I own a 2011 Hyundai Tucson (VIN: [XXX] ). 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. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The worst 2011 Hyundai Tucson problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine45
- Brakes34
- Transmission20
- Electrical12
- Driver assistance11
- Suspension5
- Acceleration4
- Body4
- Tires4
- Seats3
- Visibility3
- Airbags1
- Fuel system1
- Lights1
- Seat belts1
- Steering1
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2011 Hyundai Tucson
Stalling 10Engine failure 9Check engine light 8ABS 6Won't start 6
Recalls 5
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
- What is wrong
- 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. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
- Risk
- An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- 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. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1‑855‑371‑9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
Recall number 23V651000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: engine
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1‑855‑371‑9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 181.
Recall number 19V063000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- If enough transmission fluid leaks out, the transmission may not function properly and the vehicle may stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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. Hyundai's number for this recall is 139.
Recall number 16V057000 · Recall details
Air bags
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- An air bag assembly that is not properly mounted may result in an increased risk of injury to the driver in the event of a crash.
- 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. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1‑800‑633‑5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 118.
Recall number 14V245000 · Recall details
Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch
- What is wrong
- 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. Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
- Risk
- Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of Park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
- 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.
Recall number 13V113000 · Recall details
See all 5 recalls for the 2011 Hyundai Tucson
Defect investigations
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. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V‑520, 20V‑543, 21V‑161, 21V‑160, 21V‑303, 22V‑056, 22V‑810, and 23V‑651. Kia recalls 16V‑815, 20V‑518, 20V‑519, 21V‑137, 21V‑331, 22V‑051, 22V‑800, and 23V‑652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.
AQ23002
Loss of Motive Power
the federal safety agency 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. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitionersâ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODIâs evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to the federal safety agency which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. Â There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in the federal safety agency's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, the federal safety agency does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing the federal safety agencyâs reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to the federal safety agency cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
DP22003
Technical service bulletins for the 2011 Hyundai Tucson 129
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This TSB references the Op codes to use for claim submission and the Parts required based on the vehicle’s...
- This TSB references the Op codes to use for claim submission and the Parts required based on the vehicle’s...
- In certain areas, a vehicle’s underbody may exhibit corrosion due to road salt usage
- Underbody corrosion due to road salt usage
- Some Hyundai vehicles may be equipped with a parking distance warning (PDW) sensor(s) that may trigger...
- Higher-than-expected engine oil consumption
- Higher-than-expected engine oil consumption
- The federal safety agency has issued an urgent safety advisory regarding dangerous, counterfeit...
- The federal safety agency has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous driver’s-side airbag...
- In response to this trend, we engineered a software upgrade that addresses the social media theft method...
2011 Hyundai Tucson fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4‑cyl | FWD | 21-22 | 28-30 | 23-25 |
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | FWD | 20-23 | 27-30 | 23-25 |
| 2.4L 4‑cyl | 4WD | 20-21 | 26-28 | 22-24 |
What 2011 Hyundai Tucson owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
While driving my speedometer became erratic, just one time. My cruise control is no longer working, my trip odometer is not working and possibly the odometer is not working properly. I googled for speedometer problems with 2011 Hyundai speedometers and found an article that may be false on Reuters "Hyundai Motor to recall nearly 84,000 US vehicles over instrument panel display failure, the federal safety agency says" I called Hyundai last week and the lady I spoke with said there was a service bulletin and said it would be repaired at no cost! She even set me up with an appointment at the local dealer. About 2 days later I received an email that said there was no tsb and that it was not covered under warranty. I cancelled the appointment and stopped at the Hyundai dealership. The man I spoke with seemed to know exactly what I was talking about and said it would be almost $200 to diagnose and that would be applied to the repair which would be $7-800. He also said there are 2 different switches and it coud be either switch. I know there's a lot of garbage on the internet but when I saw the article that said that "the federal safety agency says" and then was told by someone at Hyundai that there is a service bulletin, I believed it. I'm [XXX] old and my wife and I have had this vehicle since new. It's a good vehicle and most likely our last. However I am totally bewildered by this situation. Is there a recall/service bulletin that you are aware of or not? Thank you! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I purchased a brand new fuel pump on 2-28-24 after car died on freeway. Mission Hills Hyundai diagnosed as pump not turning on, so recommended replacing fuel pump assembly. On [XXX] car wouldn’t start, so took vehicle in and the next day it was determined as faulty starter. Car was picked up 7-3-25 after buying a new starter, but car would not start again the next day. The car was actually misdiagnosed and the ruling was tank fuel pump had an intermittent short circuit. I’ve driven on the fuel pump I purchased on 2-28-24 for about a year in a half. It only lasted 40,000 miles. Fuel pumps last 100,000 to 200,000 miles. I’ve driven other vehicles going over 100,000 miles on the same fuel pump. How did this fuel pump go out so quick? Was it installed right? Was it bad wiring? Was it a defective part? Thankfully the fuel pump went out when I wasn’t driving. This is a major safety issue and Lithia, who is the parent company of Mission Hills Hyundai, should be looked into. Also the misdiagnosis from the technician should be in question to. Integrity is also an issue here, so how can I feel safe if I want to to continue getting my car serviced here. Yes they gave me a new fuel pump with no charge, but still had to pay for a starter I didn’t need. Basically I spent $3000 for a part that went out on my vehicle in over a year. Just like how Ford has a recent recall of fuel pumps, Hyundai should be checked into this issue also. I will attach invoices including a service for my fuel system cleaning. I thought all this work I got done would prevent a major failure on a vital vehicle component. Thank you, Hope to hear from you INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact's daughter owns a 2011 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that upon his daughter attempting to enter the vehicle through the front driver’s side door, the door failed to open. The contact stated that his daughter opened the front passenger’s side door and there was black smoke coming from inside the vehicle. The contact’s daughter discovered that the front driver’s side seat, driver’s side door panel, and headliner was burned. The contact stated that the Fire Department was not called to the scene. There was no one injured. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the vehicle was included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The dealer was notified of the failure and a tow truck was sent to the residence. While the vehicle was in the dealer's possession, the failure was acknowledged, but the dealer stated that the damages would not be covered for free. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle as not repaired and remained with the dealer. The failure mileage was unknown.
