Problems · by component
2011 Hyundai Tucson engine problems
40 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2011 Hyundai Tucson cite engine, 32% of all 124 complaints for this model year.
Complaints
40
32% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
Reported by owners
What owners say about the engine
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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.”
“I purchased this vehicle from an acquaintance, who had it serviced by a local mechanic. Before I decided to buy it, I spoke with the mechanic he used, as well as calling the dealer with the vin number to verify that the recall issues had been taken care of. It was purchased around 9/19/2022 per the title. I change the oil and rotate the tires every 3000 miles. Checking the oil weekly to see if it needs filling.I was attending an outdoor music show about 120 miles away. After leaving and not getting more than 20miles from the venue late that evening, my car with no indication slowed down and thankfully with not as much traffic I was able to pull to the side of the highway. The car would not turn over. I heard no noises when this occurred, nor did I smell anything, it just it quit working. It was late when the car was towed to S&B Automotive in Bridgewater. I had to wait for a ride and didn’t get home till early morning. When I contacted the place where it was towed, they said I needed a new engine at $6,000.00. I drained my bank account to pay for this 2011 Hyundai Tucson. So I could not have it repaired and was not aware of the recall and still never received…”
“The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speed, she heard a knocking and ticking noise coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The oil warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the mechanic informed the contact that the oil was low and needed to be refilled. The contact stated that the oil was refilled however, a month later the knocking and ticking noise was heard from the engine and the oil warning light intermittently illuminated. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V101000 (Engine). The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the valve gasket seal needed to be replaced and oil pressure switch was replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, while driving from the dealer she heard the knocking and ticking noise in the engine with the engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started to shake and went into Limp Mode. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was…”
“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.”
“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.”
“MY CAR WAS HAVING ISSUES STARTING UP. ONE DAY WE STARTED THE CAR AND DROVE INTO TOWN AND IT STARTED TO MAKE A RATTLING NOISE. THE CAR WAS ALSO SLOW TO ACCELERATE. WHEN WE TRIED TO DRIVE HOME OUT OF NO WHERE THE ENGINE WENT OUT AND THE CAR WOULDN'T START AGAIN.”
Showing 6 of 40 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.