2011 Hyundai Tucson Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2011 Hyundai Tucson has 124 NHTSA complaints, 5 recalls, and a complaint index of 20, ranking 17th of 21 model years. Its Caution verdict is capped by a park-outside brake recall despite a relatively low complaint index. Engine problems, at a median 85,710 miles, are the top complaint area.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 20/100
- #17 of 21 Tucson years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 124
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 5
- 1 Park Outside
- Crashes
- 5
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 7
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 23.5
- 21 city / 28 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 7 / 0
Top 2011 Hyundai Tucson problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine47 (38%)
- Brakes40 (32%)
- Other20 (16%)
- Transmission & Powertrain20 (16%)
- Electrical System13 (10%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires9 (7%)
- Structure & Body6 (5%)
- Visibility & Wipers3 (2%)
- Airbags1 (1%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (1%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Front tires have blown from the sidewall at highway speed, causing loss of control.
- Sunroofs have shattered unexpectedly while driving on the highway.
- Driver's side seat belt has failed to stay latched at the window-side mount.
- Airbags failed to deploy in a moderate-speed rear-end crash, despite front-end damage.
- Vehicles have caught fire near the seat or dashboard area, with smoke and soot appearing overnight.
- Smoke has come from under the hood while waiting for parts to complete an open brake recall repair.
2011 Hyundai Tucson recalls
5 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V651000Sep 22, 2023Brakes1,649,478 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.
- NHTSA 19V063000Feb 5, 2019Engine120,000 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.
- NHTSA 16V057000Jan 28, 2016Transmission & Powertrain11,176 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.
2011 Hyundai Tucson fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 21 MPG
- Highway
- 28 MPG
- Combined
- 23.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,750
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2011 compared with other Tucson years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2011 Hyundai Tucson reliable?
- It ranks 17th out of 21 model years for the Tucson based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, with a complaint index of 20 and a Caution verdict. Engine and brake issues make up the largest share of complaints.
- What are the most common problems with the 2011 Hyundai Tucson?
- Engine complaints make up 38% of the total (47 complaints), with a median failure mileage of 85,710. Brakes are next at 32% (40 complaints), with a much lower median failure mileage of 38,000.
- Does the 2011 Hyundai Tucson have a recall?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2011 Tucson, covering brakes, engine, transmission, airbags, and the electrical system. One of these is a park-outside recall, which caps the verdict at Caution.
- Why is the 2011 Tucson rated Caution instead of Good?
- Its complaint index of 20 alone would suggest a better rating, but NHTSA's park-outside brake recall caps the verdict at Caution.