IllustrationDrove over a pothole and car began to make a weird clicking noise.
2011 Hyundai Tucson
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2011 Hyundai Tucson do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 180.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Tucson years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
120–25K
1425–50K
1050–75K
1375–100K
17100–150K
4150K+
70 reports with mileage · 54 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Engine. Review the 40 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 21 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
5 crash reports3 fire reports3 injury reports
What owners actually said
124 reportsFuel gauge stoped working, ran out of gass while driving on the highway. I was able to pull over to the side slowly. No warning lamps or other symptoms.
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 t…
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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.
I have noticed that on various occasions I pressed on the the brake and the car seemed to accelerate until I slammed hard on the brake. Today 12/4/2021 I almost got into an accident as a result.
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 hur…
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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.
The ABS and Master Cylinder both had a pressure leak which caused the brakes to not engage. The sensor light also never activated to indicate a problem. While driving down the road my brakes would not engage unless I began to pump them, and even then they were unpredictable. We do not currently have the old parts as it was dispo…
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The ABS and Master Cylinder both had a pressure leak which caused the brakes to not engage. The sensor light also never activated to indicate a problem. While driving down the road my brakes would not engage unless I began to pump them, and even then they were unpredictable. We do not currently have the old parts as it was disposed of by the mechanic we went to. The independent mechanic was able to replicate the problem when the car was at a standstill in the shop. It was not inspected by anyone but the independent mechanic. There was no warning prior to this issue occurring. It started out small and I reported it to my mechanic but they could not replicate it. However within a time frame of 3 weeks, it was very severe and deemed unsafe to drive. P
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 W…
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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
ON OCTOBER 17, 2019, I DROPPED OFF MY 2011 HYUNDAI TUCSON AT KOON'S WOODBRIDGE HYUNDAI TO HAVE THE UNDERBODY CORR. PREVENT. SVC. 17-01-039 ' 945 - FIXED. THE DEALER HAS NOW HAD MY VEHICLE FOR OVER THREE MONTHS AND IS NOW REFUSING TO INSTALL THE REPLACEMENT SUBFRAME (COVERED UNDER WARRANTY) UNLESS I PAY THEM $1500 FOR REPAIRS …
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ON OCTOBER 17, 2019, I DROPPED OFF MY 2011 HYUNDAI TUCSON AT KOON'S WOODBRIDGE HYUNDAI TO HAVE THE UNDERBODY CORR. PREVENT. SVC. 17-01-039 ' 945 - FIXED. THE DEALER HAS NOW HAD MY VEHICLE FOR OVER THREE MONTHS AND IS NOW REFUSING TO INSTALL THE REPLACEMENT SUBFRAME (COVERED UNDER WARRANTY) UNLESS I PAY THEM $1500 FOR REPAIRS RELATED TO THE RECALL.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED LEAKING OIL, RESULTING IN A BLOWN PISTON. THE ENGINE WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED BY THE PISTON HOWEVER, THE COMPLETE EXTENT OF THE DAMAGES WERE UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY. THE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED LEAKING OIL, RESULTING IN A BLOWN PISTON. THE ENGINE WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED BY THE PISTON HOWEVER, THE COMPLETE EXTENT OF THE DAMAGES WERE UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF THE OIL LEAK ON THE ROADWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.
THE CAR DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. IT STARTED SMOKING UP AND THEN DIED. *TR
Official recalls
523V651000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
Sep 22, 2023
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
19V063000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
Feb 5, 2019
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
16V057000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:cooling Unit And Lines
Jan 28, 2016
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
14V245000 · Air Bags
May 13, 2014
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
13V113000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch
Apr 1, 2013
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2AQ23002 · Hyundai And Kia Abs Module Fires
Opened Nov 17, 2023 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
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.
DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power
Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
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 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 NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ 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. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA 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. 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 NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA 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 NHTSA.gov.