Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD

2011 Hyundai TucsonRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 124 owner complaints for the 2011 Hyundai Tucson. Most complaints involve engine (40) and service brakes, hydraulic (21). The EPA rates it 22–25 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
22–25mpg
EPA · 6 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
5campaigns
Latest Sep 2023
Owner complaints
124
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,500est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

5 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Service brakes

Park outsideFree remedy

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.

Service brakes, hydraulicReported Sep 22, 2023NHTSA 23V651000

Engine and engine cooling: engine

Free remedy

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.

Engine and engine coolingReported Feb 5, 2019NHTSA 19V063000

Power train: cooling unit and lines

Free remedy

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.

Power trainReported Jan 29, 2016NHTSA 16V057000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

124 complaints filed with NHTSA · Sep 2010 – Apr 2026
  1. Engine40
  2. Service brakes, hydraulic21
  3. Power train20
  4. Electrical system12
  5. Service brakes12
  6. Electronic stability control (esc)9
  7. Engine and engine cooling5
  8. Suspension5
  9. Structure4

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Tucson model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2005185
2006135
200765
200843
200918
201059
2011124
2012255
2013266
2014203
2015229
20161,626
20171,096
2018398
2019385
2020179
202180
2022389
2023136
202499
2025295
202664
Crashes reported
5
Fires reported
3
Injuries reported
7
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

40 reports1 crash
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 21, 2026EngineODI 11732770

Service brakes, hydraulic

21 reports1 fire
“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 Department was not called to the scene. There was no one injured. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The dealer was notified of the failure and a tow truck was sent to the residence. While the vehicle was in the dealer's possession, the failure was acknowledged, but the dealer stated that the damages would not be covered for free. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle as not repaired and remained with the dealer. The failure mileage was unknown.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 7, 2025Service brakes, hydraulic, Seats, StructureODI 11653195

Power train

20 reports
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 20, 2021Power trainODI 11413067
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

6 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl · 2.0L 4-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 6-spd · Manual 5-spd · Manual 6-spd
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Tucson 2WD
Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive
223025$2,500355
Tucson 2WD
Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
233025$2,500355
Tucson 4WD
Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · 4-Wheel Drive
212824$2,600370
Tucson 2WD
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
202723$2,700386
Tucson 2WD
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive
212823$2,700386
Tucson 4WD
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · 4-Wheel Drive
202622$2,850404
  • Tucson 2WD
    Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    22 city · 30 hwy · $2,500/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • Tucson 2WD
    Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    23 city · 30 hwy · $2,500/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • Tucson 4WD
    Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    21 city · 28 hwy · $2,600/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
  • Tucson 2WD
    Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    20 city · 27 hwy · $2,700/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • Tucson 2WD
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    21 city · 28 hwy · $2,700/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • Tucson 4WD
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    20 city · 26 hwy · $2,850/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2011 Hyundai Tucson as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 674Vehicle 309
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2011 Tucson questions

How many recalls does the 2011 Hyundai Tucson have?

5 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2011 Hyundai Tucson problems?

Owners filed 124 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (40), service brakes, hydraulic (21), power train (20). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2011 Hyundai Tucson get?

The EPA rates the 2011 Hyundai Tucson at 22–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026