The fourth-generation Tucson (the NX4, sold here from the 2022 model year) is a comfy, good-looking SUV. But plenty of owners have felt that telltale shimmy through the steering wheel or brake pedal when slowing down from highway speed. If that's you, there's a defined fix, and on eligible 2022-2023 models it's handled as a warranty campaign.
What brake judder feels like
"Judder" is the industry word for a shake or vibration you feel while braking. Usually it's through the steering wheel (front rotors) or the seat and pedal (rear rotors). It's most obvious when you slow from 50 or 60 mph. It's different from a steering shimmy that happens at steady highway speed with no brakes applied. Hyundai has a separate bulletin for that on the 2022 Tucson, and it's not related to tire balance.
What Hyundai's bulletin says
| Detail | 23-BR-004H |
|---|---|
| Vehicles | 2022-2023 Tucson (NX4A) built 07/12/2021-05/17/2023; also Santa Cruz, Santa Fe and Santa Fe Hybrid of similar dates |
| Symptom | Brake judder |
| Step 1 | Confirm the judder |
| Step 2 | Measure front rotor thickness: standard 30mm (1.18 in), service limit 28mm (1.10 in) |
| Step 3a | Above the limit: machine (resurface) both front rotors, labor 1.2 hours |
| Step 3b | At or below the limit: replace both front rotors (new part 51712-L0100QQH), labor 0.7 hours |
| Step 4 | Brake burnishing procedure |
The bulletin also says that if the rotors are machined and burnished and the judder is still there, the rotors may be replaced under warranty. Dealers submit it as a "Campaign" claim type.
Owners are still reporting it on newer Tucsons
NHTSA complaints suggest the problem isn't limited to the bulletin window. A 2024 Tucson owner said in August 2026 that all four rotors were warped at just 7,209 miles and the dealer blamed hard braking. Another 2024 owner filed in September 2026 about a premature rotor defect. If your 2024 or newer Tucson judders, describe it the same way the bulletin does and ask the dealer to measure rotor thickness and runout rather than just handing you a bill.
What brake work costs
| Job | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Judder fix per 23-BR-004H (eligible 2022-2023) | Campaign warranty claim | Front rotors machined or replaced, burnished |
| Brake pads, 2023-2026 Tucson | $406-$463 | RepairPal estimate |
| Brake pads, 2017 Tucson (older generation) | $389-$446 | For comparison |
| Rotors | Extra; ask for a written quote | RepairPal says rotors should be inspected each pad job |
Easy things to check first
- Is it brakes or tires? If it shakes at steady speed without braking, think balance or the separate steering shimmy bulletin.
- Lug nut torque. Uneven torque after a tire rotation is a classic cause of rotor problems. Ask the shop to torque to spec with a torque wrench, not just an impact gun.
- Bed-in after new parts. RepairPal says to brake gently for the first 40-50 miles after new pads.
- Recalls. The Tucson ABS module fire recalls are covered in our Tucson ABS recall guide.
DIY or shop?
Pads and rotors on a Tucson are a reasonable DIY job with jack stands and a torque wrench. But if your 2022-2023 Tucson qualifies for 23-BR-004H, let the dealer do it. Machining rotors on-car and the burnish procedure are part of the fix, and it's covered.
What to ask the dealer
- "Does bulletin 23-BR-004H apply to my VIN and build date?"
- "What did the front rotors measure? Machined or replaced?"
- "If the judder comes back after machining, will you replace the rotors under the bulletin?"
- "Did you torque the wheels with a torque wrench?"
Is it worth fixing?
Yes. It's often free on 2022-2023 models, and brake judder only gets worse. More Tucson help is on the Hyundai Tucson repair page.
Prices checked October 14, 2026.
