This bulletin provides best practice recommendations when performing brake service procedures.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Hyundai Tucson brakes problems
severe 24 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Complaints
24
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
1fire
4injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 24 brakes complaints filed for the 2011 Hyundai Tucson, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 125,000-150,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Brakes accounts for 19% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 7 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin describes the procedure to inspect and identify fluid which may appear around the brake caliper area.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with a âCheck Engineâ light on and one or more of the DTC listed below, follow the repair procedure and replace the related solenoid and oil pressure harness.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗HYUNDAI: CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, TRANSAXLE HELD IN THIRD GEAR, AND TROUBLE CODES STORED. THIS IS CAUSED BY INCORRECT INPUT AND OUTPUT SPEED SENSORS.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2011 Tucson brake system has a critical corrosion problem. Front brake lines corrode and fail, causing complete brake fluid loss, while rear lines are coated for protection. Owners describe brake warning lights, soft pedals that sink to the floor, and puddles of brake fluid under the vehicle. One mechanic reported that Hyundai no longer manufactures replacement front lines.
Some owners experience brake loss through ABS and master cylinder pressure leaks that develop gradually over weeks and escalate to unpredictable, dangerous failure with no warning light. At least two vehicles caught fire or produced heavy smoke—one became fully engulfed at highway speed with four occupants on board; another had interior fire damage that the dealer refused to cover under warranty.
All complaint vehicles fall under NHTSA Campaign 23V651000 for service brake hydraulic defects. Canada recalled 300,000 Hyundai vehicles for this issue. In the US, owners report extensive delays and unavailable repair parts, leaving recalled vehicles on the road in unsafe condition. One owner at 1,700 miles reported intermittent brake loss when crossing bumps. The pattern is clear: brake failure, fire risk, and recall parts in short supply.
Same Hyundai Tucson brakes reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Corroded/Failed Brake Lines
Front brake lines corrode and fail, causing complete brake fluid loss. Rear lines are coated for corrosion protection but front lines are not. Owners report puddles of brake fluid under the vehicle and brake pedal going to the floor.
When: One reported around 116,000 miles; timing variable
Symptoms owners cite: Brake warning light on dashboard; Brake pedal goes to floor; Brake fluid puddle under vehicle; Complete loss of braking capability; Vehicle unsafe to drive
Repairs/costs cited: Front brake lines need replacement; mechanic reported Hyundai no longer makes the part and had to search for aftermarket lines. Parts unavailable through dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) issued. Canada recalled approximately 300,000 Hyundai vehicles for this issue. US has not issued equivalent recall as of complaint dates. Recall parts not available through US dealers.
ABS and Master Cylinder Pressure Leak
Both ABS and master cylinder develop pressure leaks, causing brakes to not engage or engage unpredictably. Issue develops progressively over weeks. No warning light activates despite brake failure.
When: Progressive failure over 3-week period
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes will not engage without pumping; Unpredictable brake response; No sensor warning light despite failure; Issue worsens over time; Deemed unsafe to drive
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic diagnosed and replicated failure at standstill. Old parts disposed of by mechanic. Repair details not provided by owner.
Complete Brake Pedal Loss Under Load
Brake pedal depresses fully to the floorboard while driving, indicating total loss of brake pressure. Multiple warning lights illuminate. Issue occurs at highway and surface street speeds.
When: Occurring at various mileages, including 116,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal goes to floorboard; ABS warning light illuminated; Hill Descent warning illuminated; Unknown warning lights illuminated; Vehicle cannot be stopped safely
Repairs/costs cited: One owner referred to independent mechanic after dealer could not perform recall repair due to parts unavailability.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 23V651000 recall notice issued but parts unavailable for repair. Owners report manufacturer exceeding reasonable timeframe for recall completion.
Fire/Smoke from Brake System
Vehicle catches fire or produces heavy smoke originating from under the hood or brake system area while driving. One vehicle became fully engulfed; another had interior fire damage (driver seat, door panel, headliner). Both incidents occurred on vehicles under recall for brake hydraulic issues.
When: One reported around 120,000 miles; one at unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke coming from underneath hood/passenger side; Fire underneath vehicle; Vehicle becomes engulfed in flames; Interior fire damage (seat, door panel, headliner); Black smoke inside cabin
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle in one incident became fully engulfed and destroyed. In second incident, dealer acknowledged failure but refused to cover damages at no cost. Vehicle not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Both vehicles covered under NHTSA Campaign 23V651000. Dealer in one case refused warranty coverage for fire damage. Manufacturer offered no assistance. Fire Department called in one incident; police report filed.
Intermittent Brake Loss on Bumps
Vehicle sporadically loses braking power for one to two seconds when driven over road bumps at speeds above 5 MPH. Causes momentary loss of stopping ability.
When: Reported at approximately 1,700 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sporadic loss of braking power; Brake loss triggered by road bumps; Loss lasts one to two seconds; Occurs at speeds above 5 MPH
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not inspected by dealer or repaired. Owner did not contact manufacturer.
Synthesized from 24 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 8 most recent
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…
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…
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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN…
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The ABS, the Hill Descent, and an unknown warning light were illuminated. 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 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 made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall…
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 made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall…
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…
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 and determined that the parts were not available for repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.…
Had brakes trouble with your 2011 Hyundai Tucson?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2011 Hyundai Tucson?
It's a meaningful issue. 24 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Based on the 24 complaints filed, brakes issues most often appear around 67,425 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Hyundai/Tucson.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.