NHTSA (USA)CriticalPark Outside
At a glance
This page covers 7 recalls, 124 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2011 Hyundai Tucson.
22–24 mpg combined
9.8–10.7 L/100km
Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
Engine and brake complaints dominate what 2011 Tucson owners report. On the engine side, owners describe a range of issues including unusual noises persisting after engine service, stalling on the highway traced to fuel pump failure, and repeated no-start conditions even after parts like the fuel pump and starter have been replaced. A handful of owners also report instrument cluster problems, erratic speedometer readings, cruise control that stops working, and odometer irregularities. Brake complaints center on brake pedal feel, with multiple owners describing the pedal sinking unusually low or going nearly to the floor during normal driving, sometimes accompanied by the brake warning light illuminating on the dash. Powertrain complaints add to the picture, though at a lower volume than engine and brake reports. The low-pedal brake symptom shows up across several independent reports, not just isolated cases.
124
Total Complaints
5
Crash-Related
3
Fire-Related
3
With Injuries
By System
The 2011 Hyundai Tucson has 7 recalls, the most serious involving engine and transmission failures that can cause the vehicle to stall or lose power without warning, raising the risk of a crash or fire.
The engine and transmission concerns are the central issues here. On vehicles with the 2.4-liter engine, the oil pan seal can leak, gradually draining oil until the engine sustains internal damage, stalls, or fails entirely. A damaged engine can also ignite a fire. Separately, the anti-lock brake control module can develop an electrical fault that causes an engine compartment fire, whether the vehicle is parked or moving. On automatic transmission models, the fluid cooler hose can develop a leak, causing erratic gear changes and triggering a warning light. If enough fluid escapes, the transmission can stop functioning altogether, leaving the vehicle unable to move in traffic.
On the safety equipment side, the driver's airbag module may not be properly secured to the steering wheel. A loose or detached airbag can deploy incorrectly in a crash, reducing the protection it is designed to provide and raising the risk of driver injury. This issue is covered across multiple filings but describes the same mounting problem in the steering wheel assembly.
At a glance
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What can fail
The Anti-Lock Brake System module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, potentially starting a fire in the engine compartment.
What the fix does
The ABS fuse will be replaced at no cost to restore normal brake system function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine oil pan seal may leak on some 2.4L engines. If not repaired, the leak can cause gradual engine damage or complete engine failure, resulting in sudden loss of power and inability to restart.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the engine oil pressure switch and inspect the oil pan, replacing it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine oil pan may develop a leak. If oil leaks out and isn't fixed, the engine could be damaged from running low on oil.
What the fix does
Dealers will check for oil pan leaks, replace the pan if needed, and install an updated oil pressure switch at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission fluid cooler hose may have been manufactured incorrectly, causing transmission fluid to leak. This can lead to abnormal shifting, warning light activation, and potentially loss of engine power if enough fluid leaks out.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the cooler hose with a corrected version.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission fluid cooler hose may have been improperly manufactured, causing transmission fluid to leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the transmission fluid cooler hose at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Bolts securing the driver's front airbag to the steering wheel may not be tight enough, allowing the airbag to loosen or detach, which could affect how it deploys in a crash.
What the fix does
Your dealer will check and verify that all bolts securing the airbag are properly tightened.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's air bag assembly in the steering wheel may loosen from its mounting bolts.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts securing the air bag assembly to the steering wheel.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
