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Hyundai VeracruzModel year report

2011 Hyundai Veracruz Problems

Compared with other Hyundai Veracruz years

Typical for this model

64/100 1.4× a typical year · 50 = typical

Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2010, 2012

Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated

Complaints
106filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
92,015miles, 64 complaints with mileage
Recalls
4campaigns on record
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—no overall rating published
EPA fuel economy
19 mpgcombined, 3.8L 6-cyl FWD · 17 city / 22 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2011 Hyundai Veracruz (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of the 2011 Veracruz most often describe engine oil escaping from the front valve cover gasket, dripping onto the alternator and leading to a charging-system failure that can cut power while driving; many say the problem returned even after the related recall repair. Other frequent themes are interior door handles that snap and TPMS or other warning lights that come and go, often with dealers unable to reproduce the fault.

  1. Engine

    Oil leak onto alternator / loss of electrical power

    • 82 complaints (77%)
    • median 106,000 mi at 8.9 yrs old (47 state mileage)
    • filed 2013–2025

    Complaints describe engine oil seeping from the front valve cover gasket area and dripping onto the alternator, which owners say then fails and leaves the battery light on, warning lights flashing and the vehicle losing power or stalling. Several owners report the gasket or alternator was replaced more than once and that the leak came back afterward. Dealers are described as confirming the oil leak or alternator failure, and some owners say the recall parts were on backorder for months. Spread across the sample from roughly 27,000 to 200,000 miles, with many reports in the 80,000-140,000 mile range.

    Recall 20V705000Recall 14V4150001 related service bulletin

    What to check: Check for oil residue around the front valve cover and on the alternator, and ask whether recalls 14V415000 and 20V705000 were completed and when. Watch the battery light during a test drive.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “While I started to cross a busy hwy my Veracruz did not respond and would not go faster than 20 MPH. All my dashbord lights came on and off several times then the car would not go more than 5 MPH. I was able to make it to the Hyundai dealership where the car would not go on park even after trying the overide swithch. Eventually the car started shaking and it shut off. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10983276, filed 2017-05, 5 miles

    “While driving I noticed the battery light going on. I parked it for the night and began to drive it the next day. After driving for a few minutes, I noticed the battery light going on again. The radio began to turn off and on, and many different lights on the dash began to flash. I decided to return home to prevent getting stranded. As I turned around, I noticed that I began to lose power in the vehicle although I was trying to accelerate. I made it home and parked the car. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10927351, filed 2016-11, 62,000 miles
  2. Engine

    Stalling and sudden loss of power while driving

    Mentioned in 9 of 60 sampled complaints

    Some owners describe the engine cutting out or dropping to reduced speed without warning, with the check engine light coming on and the vehicle needing to be pulled over or towed. Several complaints link the stall to a charging or electrical failure, and a few describe the engine stalling again after repairs. Dealers are reported to have replaced the alternator or diagnosed electrical faults, with some repairs repeated. Broad spread through the sample, from about 50,000 to 180,000 miles, at highway and city speeds.

    What to check: Ask about any history of stalling, alternator replacement or battery replacement, and have the charging system tested before purchase.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “While driving to work at 55 MPH my 2011 Hyundai Veracruz made a clunk sound from the engine area and starting dropping speed to around 20mph the check engine light illuminated as well. When I pressed the acceleration it would not accelerate but the car still stayed steady at 20 MPH. I pulled over to get out of traffic and turned the car off. I started it back and pulled out and it seemed to correct itself? After another 4-5 miles at same speed it did the same thing once again bit this time I was in heavy traffic on a very busy hwy. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10681762, filed 2015-02, 73,432 miles

    “While opening driver's interior door handle, handle broke making it impossible to open the vehicle from the inside. The passenger door handle broke 3 months ago. The vehicles interior door handles keep breaking which makes an emergency exit from the vehicle extremely difficult.”

    NHTSA complaint #10485113, filed 2012-11, 28,500 miles
  3. Body and structure

    Interior door handles breaking

    • 7 complaints (7%)
    • median 27,250 mi at 2.3 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2011–2018

    Owners describe the interior door handles catching, then snapping, which leaves the door unable to open from the inside and forces them to roll down the window and use the outside handle. Complaints mention the driver front handle and several of the other doors, with repeated failures after repair in one case. Dealers are reported to have replaced handles or latch components under warranty, sometimes after ordering parts. Mostly reported at low mileage, from a few thousand miles up to about 90,000, with several under 30,000 miles.

    What to check: Open and close every door using the inside handle and look for cracks, looseness or a rough pull at the handle pivot.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “When opening the door, the interior driver's door handle was catching on the door panel. This went on for several months until I pulled the mechanism to open the door and the handle broke. The plastic part physically broke. I now have to roll down the window electronically and open the door from the outside. Exiting in an emergency would be extremely difficult.”

    NHTSA complaint #10508468, filed 2013-04, 26,000 miles

    “Noticed the interior door handle not opening the door without pulling completely out to the end of it's travel. It broke completely and have to lower the window to open the door with outside handle. Dealer agreed to replace handle under warranty but had to order parts. Exiting the car in an emergency could be very difficult!”

    NHTSA complaint #10491705, filed 2013-01, 23,496 miles
  4. Electrical system

    TPMS light on and off

    • 5 complaints (5%)
    • median 23,000 mi at 2.4 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2011–2014

    Complaints describe the tire pressure warning light cycling on and off even when tire pressures are correct, sometimes many times on a single trip. Owners report repeated dealer visits, and in one case the dealer said radio or electronic interference could trigger the light and that nothing could be done unless it was lit at the time of the visit. Reported from under 1,000 miles to about 40,000 miles.

