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2011 Hyundai Tucson problems: engine and transmission complaints and recalls
52% of relevant owner complaints filed with NHTSA on the 2011 Hyundai Tucson are about the engine, transmission or fuel system. That is a model-level pattern, not bad luck.
Worse than 69% of the 1,790 model years we track (2010–2023).
Does the 2011 Hyundai Tucson have engine problems?
Owner complaints say yes, as a model-year pattern. 64 of 124 relevant complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2011 Hyundai Tucson concern the engine, transmission or fuel system (52%), and the largest group is filed under engine (40). For comparison, the 2010 scores 57% and the 2012 scores 74%. On a test drive, check for stalling, loss of power, rough idle, oil consumption or a check-engine light. This describes the model year, not any one car: a well-maintained or already-repaired example can be fine, and a clean model year can still have a bad car in it.
Complaints by component
The years either side
Manufacturers fix things mid-generation. A bad year next to a clean one is common; the fix usually arrived in between.
How the 2011 compares with other Hyundai Tucson years
Of the 14 Hyundai Tucson years with enough complaints to score, the 2011 is the 3rd-best on engine and transmission share (52%). The worst is the 2018 (80%), the best the 2023 (36%). By volume, the 2011 drew 124 complaints (64 drivetrain), against 59 for the 2010 and 255 for the 2012.
Hyundai Tucson years to avoid and best years →
2010 Tucson problems · 2011 · 2012 Tucson problems · 2013 Tucson problems · 2014 Tucson problems · 2015 Tucson problems · 2016 Tucson problems · 2017 Tucson problems · 2018 Tucson problems · 2019 Tucson problems · 2020 Tucson problems · 2021 Tucson problems · 2022 Tucson problems · 2023 Tucson problems
The rest of the picture on the 2011 Hyundai Tucson
- The mileage where it happens. When owners of the 2011 Hyundai Tucson said the problem showed up, and the range most of them fell in.
- What the repair costs. Typical engine repair ranges, to price into your offer.
- Cleaner alternatives. Similar cars and nearby years with a better record.
- Up to 15 owner reports, with the ones about your car's own engine first.
- What to ask the seller and what to check on the test drive, for this car.
- Two cars side by side, if you are deciding between them.
What one owner reported
One of 64 drivetrain complaints. The full report shows up to 15, with quotes about the engine in the car you are looking at first.
2011 Hyundai Tucson engine and transmission recalls
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns on the 2011 Hyundai Tucson involving the engine, transmission or fuel system, out of 5 in total. A recall is the manufacturer admitting a defect and paying to fix it; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN, which the full report checks. The owner complaints above are a separate record and often point at problems that never became a recall.
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 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.…
3 other recalls on this model year (airbags, lighting, brakes and the rest)
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns filed against this year, make and model. Checked October 3, 2026.
Checking one particular 2011 Hyundai Tucson? This page is about the model year. Accidents, title brands and odometer records belong to the individual car, and that is what a vehicle history report covers.
Get a history report from EpicVIN Before you pay: EpicVIN’s $1 offer is a 3-day trial (up to 5 reports) that renews at $49.99 a month unless you cancel. Other plans are listed under “View all our packages” at checkout. We may earn a commission if you buy through this link. It does not change what this page reports.Questions people ask about the 2011 Hyundai Tucson
Does the 2011 Hyundai Tucson have engine problems?
Owner complaints say yes, as a model-year pattern. 64 of 124 relevant complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2011 Hyundai Tucson concern the engine, transmission or fuel system (52%). Before buying one, have an independent mechanic check the engine and ask the seller whether it has been repaired or replaced.
What is the most common problem with the 2011 Hyundai Tucson?
Going by NHTSA owner complaints, the most common problem filed against the 2011 Hyundai Tucson is engine: 40 of 124 complaints (32%) name it, followed by service brakes (34) and hydraulic (21). A complaint can name more than one component, so these overlap.
Is the 2011 Hyundai Tucson reliable?
On the engine and transmission, owner complaints point to a weak spot: 52% of relevant complaints filed with NHTSA concern the drivetrain (high signal). That is worse than 69% of the 1,790 model years we track. Among the 14 Hyundai Tucson years we score, it ranks 3rd-best. Complaint data describes the model year, not one car, and it says nothing about trim, paint or electronics outside the drivetrain; an independent inspection still decides it.
Are there engine or transmission recalls on the 2011 Hyundai Tucson?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns on the 2011 Hyundai Tucson involving the engine, transmission or fuel system, out of 5 in total: 19V063000 (engine and engine cooling: engine), 16V057000 (power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines). Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
Which Hyundai Tucson years are better?
Among the Hyundai Tucson years we track, the 2023 (36%) and the 2020 (48%) have a lower engine and transmission complaint share than the 2011 (52%). Manufacturers fix things mid-generation, so the year before or after can be a different car. Every year side by side: https://thelanecheck.com/cars/hyundai-tucson
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Check a VINExperimental model-level information. This is not a vehicle inspection, vehicle-history report, financial advice or purchase recommendation. It describes patterns across a model year, not the condition of any individual vehicle.