Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Tucson. While driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission fluid cooler hose failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V057000 (power train). The vehicle was taken to another dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Tucson. While attempting to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle failed to respond and the check engine warning light illuminated. The failure occurred twice. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission fluid hose failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired per NHTSA campaign number: 16V057000 (power train); however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
Occurs intermittently, but on a more frequent basis now, the shifter becomes blocked and the car can't be put in park. Both stability control and down hill lights come on during that time. Same has occurred while trying to get car out of park and in gear. This has occurred while car is stationary. It became a safety issue while parked on a down slope hill. Had to use e-brake and eventually find a flat road to park and use e-brake while trying to find a solution to securing the vehicle so it would not roll away.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Tucson. While the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for routine maintenance, the contact was informed that the transmission had a leak. The contact stated that the vehicle exhibited the same symptoms as listed in NHTSA campaign number: 16V057000 (power train). The dealer was not notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and did not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
The rubber transmission cooling lines broke at 55 MPH on rt 81s and instantly blew the transmission. My vehicle is the exact make, model and year of the NHTSA campaign 16v05700. I contacted Hyundai for reimbursement of my repair costs and Hyundai stated that my vehicle was not part of this "149" campaign. I do not understand why others with the exact same problem are being reimbursed and I am not? Clearly Hyundai is at fault. Documentation is attached
My car had unintended deceleration following crank sensor error. On freeway my car suddenly decelerated and I had to exit. Upon exit while diagnosing in the parking lot engine revved suddenly and car moved even though it was on neutral. All the fault codes were caught on torqueobd. However upon restarting the car check engine light is gone and it masks a serious problem in the car that can be life threatening.
The engine on my 2011 Hyundai Tucson limited seized up without warning on February 6th, 2018 while driving down the highway at 65 MPH on hwy 44 in st. Louis. The engine only had 78,000 miles on it and had received regular oil changes. Since it seized up completely I had to get a new engine for it. I had only owned the vehicle for about 10 months; it was purchased from suntrup Ford in st louis in 2017.
In May 2015, my transmission broke down while driving and I was unable to stop in the parking lot of a walmart. I had it towed to the local Hyundai dealership (knoxville, tn) where I purchased the 2011 Hyundai Tucson. The automatic transaxle cooler hose had burst. I paid for the repairs. I received a letter of recall in March 2016, stating I would be reimbursed for the repairs. I submitted the "request for reimbursement". I received a letter from Hyundai on March 25th, 2016, stating they would process the reimbursement in 90 days. They requested a copy of the repair sheet from the Hyundai dealer, which I sent along with the cost documenting where I had paid for the repair. On June 15, (82 days), I received a letter requesting a "clear credit card statement showing name of card holder on statement". The credit card statement was sent the same day showing the name. …
Related recalls
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.
Transmission complaints in other Tucson years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2011 Hyundai Tucson?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2011 Hyundai Tucson, 16% of the model year's 124 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission › cooling unit and lines (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Hyundai Tucson transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 16V-057 (cooling unit and lines, Jan 28, 2016). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2011 Hyundai Tucson transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 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.