Home · 2011 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid · Complaints

What 124 owners told NHTSA about the 2011 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (124)Crash / fire / injury (8)Engine (40)Brakes (33)Transmission & drivetrain (20)Electrical system (12)Electronic Stability Control (esc) (9)Engine & cooling (5)Suspension (5)Body & structure (4)Speed control (4)Tires (4)

Newest first · 124 complaints · page 1 of 5

Apr 21, 2026Engine

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 THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11732770

Jan 26, 2026

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 days later I received an email that said there was no tsb and that it was not covered under warranty. I cancelled the appointment and stopped at the Hyundai dealership. The man I spoke with seemed to know exactly what I was talking about and said it would be almost $200 to diagnose and that would be applied to the repair which would be $7-800. He also said there are 2 different switches and it coud be either switch. I know there's a lot of garbage on the internet but when I saw the article that said that "NHTSA says" and then was told by someone at Hyundai that there is a service bulletin, I believed it. I'm [XXX] old and my wife and I have had this vehicle since new. It's a good vehicle and most likely our last. However I am totally bewildered by this situation. Is there a recall/service bulletin that you are aware of or not? Thank you! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11713390

Jul 21, 2025Fuel System, Diesel

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 pumps last 100,000 to 200,000 miles. I’ve driven other vehicles going over 100,000 miles on the same fuel pump. How did this fuel pump go out so quick? Was it installed right? Was it bad wiring? Was it a defective part? Thankfully the fuel pump went out when I wasn’t driving. This is a major safety issue and Lithia, who is the parent company of Mission Hills Hyundai, should be looked into. Also the misdiagnosis from the technician should be in question to. Integrity is also an issue here, so how can I feel safe if I want to to continue getting my car serviced here. Yes they gave me a new fuel pump with no charge, but still had to pay for a starter I didn’t need. Basically I spent $3000 for a part that went out on my vehicle in over a year. Just like how Ford has a recent recall of fuel pumps, Hyundai should be checked into this issue also. I will attach invoices including a service for my fuel system cleaning. I thought all this work I got done would prevent a major failure on a vital vehicle component. Thank you, Hope to hear from you INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11675166

Apr 7, 2025BrakesSeatsBody & structure

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 vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The dealer was notified of the failure and a tow truck was sent to the residence. While the vehicle was in the dealer's possession, the failure was acknowledged, but the dealer stated that the damages would not be covered for free. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle as not repaired and remained with the dealer. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11653195

Mar 30, 2025Electrical systemBrakes

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 16years old but it wasn’t when all this first started,I own a time bomb and can not afford to buy another vehicle,Im retired and live on a fixed income. Im not sure if letting them change a fuse to a lower wattage so it would fail and make the ABS System Disabled there by stopping leaking brake fluid from igniting.Does Not Meet Any Requirements and Creates More Issues.My Car has AWD and is low mileage for the age.I don’t agree with letting them do this but Im afraid of what NHTSA or They can do if I don’t,Why aren’t you stopping them perpetrate a fraud.This is not by your own law's fines have not helped the millions involved in this #251 Recall Thankyou.

NHTSA ODI 11651584

Jan 27, 2025Brakes

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 leave the car we planned to drop off. Got in our Hyundai Tucson and the brake light was still on, odd. Proceed to back up and he brake pedal almost went to the floor. Got out looked underneath the car and there was a puddle of brake fluid. The Hyundai was unsafe to drive as it had no brakes and we left it at our mechanic. He called Friday to say Hyundai longer makes the brake lines and he was searching for the front brake lines that corroded away and failed. He said the rear lines we coated to protect them from corrosion and the front lines were not. Learned over the weekend that the Canadian government recalled almost 300K Hyundai vehicles for corroded or failed brake lines. Why hasn't the US addressed this serious safety issue? My image is too large to be accepted by your system. Is there another way to submit it? We were incredibly fortunate as we were going home on a highway at rush. If the brakes failed I'm certain we and others would have been injured.

