Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 124 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Hyundai Tucson, and it carries 5 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 30 | 24% |
| Service brakes | 18 | 15% |
| Power train | 11 | 9% |
| Unknown or other | 8 | 6% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 4 | 3% |
| Unknown or other | 4 | 3% |
| Power train | 4 | 3% |
| Service brakes | 3 | 2% |
| Visibility | 3 | 2% |
| Tires | 3 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
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
NHTSA complaint: Engine
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
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
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
NHTSA complaint: Fuel system
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 daug
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
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
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
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. After having spoken to our mechanic we prepared to l
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
I am writing regarding the NHTSA Recall Number23V651000. I have been on a waiting list since July when the recall notice about a remedy finally being determined was sent in the mail. I have now called Hyundai of Cool Spr
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Tucson. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2011 Hyundai Tucson. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
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. Ow
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 a
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 cust
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 Tiburo
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 trans
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
| Reliability raw | 59 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 69 | good |
| Maintenance | 84 | excellent |
| Depreciation | 79 | good |
| Performance | 59 | average |
| Efficiency | 45 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 124 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and engine is the most reported area with 30 of them (24%). There are 5 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 59/100 (average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 69/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2011 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 68/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.