Makes›Hyundai›Tucson›2011

2011 Hyundai Tucson

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.

Hyundai Tucson
Pictured: Hyundai Tucson 1.6 T-GDI PHEV Prime (IV) – f 05072025. Photo: © M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV AWD Gl, 4dr SUV AWD Gls/Limited, 4dr SUV FWD Gls, 4dr SUV FWD L/Gl
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
25 combined · 23 city / 30 hwy
Length
173.2 in
Curb weight
3,175–3,371 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
5 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 25 MPG combined — 20% better than the average 2011 SUV - (20.9 MPG).
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 18 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2011 Hyundai Tucson is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl) and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.

It measures about 173 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,371 lb (4dr SUV AWD Gl).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (23 city / 30 highway), 20% better than the 2011 SUV - average of 20.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,700 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 96 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2011

  • Engine added: 2.0L 4-cyl

Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 Tucson →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV AWD Gl173.2 in71.7 in65.4 in103.9 in62.2 / 62.2 in3,371 lb59/41
4dr SUV AWD Gls/Limited173.2 in71.7 in65.4 in103.9 in62.2 / 62.2 in3,371 lb59/41
4dr SUV FWD Gls173.2 in71.7 in65.4 in103.9 in62.2 / 62.2 in3,318 lb59/41
4dr SUV FWD L/Gl173.2 in71.7 in65.4 in103.9 in62.2 / 62.2 in3,175 lb59/41

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Tucson 2WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive22 / 30 / 25+20%$2,700355
Tucson 2WD2.0L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive23 / 30 / 25+20%$2,700355
Tucson 4WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive21 / 28 / 24+27%$2,800370
Tucson 2WD2.4L 4-cylManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive21 / 28 / 23+10%$2,900386
Tucson 2WD2.0L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive20 / 27 / 23+10%$2,900386
Tucson 4WD2.4L 4-cylManual 6-spd4-Wheel Drive20 / 26 / 22+16%$3,050404
Spend $1,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
20.9 MPG2011 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Hyundai Tucson.

Similar 2011 SUV -s

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2011 Hyundai Tucson (this car)25 MPGNot rated5
2011 Toyota RAV424 MPGNot rated11
2011 Honda CR-V24 MPGNot rated13
2011 Subaru Forester23 MPGNot rated16
2011 Volkswagen Tiguan22 MPGNot rated3
2011 Kia Sportage25 MPGNot rated6
2011 Ford Escape32 MPGNot rated2

Recalls (5)

Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Sep 22, 2023 Park outside

NHTSA campaign 23V651000 · 1,649,478 vehicles

Problem
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.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine · Feb 5, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V063000 · 120,000 vehicles

Problem
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 · Jan 28, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V057000 · 11,176 vehicles

Problem
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 · May 13, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V245000 · 137,500 vehicles

Problem
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 · Apr 1, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V113000 · 1,712,336 vehicles

Problem
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2011 Hyundai Tucson is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

96Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
3Involved a crash
3Involved a fire
7Injuries reported
93,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine39
Unknown Or Other20
Service Brakes, Hydraulic20
Power Train10
Service Brakes8
Electrical System7
Engine And Engine Cooling4
Suspension3
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
22/01: 222/02: 122/04: 122/06: 122/08: 122/09: 123/07: 123/11: 823/12: 324/01: 424/02: 224/03: 324/04: 324/05: 124/06: 224/07: 124/09: 124/11: 125/01: 125/03: 125/04: 125/07: 126/01: 126/04: 122/0122/0623/0724/0124/0424/0725/0125/07max 8

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2011 Hyundai Tucson buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
  3. Engine — 39 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Service Brakes, Hydraulic — 20 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  5. Power Train — 10 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 93,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 Hyundai Tucson. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Tucson years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Tucson38182.3 inNot rated699
2025 Tucson38182.3 in★★★★★7448
2024 Tucson38182.3 in★★★★★4152
2023 Tucson38182.3 in★★★★★2182
2022 Tucson38182.3 in★★★★★3506
2021 Tucson25176.4 in★★★★★180
2020 Tucson25176.4 in★★★★★1179
2019 Tucson26176.4 in★★★★★1385
2018 Tucson27176.4 in★★★★★1399
2017 Tucson28176.4 in★★★★★31,093
2016 Tucson28176.4 inNot rated51,626
2015 Tucson25173.2 inNot rated2229

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →