Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD

2011 Hyundai VeracruzRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 106 owner complaints for the 2011 Hyundai Veracruz. Most complaints involve engine (39) and electrical system (36). The EPA rates it 18–19 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
18–19mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
5campaigns
Latest Sep 2023
Owner complaints
106
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$3,300est.
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: oil

Free remedy

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2007-2012 Veracruz vehicles that were previously recalled under recall number 14V-415. Oil may leak from the front cylinder bank cover gasket, potentially dripping onto the alternator and causing the charging system to become inoperative.

Engine and engine coolingReported Nov 13, 2020NHTSA 20V705000

Engine and engine cooling: engine

Remedy pending

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2007-2012 Veracruz vehicles manufactured from December 26, 2006, through July 24, 2012. The affected vehicles may experience an oil leak from the front cylinder bank valve cover gasket. If there is a sufficient amount of oil dropped onto the alternator, the alternator will be damaged causing the charging system to become inoperative.

Engine and engine coolingReported Jul 8, 2014NHTSA 14V415000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

106 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2011 – Aug 2025
  1. Engine39
  2. Electrical system36
  3. Engine and engine cooling27
  4. Structure6
  5. Fuel/propulsion system5
  6. Service brakes, hydraulic4
  7. Power train4
  8. Exterior lighting4
  9. Tires4

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 Veracruz model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2007145
2008231
200924
201091
2011106
201265
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
5
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

39 reports
“This is related to a repeat failure of recalls 121/197 of the 2011 Hyundai Veracruz. Oil leaks down from the top valve gasket onto the alternator causing a random and erratic electrical disturbance and failure that can happen at any time causing serious risk of safety. With the alternator being damaged in this form also put other potential electrical systems at risk of damage. This is either the 3rd or 4th time of repeat failure. Previous time has damaged the battery. Luckily this time it went out in a parking lot just before was going to drive and had complete loss of power. Vehicle had to be towed into dealer service center. Upon inspection the alternator and valve cover gasket had to be replaced out of pocket as service center claims these are not covered. Tried to escalate the issue to Hyundai Motor Corporation to be reimbursed and was given a case manager. After a couple days I was told the original 121 recall is to old and not covered under warranty anymore and repairs were already made. I explained that recall 197 is a continuation of the previous 121 and she had to check back with the service center. A couple days later she reports back that they still…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 7, 2025Electrical system, Unknown or other, EngineODI 11679195

Electrical system

36 reports
“I was driving on the freeway all of a sudden my car shuts down on me I had the to replace the Starter, fuel pump, alternator, and spark plugs to the vehicle after replacing all that the car starts but it will eventually shut down on me so during the times I was trying to fix my car I received a recall letter in the mail took it Dealer Buerkle Hyundai on August 1, 2024 at the location 3350 Hwy 61 North saint Paul MN 55110. They refuse to fix the recall they claim there is a knock on the engine and I would need to replace the engine that is gonna cost me 8,000 for a use motor only for them to proceed with the recall on the vehicle at this moment I was asked to return the rental and tow my car outta there they won't fix it please help me resolve this issue since I bought this vehicle its been nothing but trouble and stress.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 15, 2024Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11608770

Engine and engine cooling

27 reports
“The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Veracruz. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V705000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that there was an abnormal burning oil odor while idling and while driving the vehicle. The contact stated that as a former independent mechanic, he had inspected the vehicle and noticed that there was oil leaking near the valve cover gasket and onto the alternator. The manufacturer was contacted and scheduled an appointment with the dealer on the contact's behalf. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was inspected, and the contact was informed that the recall parts needed to be ordered. The contact stated that the dealer had inspected the vehicle 11 months ago; however, upon following up with the dealer several times, the dealer advised the contact that the parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 6, 2025Service brakes, hydraulic, Engine and engine coolingODI 11646730
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Engines
3.8L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 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 9, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Veracruz 2WD
Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive
172219$3,300468
Veracruz 4WD
Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L · 4-Wheel Drive
162118$3,450494
  • Veracruz 2WD
    Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L
    17 city · 22 hwy · $3,300/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • Veracruz 4WD
    Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L
    16 city · 21 hwy · $3,450/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 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 Veracruz as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 9, 2026Vehicle 671Vehicle 310
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 Veracruz questions

How many recalls does the 2011 Hyundai Veracruz have?

5 safety recalls as of Nov 9, 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 Veracruz problems?

Owners filed 106 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (39), electrical system (36), engine and engine cooling (27). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2011 Hyundai Veracruz get?

The EPA rates the 2011 Hyundai Veracruz at 18–19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 9, 2026