NHTSA ODI 11638751

Nov 20, 2024Brakes

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 Springs in Tennessee about where I am on the list. At one point they were saying September, then when I called again they were thinking some time in November. We are now almost out of November and I am not getting any updates and would like to park my daughter's vehicle in the garage. The dealership is saying that parts or something on back order with no idea on when I can expect an appointment to resolve this issue. I didn't let my daughter take the car to college thinking I would be able to resolve this by the time we were hitting winter break and her returning to school in January. Please provide guidance on other options to get this remedy taken care of. Thank you

NHTSA ODI 11626390

Sep 24, 2024Brakes

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 was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11616252

Jul 17, 2024Brakes

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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11602942

Jun 10, 2024Brakes

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 was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11593456

Jun 3, 2024Fire

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 you can get involve as I am concerned they maybe trying to mask this incident.

NHTSA ODI 11592062

May 27, 2024

This is a complaint about the ridiculous amount of time this has gone on!

NHTSA ODI 11590928

Apr 17, 2024Brakes

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 was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11583473

Apr 15, 2024BrakesElectrical systemFire4 injuries

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 but were not currently available. The contact and the three other passengers who were occupying the vehicle at the time of the incident sustained trauma but did not seek medical assistance. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ODI 11583094

Apr 9, 2024

This is a complaint related to the status of Hyundai's recall 251. The recall has gone on for months without a resolution, and puts me and my passengers at risk should there be a fire. On April 4, 2024, I received an email notice from Stafford Brown Hyundai that indicated a fix was ready for my car. I made an appointment to complete the fix, scheduled for Tuesday April 9. Two hours after dropping off my car, I received a phone call from Stafford Brown Hyundai indicating the fix was still not available for my car. They did not know when it would be available. This recall has gone on for an unacceptable length with no fix available. The risk to myself, my passengers, and my property is high. A resolution needs to be implemented now. Furthermore, Hyundai needs better management of how they communicate information to their dealers and car owners in regards to this recall, so as not to send inaccurate updates and create confusion.

NHTSA ODI 11581861

Mar 26, 2024Engine & cooling

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 ODI 11579529

Mar 22, 2024Engine

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 thankfully with not as much traffic I was able to pull to the side of the highway. The car would not turn over. I heard no noises when this occurred, nor did I smell anything, it just it quit working. It was late when the car was towed to S&B Automotive in Bridgewater. I had to wait for a ride and didn’t get home till early morning. When I contacted the place where it was towed, they said I needed a new engine at $6,000.00. I drained my bank account to pay for this 2011 Hyundai Tucson. So I could not have it repaired and was not aware of the recall and still never received the recall notice to this day. Just the one regarding the key issue and class action suit. If I had known that there was a recall on this vehicle I would have had it towed to the dealership for the repair and then traded it in for another vehicle other than a Hyundai. I was forced to take out an unwanted loan in order to purchase another vehicle. This vehicle although well maintained has too many issues. I still have the title as I inadvertently gave the automotive company the wrong title. I want to be compensated for the full blue book value of this vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11578890

Mar 7, 2024Brakes

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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11576020

Feb 21, 2024Brakes

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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11573194

Feb 20, 2024Brakes

Nothing yet, but the information sent to me on 11-28-2023 stated that the defect could cause a fire and be quite dangerous, but no remedy has come forth yet. It is unsettling to drive a car which could catch fire while driving or parked. How long do we patiently wait for our cars to burst into flames?

NHTSA ODI 11573004

Jan 26, 2024Brakes

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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11568064

Jan 17, 2024Brakes

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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11565920

Jan 17, 2024BrakesEngine & cooling

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 repair. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, 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 was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11565941

Jan 12, 2024Brakes

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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11565104

Dec 18, 2023Brakes

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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11560722

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Working with the data? Download all 124 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 10, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2011 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid verdict →