Problems › Hyundai › 2011 Tucson
2011 Hyundai Tucson Problems & Owner Complaints
Age-normalised, this year draws ~7.8 complaints per year on the road — ranking 12 of 13 Hyundai Tucson years we track (1 = most complaints per year).
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What owners report
Engine is the most-reported problem area on the 2011 Hyundai Tucson, cited in 40 of 124 filed complaints (32%).
Service Brakes is next (34 complaints, 27%), followed by Power Train (20), Electrical System (12), Electronic Stability Control (Esc) (9).
Across all complaints, 5 report a crash, 3 report a fire, 7 report injuries.
The most safety-critical cluster is Service Brakes: 1 crash, 1 fire, 6 injury report(s).
Complaints by vehicle system
Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2011 Hyundai Tucson, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 124.
Engine 40 1 crash 2 injury
“HIGHWAY, BRIDGE, FOLLOWING SIGNIFICANTLY FAR BACK. CAR STOPS AHEAD AND I BRAKE IN PLENTY OF TIME (MY SON WAS IN THE FRONT SEAT AND CAN ATTEST TO THAT). CAR BRAKES BUT VERY SLOWLY, NOT IN TIME SO WE HIT THE STATIONARY CAR AND THEN WE WERE HIT MUCH HARDER FROM BEHIND. AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE CAR IMMEDIATELY FILLED WITH SMOKE WHICH I ATTRIBUTED TO THE AIR BAGS BECAUSE I DID NOT KNOW ANY BETTER. VERY SCARED, I SCREAMED FOR THE KIDS TO GET OUT OF THE CAR. SMOKE WAS GONE BY THE TIME POLICE ARRIVED. WE WERE OK, MY SON AND I HAD SORE RIBS AND WHILE TALKING WITH POLICE MY LEFT HAND WAS BURNING FRO…”
NHTSA complaint #11209489, 2019 · crash · 2 injury(ies)
“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. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO…”
NHTSA complaint #11732770, 2024
“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 th…”
NHTSA complaint #11578890, 2023
Service Brakes 34 1 crash 1 fire 6 injury
“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 The contact stated while driving 45-50 MPH, there was smoke coming from underneath the passenger's side of the hood. The contact immediately veered to the side of the road and exited the vehicle. The contact stated while attempting to grab the fire extinguisher in the trunk, she noticed that there was fire underneath the vehicle. The vehicle became engulfed in fire. A fire department report and a police report were filed…”
NHTSA complaint #11583094, 2024 · fire · 4 injury(ies)
“HIGHWAY, BRIDGE, FOLLOWING SIGNIFICANTLY FAR BACK. CAR STOPS AHEAD AND I BRAKE IN PLENTY OF TIME (MY SON WAS IN THE FRONT SEAT AND CAN ATTEST TO THAT). CAR BRAKES BUT VERY SLOWLY, NOT IN TIME SO WE HIT THE STATIONARY CAR AND THEN WE WERE HIT MUCH HARDER FROM BEHIND. AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE CAR IMMEDIATELY FILLED WITH SMOKE WHICH I ATTRIBUTED TO THE AIR BAGS BECAUSE I DID NOT KNOW ANY BETTER. VERY SCARED, I SCREAMED FOR THE KIDS TO GET OUT OF THE CAR. SMOKE WAS GONE BY THE TIME POLICE ARRIVED. WE WERE OK, MY SON AND I HAD SORE RIBS AND WHILE TALKING WITH POLICE MY LEFT HAND WAS BURNING FRO…”
NHTSA complaint #11209489, 2019 · crash · 2 injury(ies)
“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 vehicl…”
NHTSA complaint #11653195, 2025
Power Train 20
“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”
NHTSA complaint #11413067, 2019
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD A LEAK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V057000 (POWER TRAIN). THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 115,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11113907, 2018
“THE ENGINE ON MY 2011 HYUNDAI TUCSON LIMITED SEIZED UP WITHOUT WARNING ON FEBRUARY 6TH, 2018 WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH ON HWY 44 IN ST. LOUIS. THE ENGINE ONLY HAD 78,000 MILES ON IT AND HAD RECEIVED REGULAR OIL CHANGES. SINCE IT SEIZED UP COMPLETELY I HAD TO GET A NEW ENGINE FOR IT. I HAD ONLY OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR ABOUT 10 MONTHS; IT WAS PURCHASED FROM SUNTRUP FORD IN ST LOUIS IN 2017.”
