2011 Hyundai Tucson problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 53 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Hyundai Tucson, most often about brakes. There are 5 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
53
Recalls
5
Crashes
0
Fires
2
Injuries
4
Median mileage
119,500 mi
at time of problem

Safety warning: at least one recall for this vehicle tells owners to park outside until it is repaired. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Key facts

  • Brakes is the most-reported problem area, named in 27 of 53 complaints (51%).
  • Engine (14) and suspension (4) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 119,500 mi.
  • Owners reported 0 crashes, 2 fires and 4 injuries.
  • The 2011 Hyundai Tucson has 5 recalls on file.
  • NHTSA has opened 2 defect investigations covering this vehicle.
  • It ranks 16th of 22 Hyundai Tucson model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 165% more complaints than the 2010 model year (20).

2011 Hyundai Tucson problems by category

  • 27 complaints
  • Engine
    14 complaints
  • Other / Unknown
    12 complaints
  • Suspension
    4 complaints
  • Electrical System
    4 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    3 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    1 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    1 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    1 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Service brakes, hydraulic20
Unknown or other12
Engine10
Service brakes7
Engine and engine cooling4
Suspension3
Electrical system3
Seats1

When problems happen (mileage)

Under 10k110k–30k130k–60k460k–100k4100k–150k4150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2011 Hyundai Tucson complaints that list mileage.

2011 Hyundai Tucson recalls (5)

  • Recall 23V651000Sep 22, 20231,649,478 vehiclesPark outside
    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. 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 19V063000Feb 5, 2019120,000 vehicles
    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.

    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 16V057000Jan 28, 201611,176 vehicles
    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.

    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 14V245000May 13, 2014137,500 vehicles
    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.

    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 13V113000Apr 1, 20131,712,336 vehicles
    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. 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.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • AQ23002Opened Nov 17, 2023Open

    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, …

  • DP22003Opened Sep 12, 2022Closed Dec 12, 2023

    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. 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 complain…

Recent 2011 Hyundai Tucson complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Apr 21, 2026NJEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11732770 · source
  2. Filed Jan 26, 2026NCOther / Unknown
    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, NHTSA says" I called Hyundai last week and the lady I spoke with said there was a service…
    NHTSA complaint #11713390 · source
  3. Filed Jul 21, 2025CAFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11675166 · source
  4. Filed Apr 7, 2025IDTowedBody & StructureBrakesSeats & Seat Belts
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11653195 · source
  5. Filed Mar 30, 2025GABrakesElectrical SystemOther / 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 NHTSA 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…
    NHTSA complaint #11651584 · source
  6. Filed Jan 27, 2025NJBrakes
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11638751 · source
  7. Filed Nov 20, 2024TNBrakesOther / Unknown
    I am writing regarding the NHTSA 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…
    NHTSA complaint #11626390 · source
  8. Filed Sep 24, 2024CABrakes
    The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Tucson. 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 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.
    NHTSA complaint #11616252 · source

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Other 2011 Hyundai models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology