2011 Hyundai Tucson Transmission Problems | Recalls | Reliability

Last Updated on November 6, 2023 by Robert Wilson

The highly-rated 2011 Hyundai Tucson is a roomy compact SUV that boasts a well-appointed interior, commendable performance, and outstanding safety ratings.

It comes with – Engine. 2.0L L4 DOHC 16-valve ; Power. 165 hp @ 6200 rpm ; Transmission. 6-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC ; Body. Sport Utility ; Doors 5.

However, there are around 79 issues (Mostly engine related) reported by users and 5 recalls by NHTSA report so far.

2011 Hyundai Tucson Transmission Problems

Slipping gears, making noises, Burning smell, rough shifting, overheating, low fluid & check engine light on are some of the problems with 2011 Hyundai Tucson transmission.

2011 Hyundai Tucson Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Attractive and well-appointed cabin
• User-friendly controls
• Good fuel economy
• Sporty handling
• Offers good value

Cons:

• Firm ride
• Below-average cargo space

2011 Hyundai Tucson Issues & Complaints

July 1, 2019 NHTSA ID NUMBER: 11228610
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ENGINE
NHTSA ID Number: 11228610

Incident Date June 30, 2019

Consumer Location CLEARWATER, FL

Vehicle Identification Number KM8JU3AC8BU****

While driving on a busy city road in my 2011 Hyundai Tucson, a sudden and unexpected stall occurred. I was traveling at 40 miles per hour in a straight line when my vehicle inexplicably lost power, gradually slowed down, and ultimately came to a complete stop. The engine ceased to function, and the gas pedal was unresponsive. Simultaneously, the check engine, oil pressure, and battery warning lights illuminated when the car stalled. It’s worth noting that the battery is only a couple of months old, and all other vehicle functions appear to be normal, except for the inability to start the vehicle.

September 20, 2017 NHTSA ID NUMBER: 11024616
Components: POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ENGINE
NHTSA ID Number: 11024616

Incident Date September 20, 2017

Consumer Location AURORA, CO

Vehicle Identification Number KM8JUCAC4BU****

My 2014 Tucson experienced unintended deceleration after a crank sensor error. While on the freeway, my vehicle unexpectedly decelerated, forcing me to exit. Upon exiting and diagnosing the issue in a parking lot, the engine suddenly revved, and the car moved even though it was in neutral. All the fault codes were recorded using TorqueOBD. However, upon restarting the car, the check engine light disappeared, masking a potentially serious problem in the vehicle that could pose a life-threatening risk.

April 30, 2020 NHTSA ID NUMBER: 11322824
Components: SUSPENSION
NHTSA ID Number: 11322824

Incident Date March 4, 2020

Consumer Location WHITING, NJ

Vehicle Identification Number KM8JUCAC7BU****

While driving 2014 Tucson on a flat road surface, the rear subframe broke on the rear passenger side, making it difficult to control the car. The vehicle had been recalled for corrosion and was taken to the dealer in March 2017 for this specific issue. I believe that this problem should have been resolved during the recall to prevent the subsequent incident. At the time of the recall, the car had 150,000 miles. Additionally, I regularly took my car through a car wash to remove road grime from underneath the vehicle.

August 6, 2012 NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10469424
Components: TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
NHTSA ID Number: 10469424

Incident Date July 18, 2012

Consumer Location FLORIS, IA

Vehicle Identification Number KM8JU3AC1BU****

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Tucson. While driving at 55 mph, the traction control light illuminated on the instrument panel, and the vehicle jerked. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a diagnostic assessment. However, the dealer was unable to identify the cause of the issue. The manufacturer was notified, and they indicated that they would investigate the matter. The vehicle had 20,000 miles on it at the time of the incident, and the current mileage is 23,000 miles.

2011 Hyundai Tucson Recalls

September 22, 2023 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 23V651000
ABS Unit May Cause Engine Compartment Fire
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000

Manufacturer Hyundai Motor America

Components SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Potential Number of Units Affected 1,642,551

Summary

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain vehicles, including 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. These vehicles are equipped with an Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module that may develop a brake fluid leak internally, potentially causing an electrical short. This short could lead to an engine compartment fire while the vehicle is parked or in operation.

Remedy

Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on November 21, 2023.

February 5, 2019 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V063000
Engine Oil Leak May Cause Stall or Fire
A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V063000

Manufacturer Hyundai Motor America

Components ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Potential Number of Units Affected 120,000

Summary

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is issuing a recall for certain 2011-2013 Tucson vehicles. The concern is related to the engine oil pan, which may develop a leak. If this issue is not addressed, it could lead to oil loss, potentially resulting in engine damage.

Remedy

Hyundai has already contacted affected owners and is offering a resolution. Dealers will conduct an inspection to identify any oil pan leaks, replacing the oil pan and installing an updated oil pressure switch if necessary. These repairs will be performed at no cost to the vehicle owners. The recall process began on August 19, 2019. For more information, owners can reach out to Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. The recall reference number is 181.

February 2, 2016 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V057000
Transmission Cooler Hose may Leak Fluid
If enough transmission fluid leaks out, the transmission may not function properly and the vehicle may stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V057000

Manufacturer Hyundai Motor America

Components POWER TRAIN

Potential Number of Units Affected 11,176

Summary

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is conducting a recall for model year 2011 Hyundai Tucson vehicles that were manufactured between July 22, 2010, and October 31, 2010. The issue involves a transmission fluid cooler hose that may have been produced incorrectly, leading to a potential transmission fluid leak.

Remedy

Owners of the affected vehicles will be contacted by Hyundai and advised to visit their local dealers. The dealers will replace the faulty transmission fluid cooler hose free of charge. The recall is slated to commence on March 25, 2016. For additional information, owners can get in touch with Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. The recall reference number is 139.

May 13, 2014 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V245000
Air Bag Assembly May Loosen in the Steering Wheel
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.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V245000

Manufacturer Hyundai Motor Company

Components AIR BAGS

Potential Number of Units Affected 137,500

Summary

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) has issued a recall for certain model year 2011-2014 Hyundai Tucson vehicles produced between January 3, 2011, and December 23, 2013. The concern pertains to the air bag assembly located within the steering wheel, which could potentially become dislodged from its mounting.

April 1, 2013 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V113000
Stop Lamp Switch may Function Intermittently

NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V113000

Manufacturer Hyundai Motor Company

Components EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Potential Number of Units Affected 1,712,336

Summary

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) has initiated a recall encompassing various models and model years. This includes model year 2006-2011 Tucson, 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata, and Santa Fe, 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. Initially, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 vehicles, specifically 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.

The 2011 Hyundai Tucson earns an average consumer rating of 4.2 overall, with a remarkable 4.5 for reliability. This indicates that owners perceive it as having above-average reliability. As reported by 2011 Tucson drivers, some of its standout features include an excellent price, ample headroom, comfort, and an appealing exterior design.

I’ve owned my 2011 Tucson for about 3 months now. I opted for the fully loaded version with 18-inch wheels. After test-driving several other compact SUVs, I gave the Tucson a try and instantly fell in love. The leather seats are exceptionally comfortable, and I’m quite fond of the Bluetooth and navigation features. The storage space is just perfect for my needs. In terms of mileage, I’m averaging around 26-28 mpg combined.

Jordan, NY, USA

I’m really enjoying my Tucson. I purchased the 2011 Limited 2WD with 50,000 miles on it. I traded in a 2008 Durango, so I’m getting used to it. The gas mileage is fantastic compared to what I’m used to, and I never used the third-row seating. I could use a bit more cargo room with the two kids, but the front and back seats have pretty much the same space I was working with.

Jessica, TX, US

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