YearToAvoid

2011 Hyundai Tucson Brakes Problems

NHTSA lists 40 brake-related complaints for the 2011 Hyundai Tucson, 32% of all complaints filed for the year, with a median failure mileage of 38,000. A 2023 recall (23V651000) covers a related brake component, and the complaints include 1 crash, 1 fire, and 6 injuries.

Brakes complaints
40
32% of 124
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
6
Median mileage
38,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical brake symptoms owners report

  • Owners report intermittent loss of braking power for one to two seconds when driving over road bumps at low speed.
  • Several owners describe the downhill brake control (DBC) and electronic stability control (ESC) warning lights illuminating during normal driving, often paired with an inability to shift the gearshift into park.
  • One owner reported an exposed and unprotected wheel speed sensor wire located near the tires, which could be severed by road debris and affect ABS and traction control.
  • Owners describe the traction control light coming on along with a jerking sensation while driving around 55 mph.
  • One owner reported smoke coming from under the hood near the passenger side while driving, tied to the unresolved 23V651000 recall repair.
  • An owner described brakes responding very slowly during a highway stop, resulting in a rear-end collision and airbag deployment.

When 2011 Hyundai Tucson brake complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 17, 2011, latest Apr 7, 2025.

2011 Hyundai Tucson brakes complaints: complaints filed per month6Feb 2011Mar 2013Aug 2013Jun 2022Feb 2024Jul 2024Mar 2025
40 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2011 to Apr 2025; peak Nov 2023 (6).

Brakes recalls for the 2011 Hyundai Tucson

  1. 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.

Brakes complaints by Tucson model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201014 (24%)
  2. 201140 (32%)
  3. 201237 (15%)
  4. 201342 (16%)
  5. 201456 (28%)
  6. 201570 (31%)
  7. 201656 (3%)
  8. 201750 (5%)
  9. 201843 (11%)
  10. 2019121 (32%)
  11. 202044 (25%)
  12. 202112 (15%)
  13. 202233 (9%)
  14. 202319 (14%)
  15. 202416 (17%)
  16. 202539 (14%)

Frequently asked questions

How many brake complaints does NHTSA have for the 2011 Hyundai Tucson?
NHTSA lists 40 brake-related complaints for the 2011 Tucson, which is 32% of the 124 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a brake recall for the 2011 Hyundai Tucson?
Yes. Recall campaign 23V651000 covers a brake-related component on the 2011-2015 Tucson and related Hyundai models; it does not require owners to stop driving but advises parking outside away from structures.
At what mileage do brake problems typically show up on the 2011 Tucson?
The median mileage at failure among reported brake complaints is 38,000 miles.
Were there any injuries or fires linked to brake complaints on the 2011 Tucson?
NHTSA data tied to this complaint area shows 1 crash, 1 fire, and 6 injuries reported.
How does the 2011 Tucson compare to other model years for brake complaints?
The 2011 Tucson's brake complaints make up 32% of its total complaints, similar to the 2015 (31%) and 2019 (32%) model years, and higher than years like 2016 (3%) and 2017 (5%).

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.