NHTSA complaint #11113067, 2018
Unknown Or Other 20 2 fire
“My wife was driving this vehicle 2 weeks ago and smoke came out of the driverside hood. She pulled into a parking space then the smoke came out the other side. Vehicle was towed as it would restart to the dealership. They have not done anything to look at the problem today. I reported this to their corporate for their records again little help. Based on the actual happening my research tells me it is a ABS issue, which is recalled but they have not done thar either. I ask that you get involved for your records. The vehicle is at Priorty Hyundai in Chesapeake, VA. S Military Highway. I hope yo…”
NHTSA complaint #11592062, 2024 · fire
“I PARKED THE CAR 6/12/19 WED THAT EVENING AND EVERYTHING SEEMED OK. AT 1030AM THE NEXT DAY, 6/13/19, I TRIED TO USE ELECTRIC KEY TO UNLOCK TO GO TO WORK AND REALIZED IT WOULDN'T UNLOCK SO I NOTICED BLACK SOOT ABOVE DRIVER WINDOW AND TRIED MANUAL KEY TO UNLOCK. I COULD BARELY CRACK TO SEE THE SEAT EXPLODED ON DRIVERS SIDE. CALLED 911 AND FIREMEN AND POLITICS ARRIVED. THE FIREMAN COMPLETELY OPENED THE DOOR AND AFTER EXAMINE SAID THE HEATED SEAT DEVICE HAD EXPLODED OR MALFUNCTION AND THE BACK OF SEAT WAS BLOWN IN A RECLINED TO THE BACK SEAT POSITION AND ALL WINDOWS COMPLETELY COVERED IN SOOT,…”
NHTSA complaint #11222363, 2019 · fire
“While driving my speedometer became erratic, just one time. My cruise control is no longer working, my trip odometer is not working and possibly the odometer is not working properly. I googled for speedometer problems with 2011 Hyundai speedometers and found an article that may be false on Reuters "Hyundai Motor to recall nearly 84,000 US vehicles over instrument panel display failure, NHTSA says" I called Hyundai last week and the lady I spoke with said there was a service bulletin and said it would be repaired at no cost! She even set me up with an appointment at the local dealer. About 2…”
NHTSA complaint #11713390, 2026
Electrical System 12 2 fire 4 injury
“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 The contact stated while driving 45-50 MPH, there was smoke coming from underneath the passenger's side of the hood. The contact immediately veered to the side of the road and exited the vehicle. The contact stated while attempting to grab the fire extinguisher in the trunk, she noticed that there was fire underneath the vehicle. The vehicle became engulfed in fire. A fire department report and a police report were filed…”
NHTSA complaint #11583094, 2024 · fire · 4 injury(ies)
“I PARKED THE CAR 6/12/19 WED THAT EVENING AND EVERYTHING SEEMED OK. AT 1030AM THE NEXT DAY, 6/13/19, I TRIED TO USE ELECTRIC KEY TO UNLOCK TO GO TO WORK AND REALIZED IT WOULDN'T UNLOCK SO I NOTICED BLACK SOOT ABOVE DRIVER WINDOW AND TRIED MANUAL KEY TO UNLOCK. I COULD BARELY CRACK TO SEE THE SEAT EXPLODED ON DRIVERS SIDE. CALLED 911 AND FIREMEN AND POLITICS ARRIVED. THE FIREMAN COMPLETELY OPENED THE DOOR AND AFTER EXAMINE SAID THE HEATED SEAT DEVICE HAD EXPLODED OR MALFUNCTION AND THE BACK OF SEAT WAS BLOWN IN A RECLINED TO THE BACK SEAT POSITION AND ALL WINDOWS COMPLETELY COVERED IN SOOT,…”
NHTSA complaint #11222363, 2019 · fire
“Recall # 251 has been going on at great length and I have an appointment for 11:30am April 1,2025 for what they deem as a solution to # 251 Recall that does not fix the problem and goes against everything that the NHTSA and FEDERAL GOVERMENT LAWS are in place for, you are allowing them to continue to not do what the laws clearly state and in a certain time period have repaired, replaced or make restiitution for the recalled issue it also is stated that they do not need to for automobiles older than 15years.Their Bandaid only creates other problems and dangers and by 02/11/2026 my car will be…”
NHTSA complaint #11651584, 2022
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 9
“BOTH THE DOWNHILL BRAKE LIGHT AND STABILITY TRACK CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME. MY CAR WOULDN'T GET OUT OF PARK, OR WHEN I GOT IT IN DRIVE, IT WOULDN'T GO BACK INTO PARK. TAKING IT TO THE SHOP TODAY, NOTICED IT MIGHT BE FROM A BRAKE SWITCH. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10627176, 2014
