Most common 2011 Hyundai Tucson problems
Share of the 124 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Hyundai Tucson complaints by model year
Best Tucson years: 2011. Years to avoid: 2025, 2016, 2017, 2022, 2023. Compare all years →
2011 Hyundai Tucson recalls (5)
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge.
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Tucson vehicles. The engine oil pan may leak and, if not addressed, the loss of oil may result in engine damage.
Remedy: Hyundai has notified owners, and dealers will inspect for an oil pan leak, replacing it if necessary, and install an updated oil pressure switch, free of charge. The recall began August 19, 2019.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Cooling unit and lines
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011 Hyundai Tucson vehicles manufactured July 22, 2010, to October 31, 2010. The affected vehicles have a transmission fluid cooler hose that may have been improperly manufactured, resulting in a transmission fluid leak.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission fluid cooler hose, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 25, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151.
Air bags
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Hyundai Tucson vehicles manufactured January 3, 2011, through December 23, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the air bag assembly installed in the steering wheel may come loose from its mounting.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts that secure the driver's air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2014.
Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2011 Hyundai Tucson:
Loss of Motive Power
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021.
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando.
What 2011 Hyundai Tucson owners say
Engine & cooling all 45 →
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speed, she heard a knocking and ticking noise coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The oil warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the mechanic informed the contact that the oil was low and needed to be refilled. The contact stated that the oil was refilled however, a month later the knocking and ticking noise was heard from the engine and the oil warning light intermittently illuminated. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V101000 (Engine). The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the valve gasket seal needed to be replaced and oil pressure switch was replaced. …
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving 25-30 MPH at night, the vehicle was shuddering and lost motive power. The contact was able to veer to the side of the roadway. The contact off and restarted the vehicle, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact continued driving; however, the failure recurred, and the vehicle could not exceed 30 MPH. The contact pulled into the nearest gas station. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer covered the cost of the repair. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. …
Brakes all 34 →
The contact owned a 2011 Hyundai Tucson. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available The contact stated while driving 45-50 MPH, there was smoke coming from underneath the passenger's side of the hood. The contact immediately veered to the side of the road and exited the vehicle. The contact stated while attempting to grab the fire extinguisher in the trunk, she noticed that there was fire underneath the vehicle. The vehicle became engulfed in fire. A fire department report and a police report were filed but were not currently available. The contact and the three other passengers who were occupying the vehicle at the time of the incident sustained trauma but did not seek medical assistance. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. …
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving 25-30 MPH at night, the vehicle was shuddering and lost motive power. The contact was able to veer to the side of the roadway. The contact off and restarted the vehicle, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact continued driving; however, the failure recurred, and the vehicle could not exceed 30 MPH. The contact pulled into the nearest gas station. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer covered the cost of the repair. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. …
Transmission & drivetrain all 20 →
I've been having a serious, reoccurring problem, that the service team continues to miss-diagnose. While accelerating, my car will suddenly lose all power. The engine continues to function just fine, and the RPM's continue to rise (very rapidly), but no power is being transferred to the wheels. The service team has decided this is an issue with my tire pressure, which is clearly not the case. This issue is either software related, or is symptomatic of a drivetrain problem, transmission, transfer case, or front/rear differential. This is a serious concern for my safety, and the safety of my family. I'm reporting to the NHTSA. I have been driven off of the road twice because of my inability to accelerate when needed. Today was the second time I have ended up on the side of the road, shaken, crying and afraid. I have been taking this car in for this issue since 2012. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Tucson. Without warning, the vehicle gradually reduced speed and an internal fracture occurred with the transmission. The vehicle was unable to be driven. Upon further inspection, the contact noticed an extensive puddle under the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for further inspection and diagnostic testing. The contact had been waiting for days for the dealer to determine the parts and remedy to repair the vehicle. The contact had not been notified, but the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 16V057000 (power train). The manufacturer was unable to provide a specific date to supply the parts to the dealer. The approximate failure mileage was 32,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
2011 Hyundai Tucson engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 22 / 30 / 25 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 23 / 30 / 25 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD | 21 / 28 / 24 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | FWD | 21 / 28 / 23 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 20 / 27 / 23 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | 4WD | 20 / 26 / 22 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Hyundai Tucson a good car?
Based on 124 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 Tucson rates better than average: 47% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Tucson at the same age. It is one of the best Tucson years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2011 Hyundai Tucson?
The engine & cooling — 45 complaints, 36% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the brakes (34) and transmission & drivetrain (20).
How many recalls does the 2011 Hyundai Tucson have?
There are 5 recalls for the 2011 Hyundai Tucson, the most recent from September 22, 2023 (control unit/module). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Hyundai Tucson?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2011. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2025, 2016, 2017, 2022 and 2023. See the full Hyundai Tucson years comparison.
At what mileage do 2011 Hyundai Tucson problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 74,000 miles; 37% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.