Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Hyundai Tucson owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Tucson. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V063000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a knocking sound, and the vehicle lost motive power. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced due to sludge build-up. The dealer requested the vehicle oil change history. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer denied the engine replacement due to sludge in the engine from neglect. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000. The VIN was unavailable.
The contact called on behalf of his mother who owns a 2011 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that his mother received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V063000 (Engine and Engine cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the oil pressure switch was replaced; however, the contact stated that upon having the vehicle inspected, the vehicle failed the inspection. The contact was informed by the technician that the oil pan was leaking and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The contact stated that the case was denied and informed that the vehicle was not covered under warranty due to the age of the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 79,300.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for scheduled maintenance, the contact was informed that an oil pan seal leak had been discovered. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V063000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), and the VIN was included, but the repair had already been completed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 47,000.
I own a 2011 Hyundai Tucson (VIN: [redacted] ). The vehicle had an engine replacement performed by Hyundai service. Immediately after picking up the car, I noticed a loud abnormal noise coming from underneath the vehicle. I reported the issue right away, but was told nothing was heard and it was dismissed. The noise has continued and worsened over time. I am concerned there may be damage or improper installation affecting the exhaust system or flex pipe, which could be a safety issue. Exact service dates are with Hyundai records, as I do not have them available.
I had my car repaired due to an open recall in April. I got in my car yesterday and while driving the car shut off and there seemed to be a liquid leaking from under the car. I had the car towed to Key Hyundai of Milford where the recall work in addition to other work was done. I am really worried because I could have gotten hurt if other cars where nearby. Also the dealership is saying it may take up to 2 weeks for them to inspect my vehicle. I need suggestions as to my best course of action.
Highway, bridge, following significantly far back. Car stops ahead and I brake in plenty of time (my son was in the front seat and can attest to that). Car brakes but very slowly, not in time so we hit the stationary car and then we were hit much harder from behind. Airbags deployed. The car immediately filled with smoke which I attributed to the air bags because I did not know any better. Very scared, I screamed for the kids to get out of the car. Smoke was gone by the time police arrived. We were OK, my son and I had sore ribs and while talking with police my left hand was burning from something. Nothing was visible so I saw know point in telling anyone. It left a rash and within time it peeled and now is back to normal. A few days later, had some headaches. Went to the athletic trainer at our school (I am a teacher) and was put on concussion protocol. Car was totaled. …
I purchased this vehicle from an acquaintance, who had it serviced by a local mechanic. Before I decided to buy it, I spoke with the mechanic he used, as well as calling the dealer with the vin number to verify that the recall issues had been taken care of. It was purchased around 9/19/2022 per the title. I change the oil and rotate the tires every 3000 miles. Checking the oil weekly to see if it needs filling.I was attending an outdoor music show about 120 miles away. After leaving and not getting more than 20miles from the venue late that evening, my car with no indication slowed down and thankfully with not as much traffic I was able to pull to the side of the highway. The car would not turn over. I heard no noises when this occurred, nor did I smell anything, it just it quit working. It was late when the car was towed to S&B Automotive in Bridgewater. …
I recently reached 115000 miles on my Tucson. It started 2 weeks ago, the alternator needed to be replaced for higher output than it should. It caused the vehicle not to start since it wouldn't hold a charge. Once replaced, the engine light came on again not long after so I took it into a shop. They found that I needed to replace two of the cam shaft sensors. A couple of days ago, drivingmy husband and kids, the rmp gauge went out and the vehicle would not accelerate. Once stopped and restarted, the RPM gauge re-engaged and drive fine. No engine light came on. Driving home today, 66 miles away from home on interstate 78 in new jersey, the rmp gauge went out again. I pulled over on the shoulder, put on my flashers and shut off the vehicle. I waited about 5 minutes and was able to restart the vehicle, this time the check engine light engaged. …
Related recalls
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.
NHTSA investigations
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.
Engine complaints in other Tucson years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2011 Hyundai Tucson?
NHTSA has 45 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2011 Hyundai Tucson, 36% of the model year's 124 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2011 Hyundai Tucson engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 19V-063 (engine, Feb 5, 2019). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2011 Hyundai Tucson engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 2 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.