“THE DOWNHILL BRAKE CONTROL (DBC) INDICATOR AND THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) LIGHTS COME ON WHILE CAR IS IN OPERATION FOR NO APPARENT REASON - DRIVING NORMAL SPEED - ABOUT 45 MPH, IN NORMAL DRY ROAD CONDITIONS. WHEN I GO TO STOP THE CAR, THE SHIFT LEVER GETS STUCK AND CANNOT PUT IN PARK. IT TAKES A FEW TRIES AT JIGGLING THE SHIFT LEVER AND JIGGLING KEY IN IGNITION TO GET IT TO GO INTO PARK. AFTER SHUTTING OFF ENGINE, RESTART IS NORMAL WITH THE DBC AND ESC LIGHTS NO LONGER ON. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 10 TIMES SINCE ORIGINAL TIME I NOTICED IT A FEW MONTHS AGO. DUE TO DEATH IN TH…”
NHTSA complaint #10536100, 2013
“WHILE DRIVING AT APPROX. 45 MPH, I NOTICED THAT THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT WAS ON AND THE DOWNHILL BRAKE CONTROL INDICATOR (RED) WAS ON. I RETURNED HOME, SHUT DOWN THE ENGINE, RESTARTED IT, AND THE PROBLEM SEEMED TO GO AWAY. UPON RETURNING HOME THE NEXT DAY FROM A TRIP, WHILE PARKING THE CAR, BOTH INDICATORS CAME ON, AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO PUT THE TRANSMISSION INTO PARK. I LEFT THE TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL, AND SHUT THE ENGINE DOWN. I THEN TURNED THE KEY ON, PUT MY FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL (TO THE FLOOR) FOR 3 SECONDS, TURNED THE KEY ON, AND THE PROBLEM WAS GONE.…”
NHTSA complaint #10535757, 2013
Engine And Engine Cooling 5
“The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for scheduled maintenance, the contact was informed that an oil pan seal leak had been discovered. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V063000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), and the VIN was included, but the repair had already been completed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 47,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11579529, 2024
“The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving 25-30 MPH at night, the vehicle was shuddering and lost motive power. The contact was able to veer to the side of the roadway. The contact off and restarted the vehicle, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact continued driving; however, the failure recurred, and the vehicle could not exceed 30 MPH. The contact pulled into the nearest gas station. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer covered the cost of the re…”
NHTSA complaint #11565941, 2023
“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). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the oil pressure switch was replaced; however, the contact stated that upon having the vehicle inspected, the vehicle failed the inspection. The contact was informed by the technician that the oil pan was leaking and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The contact stated that the…”
NHTSA complaint #11534156, 2023
Suspension 5
“Rear subframe is completely rotted service tech advised parking the car it is unsafe to drive”
NHTSA complaint #11554499, 2023
“The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that there was an unknown abnormal sound detected. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent tire center, where the subframe was found to be rotted. The mechanic informed the contact that there was a hairline crack and that the tire could fold up if the vehicle was driven over a bump. The rear tire was sticking out due to the ball joint. The contact drove the vehicle to her residence. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not cont…”
NHTSA complaint #11553804, 2023
“ON OCTOBER 17, 2019, I DROPPED OFF MY 2011 HYUNDAI TUCSON AT KOON'S WOODBRIDGE HYUNDAI TO HAVE THE UNDERBODY CORR. PREVENT. SVC. 17-01-039 ' 945 - FIXED. THE DEALER HAS NOW HAD MY VEHICLE FOR OVER THREE MONTHS AND IS NOW REFUSING TO INSTALL THE REPLACEMENT SUBFRAME (COVERED UNDER WARRANTY) UNLESS I PAY THEM $1500 FOR REPAIRS RELATED TO THE RECALL.”