Recall # 251 has been going on at great length and I have an appointment for 11:30am April 1,2025 for what they deem as a solution to # 251 Recall that does not fix the problem and goes against everything that the federal safety agency and FEDERAL GOVERMENT LAWS are in place for, you are allowing them to continue to not do what the laws clearly state and in a certain time period have repaired, replaced or make restiitution for the recalled issue it also is stated that they do not need to for automobiles older than 15years.Their Bandaid only creates other problems and dangers and by 02/11/2026 my car will be 16years old but it wasn’t when all this first started,I own a time bomb and can not afford to buy another vehicle,Im retired and live on a fixed income. Im not sure if letting them change a fuse to a lower wattage so it would fail and make the ABS System Disabled there by stopping leaking brake fluid from igniting.Does Not Meet Any Requirements and Creates More Issues.My Car has AWD and is low mileage for the age.I don’t agree with letting them do this but Im afraid of what the federal safety agency or They can do if I don’t,Why aren’t you stopping them perpetrate a fraud.This is not by your own law's fines have not helped the millions involved in this #251 Recall Thankyou.
Happened to be driving our car (11/23/25) to drop off our other car for brake pad replacement. On the way to our mechanic the brake light came on in the dash cluster. After having spoken to our mechanic we prepared to leave the car we planned to drop off. Got in our Hyundai Tucson and the brake light was still on, odd. Proceed to back up and he brake pedal almost went to the floor. Got out looked underneath the car and there was a puddle of brake fluid. The Hyundai was unsafe to drive as it had no brakes and we left it at our mechanic. He called Friday to say Hyundai longer makes the brake lines and he was searching for the front brake lines that corroded away and failed. He said the rear lines we coated to protect them from corrosion and the front lines were not. Learned over the weekend that the Canadian government recalled almost 300K Hyundai vehicles for corroded or failed brake lines. Why hasn't the US addressed this serious safety issue? My image is too large to be accepted by your system. Is there another way to submit it? We were incredibly fortunate as we were going home on a highway at rush. If the brakes failed I'm certain we and others would have been injured.
I am writing regarding the federal safety agency Recall Number23V651000. I have been on a waiting list since July when the recall notice about a remedy finally being determined was sent in the mail. I have now called Hyundai of Cool Springs in Tennessee about where I am on the list. At one point they were saying September, then when I called again they were thinking some time in November. We are now almost out of November and I am not getting any updates and would like to park my daughter's vehicle in the garage. The dealership is saying that parts or something on back order with no idea on when I can expect an appointment to resolve this issue. I didn't let my daughter take the car to college thinking I would be able to resolve this by the time we were hitting winter break and her returning to school in January. Please provide guidance on other options to get this remedy taken care of. Thank you
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Tucson. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency 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 stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Tucson. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Tucson. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency 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 stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Compare the 2011 Hyundai Tucson
Tucson vs Ford EscapeTucson vs Honda CR-VTucson vs Jeep CherokeeTucson vs Toyota RAV4Tucson vs Chevrolet EquinoxTucson vs Nissan RogueTucson vs Subaru ForesterTucson vs Kia Sportage
Other model years
2005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026
Questions about the 2011 Hyundai Tucson
Is the 2011 Hyundai Tucson reliable?
Owners have filed 124 complaints about the 2011 Hyundai Tucson, fewer than a typical Tucson model year.
What is the 2011 Hyundai Tucson year score?
The 2011 Hyundai Tucson scores 78 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Hyundai Tucson: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2011 Hyundai Tucson?
Engine and cooling, with 45 complaints, typically around 100,000 miles. Next is brakes (34).
How many recalls does the 2011 Hyundai Tucson have?
5 recalls, covering service brakes, hydraulic, engine and engine cooling and power train.
Was there a recall on the 2011 Hyundai Tucson engine?
Yes, 1 recall: 19V063000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Hyundai Tucson have bad engine?
The Hyundai Tucson model years with the most engine complaints are 2017 (619 complaints), 2016 (430 complaints) and 2018 (250 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2011 Hyundai Tucson get?
Official estimates for the 2011 Hyundai Tucson range from 22 to 25 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.4L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 21-22 city and 28-30 highway.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2011 Hyundai Tucson?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history