC via ProductRecall@thencc.org.za.

Growing focus on vehicle safety recalls

The recall comes amid increased scrutiny of vehicle safety defects globally, particularly those involving advanced driver assistance systems.

According to recall notices issued in other markets, the FCA software issue may cause the system to continue applying braking even after the perceived collision risk has passed, potentially leading to sudden and unexpected deceleration.

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