NHTSA complaint #11390927, 2020
Structure 4 1 crash 2 injury
“HIGHWAY, BRIDGE, FOLLOWING SIGNIFICANTLY FAR BACK. CAR STOPS AHEAD AND I BRAKE IN PLENTY OF TIME (MY SON WAS IN THE FRONT SEAT AND CAN ATTEST TO THAT). CAR BRAKES BUT VERY SLOWLY, NOT IN TIME SO WE HIT THE STATIONARY CAR AND THEN WE WERE HIT MUCH HARDER FROM BEHIND. AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE CAR IMMEDIATELY FILLED WITH SMOKE WHICH I ATTRIBUTED TO THE AIR BAGS BECAUSE I DID NOT KNOW ANY BETTER. VERY SCARED, I SCREAMED FOR THE KIDS TO GET OUT OF THE CAR. SMOKE WAS GONE BY THE TIME POLICE ARRIVED. WE WERE OK, MY SON AND I HAD SORE RIBS AND WHILE TALKING WITH POLICE MY LEFT HAND WAS BURNING FRO…”
NHTSA complaint #11209489, 2019 · crash · 2 injury(ies)
“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 vehicl…”
NHTSA complaint #11653195, 2025
“The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that there was an unknown abnormal sound detected. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent tire center, where the subframe was found to be rotted. The mechanic informed the contact that there was a hairline crack and that the tire could fold up if the vehicle was driven over a bump. The rear tire was sticking out due to the ball joint. The contact drove the vehicle to her residence. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not cont…”
NHTSA complaint #11553804, 2023
Tires 4 1 crash
“TL* 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. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR BODY REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED THE TIRE MANUFACTURER AND THE MANUFACTURER AGREED TO REPLACE BOTH THE FRONT AND REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 585.”
NHTSA complaint #10437733, 2011 · crash
“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. WE HEARD AIR LEAKING FROM THE TIRE TREAD AREA AND HAD TO GO TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP IN SISSONVILLE, WV FOR THE REPAIR. THE REPAIR SHOP REPORTED THAT WE HAD TREAD SEPARATION AND THAT THE STEEL BELT MADE A HOLE IN THE TIRE. HE CHANGED OUR TIRE WITH A USED ONE TO GET US TO OUR DESTINATION IN NORTH CAROLINA. IN BOONE N.C. WE HAD OUR TIRES LOOKED AT AND THEY SHOWED US THE WE HAD ANOTHER TIRE WITH A 4 INCH…”
NHTSA complaint #10476493, 2012
“2 OF MY 4 KUMHO TIRES WENT FLAT AT THE SAME TIME WITH TREAD COMING OFF OF ONE. THEY HAD 25,433 MILES ON THEM. THIS APPEARS SUSPICIOUS AND DANGEROUS. I WOULD LIKE TO BE RE-IMBURSED FOR THE 4 REPLACEMENT TIRES I HAD TO BUY AS MY VEHICLE IS AN ALL WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10463624, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control 4
“MY CAR HAD UNINTENDED DECELERATION FOLLOWING CRANK SENSOR ERROR. ON FREEWAY MY CAR SUDDENLY DECELERATED AND I HAD TO EXIT. UPON EXIT WHILE DIAGNOSING IN THE PARKING LOT ENGINE REVVED SUDDENLY AND CAR MOVED EVEN THOUGH IT WAS ON NEUTRAL. ALL THE FAULT CODES WERE CAUGHT ON TORQUEOBD. HOWEVER UPON RESTARTING THE CAR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS GONE AND IT MASKS A SERIOUS PROBLEM IN THE CAR THAT CAN BE LIFE THREATENING.”
