Wrench.Pro

2011 Hyundai Tucson Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2011 Hyundai Tucson carries 5 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering engine and cooling unit and lines. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Engine oil-pan seal leak leading to engine failure.” Hyundai's owner's manual splits service into Normal and Severe schedules. Most US drivers qualify as Severe due to short trips, extreme temperatures, or stop-and-go traffic. Hyundai Assurance covers the first 3 years / 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance on new vehicles. The Theta II 2.0L and 2.4L engines (2011-2019) are subject to TSBs around oil consumption — strict adherence to oil intervals matters.

5 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Campaign #19V063000 · May 2, 2019

Issue: 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.

Risk: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Hyundai has notified owners, and dealers will inspect for an oil pan leak, replacing it if necessary, and install an updated oil pressure switch, free of charge. The recall began August 19, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 181.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES

Campaign #16V057000 · Jan 28, 2016

Issue: 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.

Risk: If enough transmission fluid leaks out, the transmission may not function properly and the vehicle may stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission fluid cooler hose, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 25, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 139.

AIR BAGS

Campaign #14V245000 · May 13, 2014

Issue: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Hyundai Tucson vehicles manufactured January 3, 2011, through December 23, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the air bag assembly installed in the steering wheel may come loose from its mounting.

Risk: An air bag assembly that is not properly mounted may result in an increased risk of injury to the driver in the event of a crash.

Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts that secure the driver's air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 118.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

Campaign #13V113000 · Jan 4, 2013

Issue: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.

Risk: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of Park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Campaign #23V651000 · Sep 22, 2023

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2011 Hyundai Tucson.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA

  • Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

    Action #AQ23002 · opened Nov 17, 2023

    The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electron…

    View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Engine oil-pan seal leak leading to engine failure

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

40 NHTSA complaints · 2010-09 → 2026-04

“The contact called on behalf of his mother who owns a 2011 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that his mother received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V063000 (Engine and Engine cooling)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11534156
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V063000 (ENGINE, AND ENGINE COOLING)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11271483
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED. THE DEALER (TAMARON HYUNDAI, 1595 MONTGOMERY HY, BIRMINGHAM, AL 35216) AND MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER, THE ENGINE WAS "THROWING A ROD"”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11048764

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake line corrosion recall repair delay

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

26 NHTSA complaints · 2023-11 → 2025-04

“The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The ABS, the Hill Descent, and an unknown warning light were illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11557299
“The contact owned a 2011 Hyundai Tucson. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11583094
“Happened to be driving our car (11/23/25) to drop off our other car for brake pad replacement. On the way to our mechanic the brake light came on in the dash cluster”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11638751

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission cooling line failure

POWER TRAIN

6 NHTSA complaints · 2016-03 → 2021-04

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11413067
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10877169
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WITHOUT WARNING, THE VEHICLE GRADUALLY REDUCED SPEED AND AN INTERNAL FRACTURE OCCURRED WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10846014

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Shift lever fails to engage park with ESC light

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

14 NHTSA complaints · 2011-11 → 2016-10

“WHILE DRIVING IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC TO AND FROM WORK (AM/PM) THE DBC (DOWNHILL BRAKE CONTROL) AND ESC (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL) INDICATOR LIGHTS WILL TURN ON AND REMAIN ON UNTIL I STOP AND TURN OFF THE IGNITION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10511497
“OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY, BUT ON A MORE FREQUENT BASIS NOW, THE SHIFTER BECOMES BLOCKED AND THE CAR CAN'T BE PUT IN PARK. BOTH STABILITY CONTROL AND DOWN HILL LIGHTS COME ON DURING THAT TIME”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10914860
“COMMENT: I HAVE BROUGHT IN MY TUCSON FOR THE CLUNKING TRANSMISSION ISSUE 5 TIMES NOW. EACH RETURN TO THE SERVICE CENTER RESULTS IN A CANNOT DUPLICATE RESPONSE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10504783

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sunroof and rear window spontaneous shattering

VISIBILITY

4 NHTSA complaints · 2011-05 → 2022-04

“I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70MPH DOWN A HIGHWAY WHEN I HEARD A LOUD POP AND MY SUNROOF EXPLODED. GLASS SPRAYED ALL OVER THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR AND WITH ENOUGH FORCE TO EMBED INTO THE CENTER CONSOLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10702749
“I WAS HEADING SOUTHEAST (INBOUND) ON HIGHWAY 290. IT WAS CLEAR, ROADS WERE DRY, AND NO DEBRIS IN THE ROAD. I HAD MY 16-YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WITH ME. I WAS DRIVING AND SHE WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10649244
“REAR WINDOW OF 2011 HYUNDAI TUCSON SHATTERED SPONTANEOUSLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10403751

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Tire tread separation and flat failure

TIRES

4 NHTSA complaints · 2011-11 → 2012-09

“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI TUCSON EQUIPPED WITH KUMHO SOLUS KL21 TIRES, SIZE: 225/60R17. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 55 MPH WHEN THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE FAILED AND BLEW FROM THE SIDEWALL. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A WALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10437733
“WE WERE HEADING OUT ON VACATION FROM AKRON, OHIO WHEN THE DASHBOARD LOW AIR PRESSURE TIRE LIGHT CAME ON DURING OUR TRIP. WE EXITED OFF AT THE NEXT EXIT FOR GAS AND TO ADD AIR TO THE REAR TIRE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10476493
“I HAD BOTH REAR TIRES GO FLAT WITHIN 10 MINUTES AND ONE OF THE TREADS CAME OFF. MY CONCERN IS THE SAFETY OF THE KUMHO TIRES AND NOT GETTING ANY ANSWERS FROM THEIR COMPANY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10462793

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 3,750 mi

Severe service: every 3,750 miles. Normal service: 7,500 miles. Theta II 2.0L/2.4L (Sonata, Santa Fe, Tucson 2011-2019): never extend — oil consumption issues are documented in Hyundai TSBs.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. AWD Tucson and Santa Fe owners benefit from rotation at 5,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, calipers, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Elantra and Sonata front pads typically last 40,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 24 months. Required to maintain ABS and ESC pump life.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Severe service or dusty conditions: 15,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Severe service: every 30,000 miles. Normal: 60,000 miles. Use Hyundai SP-IV or SPH-IV — substitutes can cause harsh shifting and torque converter damage.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 105,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs are rated 105,000 miles on Theta II, Lambda II, and Smartstream engines. 1.6T (Veloster N, Kona N): 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Long-Life Coolant

Every 30,000 mi

Hyundai Long-Life Coolant (pink): first change at 60,000 miles, then every 30,000. Do not substitute green or orange coolant — it damages the cylinder head gasket on GDI engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Located behind the glove box on most Hyundai models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Drive Belt Inspection

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect serpentine belt and tensioner every 60,000 miles. Replace at 90,000 miles on most models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

26 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

5

complaints mentioning a crash

3

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2011 Hyundai Tucson reflects Hyundai's published service intervals and the Service Reminder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

Check another vehicle →