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)
2011 Hyundai Tucson engine problems
45 complaints (36% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 100,000. 1 crash reported.
- owner complaints
- 45
- of this car's complaints
- 36%
- typical mileage
- 100,000
- crashes
- 1
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
Owners did not name a specific part.
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Hyundai Tucson engine problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2011 Hyundai Tucson engine
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Stalling 10Engine failure 9Check engine light 8Won't start 6
Related recalls
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
Related investigations
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
What 2011 Hyundai Tucson owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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 the federal safety agency 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 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 had to wait for a ride and didn’t get home till early morning. When I contacted the place where it was towed, they said I needed a new engine at $6,000.00. I drained my bank account to pay for this 2011 Hyundai Tucson. So I could not have it repaired and was not aware of the recall and still never received the recall notice to this day. Just the one regarding the key issue and class action suit. If I had known that there was a recall on this vehicle I would have had it towed to the dealership for the repair and then traded it in for another vehicle other than a Hyundai. I was forced to take out an unwanted loan in order to purchase another vehicle. This vehicle although well maintained has too many issues. I still have the title as I inadvertently gave the automotive company the wrong title. I want to be compensated for the full blue book value of this vehicle.
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 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 failure mileage was approximately 116,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact called on behalf of his mother who owns a 2011 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that his mother received notification of the federal safety agency 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 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 the federal safety agency 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 vehicle was repaired; however, while driving from the dealer she heard the knocking and ticking noise in the engine with the engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started to shake and went into Limp Mode. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number and advised to call the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was 148,981.
Vehicle stalls and does not ramp past 2000rpm, jerks from time to time, check engine light flashes continually. Never goes off.
Recalls for my model
Drove over a pothole and car began to make a weird clicking noise.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Tucson. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency 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.
Questions about the 2011 Hyundai Tucson engine
Does the 2011 Hyundai Tucson have engine problems?
Owners have filed 45 complaints about the engine of the 2011 Hyundai Tucson, 36% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2011 Hyundai Tucson engine problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 100,000 miles.
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).
Other 2011 Hyundai Tucson problems
Brakes 34Transmission 20Electrical 12Driver assistance 11Suspension 5Acceleration 4Body 4Tires 4Seats 3Visibility 3Airbags 1Fuel system 1Lights 1Seat belts 1Steering 1Wheels 1
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