NHTSA complaint #11024616, 2017
“I RECENTLY REACHED 115000 MILES ON MY TUCSON. IT STARTED 2 WEEKS AGO, THE ALTERNATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED FOR HIGHER OUTPUT THAN IT SHOULD. IT CAUSED THE VEHICLE NOT TO START SINCE IT WOULDN'T HOLD A CHARGE. ONCE REPLACED, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN NOT LONG AFTER SO I TOOK IT INTO A SHOP. THEY FOUND THAT I NEEDED TO REPLACE TWO OF THE CAM SHAFT SENSORS. A COUPLE OF DAYS AGO, DRIVINGMY HUSBAND AND KIDS, THE RMP GAUGE WENT OUT AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. ONCE STOPPED AND RESTARTED, THE RPM GAUGE RE-ENGAGED AND DRIVE FINE. NO ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. DRIVING HOME TODAY, 66 M…”
NHTSA complaint #10817734, 2016
“2011 HYUNDAI TUCSON LIMITED, OUR VEHICLE HAS AN ACCELERATION PROBLEM. WHEN ENTERING AN INTERSTATE I HAVE NOTICED WHEN I NEED TO QUICKLY ACCELERATE TO MERGE THE VEHICLE HESITATES AND THEN DECELERATES WITH THE PEDAL FULLY DEPRESSED. THE TECHNICIANS AT THE HYUNDAI COULD NOT GET THE VEHICLE TO REPEAT THE DEFECT. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10402480, 2011
Seats 3 1 fire
“I PARKED THE CAR 6/12/19 WED THAT EVENING AND EVERYTHING SEEMED OK. AT 1030AM THE NEXT DAY, 6/13/19, I TRIED TO USE ELECTRIC KEY TO UNLOCK TO GO TO WORK AND REALIZED IT WOULDN'T UNLOCK SO I NOTICED BLACK SOOT ABOVE DRIVER WINDOW AND TRIED MANUAL KEY TO UNLOCK. I COULD BARELY CRACK TO SEE THE SEAT EXPLODED ON DRIVERS SIDE. CALLED 911 AND FIREMEN AND POLITICS ARRIVED. THE FIREMAN COMPLETELY OPENED THE DOOR AND AFTER EXAMINE SAID THE HEATED SEAT DEVICE HAD EXPLODED OR MALFUNCTION AND THE BACK OF SEAT WAS BLOWN IN A RECLINED TO THE BACK SEAT POSITION AND ALL WINDOWS COMPLETELY COVERED IN SOOT,…”
NHTSA complaint #11222363, 2019 · 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 vehicl…”
NHTSA complaint #11653195, 2025
“I NO LONGER OWN THIS UNSAFE CAR. I AM SHORT, AND THUS SIT LOWER AND ADJUST THE DRIVER SEAT FORWARD TO REACH PEDALS. (TALL FRIENDS SIT FARTHER BACK/HIGHER, AND DON'T SEEM TO HAVE PROBLEMS.). THIS CAR HAS SERIOUS SIDE BLIND SPOTS CAUSED BY THE DECREASING SIZE OF THE WINDOWS AND THE VERY THICK SIDE COLUMNS FOR THE AIR BAGS. THE DRIVER'S SIDE COLUMN ENDED UP RIGHT BESIDE MY FACE, AND COMBINED WITH THE SEAT BACK/HEAD RESTS, BLOCKED MY VIEW. NEITHER SIDE MIRRORS NOR THE REAR-VIEW MIRROR COVER THIS BLIND AREA - AND IT CAN'T BE SEEN WHEN CRANING ONE'S NECK TO AROUND... I WAS ON THE I-5 FREEWAY NEAR PO…”
NHTSA complaint #10643759, 2011
Visibility 3 1 crash
“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. I WAS IN THE FAR LEFT (PASSING) LANE. OUT OF NOWHERE, MY SUNROOF SHATTERED AND FLEW OFF MY CAR. IT SHATTERED MOSTLY INTO A THOUSAND PIECES, BUT THE PERSON DRIVING BEHIND ME INDICATED THAT A HUGE PIECE FLEW OFF AND HIT HIS WINDSHIELD CAUSING IT TO CRACK IN MULTIPLE PLACES. MY SUNROOF HAD BEEN CLOSED. MY INTERIOR SHADE WAS ALSO CLOSED. THERE WAS NO REASON THIS SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10649244, 2014 · crash
“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. I DID NOT SEE ANY OBJECTS OR OTHER ROAD DEBRIS THAT COULD HAVE FLOWN UP AND HIT ME, JUST THE POP AND RAIN OF GLASS SHARDS. I HAVE MINOR ABRASIONS ON MY HEAD AND FACE FROM THE GLASS AS A RESULT OF THE SUNROOF SHATTERING. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10702749, 2015
“REAR WINDOW OF 2011 HYUNDAI TUCSON SHATTERED SPONTANEOUSLY. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10403751, 2011
Traction Control System 2
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE VEHICLE JERKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD LOOK INTO THE MATTER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 23,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10469424, 2012
“2011 HYUNDAI TUSCON SPEED SENSOR WIRES LOCATED BEHIND TIRES. WIRE IS FULLY EXPOSED TO ANY ROAD DEBRIS, EASILY SEVERED WHICH EFFECTS ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL. WIRE STICKS OUT 3 INCHES IN OPEN AIR OF THE UNDER CARRIAGE, ALSO LOCATED CLOSE ENOUGH TO THE TIRES THAT IF THEY KICK UP ANY DEBRIS IT IS IN THE DIRECT PATH OF THE WIRE. NOT HEAVY DUTY RAP OVER THE WIRE AND COULD BE BROKEN BY GRIPPING BY HAND AND PULLING ON IT. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10383168, 2011
Air Bags 1 1 crash 1 injury
“I WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH, I WAS CUT OFF AND REAR ENDED A CAR GOING ABOUT 35 MILES AN HOUR. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, DESPITE THE FACT THAT MY CAR APPEARS TO BE TOTALED, AND WAS STRUCK IN THE FRONT END, WHICH IS WHEN THEY SHOULD DEPLOY. I NOW HAVE PAIN IN MY NECK, SHOULDERS, AND HEAD, AND AM DIZZY BUT UNABLE TO SLEEP BECAUSE OF VERTIGO.”