    What to check: Verify tire pressures are set correctly, then watch whether the TPMS light cycles during the test drive and ask if the sensors have been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Since about 800 miles the TPMS light has been coming on and stays lit for a while and then shuts off,. On a recent trip, the light came on and off more than 10 times. This is a safety issue since we do not know if the tire pressure is low or not. The dealer and Hyundai says they cannot repair it or do anything unless the light is on when we get to their shop. This has not happened.”

    NHTSA complaint #10425734, filed 2011-09, 800 miles

    “I purchase this vehicle in 2011, ever since the first month of ownership the TPMS light continuously goes on and off. I have had the vehicle in to the Hyundai service center numerous times, roughly once a month for over a year, for this very problem. Today, 12/28/12, my vehicle is back in the shop. I was called by the service manager and told that there was a bulletin they received regarding this light from Hyundai. They said that any radio or magnetic wave interference or other electronic devices can cause this light to come on. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10490391, filed 2012-12, 25,000 miles

Buying note. Given that most sampled complaints center on oil leaking onto the alternator and later stalling, have the charging system and valve cover area inspected and confirm both related recalls were completed before buying. Also test every inside door handle and watch for intermittent warning lights during a test drive.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 106 consumer complaints for the 2011 Hyundai Veracruz. 64 of the complaints include a mileage, and 22% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 92,015 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 5 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 47 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 3 Hyundai Veracruz model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 64 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Steering (3), Vehicle speed control (3), Air bags (1), Electronic stability control (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Wheels (1).

Example complaints

Engine: “Hyundai announced the following recall in november 2020. To date they have done nothing to remedy the problem. My vehicle had this problem and failed while driving on the freeway in 2016. I repaired the problem back then at my expense but my vehicle should be assessed by Hyundai and cleared or additional repairs made. I am waiting over 6 months for a remedy on a recall that was originally announced in 2014 and reissued in 2020 because of Hyundai's failure to adequately address the problem. …”

NHTSA complaint #11415496, filed 2021-05, 80,000 miles

Electrical system: “We purchased this car new. It has been to the dealer 5 times or more for the repair of an engine oil leak that saturates the alternator resulting in its failure. They have resealed the engine oil pan the first time. Second, third, forth, and fifth time they replaced the front engine valve cover gasket. The last time they followed the recommended procedure as outlined by Hyundai that was mandated by ntsb as a recall. However the oil leak still remains. Upon our last visit in november 2018 the Hyundai service shop determined that the oil leak is from the front engine cover (timing cover). …”

NHTSA complaint #11144800, filed 2018-11, 175,000 miles

Engine cooling: “The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Veracruz. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V705000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that there was an abnormal burning oil odor while idling and while driving the vehicle. The contact stated that as a former independent mechanic, he had inspected the vehicle and noticed that there was oil leaking near the valve cover gasket and onto the alternator. …”

NHTSA complaint #11646730, filed 2025-03, 200,000 miles

Brakes: “My system has not failed at this point. However, I am very concerned about the potential ABS brake potential fire hazard. I have always kept my vehicle in the garage. Now I have to expose it to weather conditions. I am parking outside away from structures as instructed in the recall. I constantly transport 2 grandchildren in car seats in my Hyundai Vera Cruz. It is very frightening to think my vehicle could possibly catch on fire while driving as well as ignite in my driveway. I just received my recall notice a few weeks ago even though the automakers were aware of it for months. …”

NHTSA complaint #11557030, filed 2023-11

Mileage when problems were reported

22% of the 64 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 60,000 and 136,000 miles.

5%0–105%10–2513%25–5014%50–7520%75–10022%100–15022%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (64 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 92,015 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

’11’13’15’17’19’2145’23’25
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2011 Hyundai Veracruz. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
Veracruz · SUV 4WDnot rated———4 · 15.9% risk
Veracruz · SUV FWDnot rated———4 · 16.9% risk

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2011 Hyundai Veracruz version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Veracruz 2WD3.8L 6-cyl6-speed automatic172219$3,550
Veracruz 4WD3.8L 6-cyl6-speed automatic162118$3,700

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 2011 Hyundai Veracruz → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 47 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 47 bulletins →

Other model years of the Hyundai Veracruz

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
20126595,0003—1912 · FewerFalling
201110692,0154—1964 · TypicalFalling
201091126,5004—1929 · FewerFalling
20092474,7323—18—Falling
200823086,3595—1892 · MoreFalling
200714595,0004—18Not compared (before 2008)Falling

All Hyundai Veracruz model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Hyundai Veracruz?

Owners of the 2011 Veracruz most often describe engine oil escaping from the front valve cover gasket, dripping onto the alternator and leading to a charging-system failure that can cut power while driving; many say the problem returned even after the related recall repair. The issues reported most often: Oil leak onto alternator / loss of electrical power; Stalling and sudden loss of power while driving; Interior door handles breaking.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2011 Hyundai Veracruz have?

NHTSA recorded 106 consumer complaints for the 2011 Hyundai Veracruz as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2011 Hyundai Veracruz is reported most often?

Engine is named most often, in 39 complaints (37% of the total), followed by electrical system with 36.

Has the 2011 Hyundai Veracruz been recalled?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2011 Hyundai Veracruz get?

The EPA rates the 2011 Hyundai Veracruz (Veracruz 2WD, 3.8L 6-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 17 city and 22 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2011 Hyundai Veracruz reported?

Among the 64 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 92,015 miles and the middle half falls between 60,000 and 136,000 miles; 22% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.