NHTSA complaint #11140810, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
Exterior Lighting 1
“2011 HYUNDAI TUSCAN. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO COOLING LINES, TRANSMISSIONS AND BRAKE SWITCHES REPLACEMENTS MORE THAN ONCE. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD NT ACCELERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS APPLIED, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD BUCK AND BANG WHEN IT WAS SHIFTED FROM PARK TO DRIVE. THE DEALER FOUND THE TRANSMISSION WAS WORN INTERNALLY AND THE COOLER HOSE WAS CRACKED, WHICH CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION FLUID TO LEAK. THE ESC LIGHT ILLUMINATED, DUE TO AN OPEN CIRCUIT IN THE BRAKE SWITCH. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE SAME PROBLEMS SEVEN TIMES. *…”
NHTSA complaint #10477689, 2011
Forward Collision Avoidance 1
“No known malfunction at this time on my vehicle - however a recall #251 has been issued with no repair available. Recall strongly recccommends parking car outside and away from structures due to possible fire which can also occur during driving. This problem has been going on with Hyundai cars for several years - AND THEY STILL DON'T HAVE A SOLUTION??? I called my two local dealerships and neither was aware of recall campaign 251. I asked if my ABS module completely failed - what module would they replace it with? I was advised that they would probably sell me a new one costing $1900 plus lab…”
NHTSA complaint #11554902, 2023
Fuel System 1
“I purchased a brand new fuel pump on 2-28-24 after car died on freeway. Mission Hills Hyundai diagnosed as pump not turning on, so recommended replacing fuel pump assembly. On [XXX] car wouldn’t start, so took vehicle in and the next day it was determined as faulty starter. Car was picked up 7-3-25 after buying a new starter, but car would not start again the next day. The car was actually misdiagnosed and the ruling was tank fuel pump had an intermittent short circuit. I’ve driven on the fuel pump I purchased on 2-28-24 for about a year in a half. It only lasted 40,000 miles. Fuel pu…”
NHTSA complaint #11675166, 2025
Seat Belts 1 1 crash
“MY 2011 HYUNDAI THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT WILL NOT STAY LATCHED ON THE WINDOW SIDE POST MOUNT. 2011 HYUNDAI TUCSON VIN NO: [XXX]## VIN FAILED ## 2011 HYUNDAI TUCSON VIN NO: [XXX] ## INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10785602, 2015 · crash
Steering 1
“ELECTRIC STEERING FEELS VAGUE, LACKS FEEDBACK AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS GIVING YOU A FEELING THAT YOU HAVE MOMENTARILY LOST CONTROL AND GOING TO CRASH. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10379631, 2011
Wheels 1
“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. WE HEARD AIR LEAKING FROM THE TIRE TREAD AREA AND HAD TO GO TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP IN SISSONVILLE, WV FOR THE REPAIR. THE REPAIR SHOP REPORTED THAT WE HAD TREAD SEPARATION AND THAT THE STEEL BELT MADE A HOLE IN THE TIRE. HE CHANGED OUR TIRE WITH A USED ONE TO GET US TO OUR DESTINATION IN NORTH CAROLINA. IN BOONE N.C. WE HAD OUR TIRES LOOKED AT AND THEY SHOWED US THE WE HAD ANOTHER TIRE WITH A 4 INCH…”
NHTSA complaint #10476493, 2012
How we read this (methodology)
How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2011 Hyundai Tucson draws about 7.8 complaints per year on the road, ranking 12 of 13 among the Hyundai Tucson model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).
Before you buy this Hyundai Tucson
Don't buy on the strength of a problems page alone. Check the exact VIN of the car you're looking at. The open recalls are free, and the full $19 safety report pulls every complaint, safety rating and a downloadable PDF for that one vehicle.
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Data source: U.S. NHTSA (nhtsa.gov). SaveVIN surfaces public recall data and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.