Hyundai is recalling 53,000 vehicles with dual-clutch transmissions

• Hyundai has filed a recall with NHTSA due to the transmission oil pump failure problem.
• The recall affects 53,142 vehicles across six Hyundai models, all of which use a dual-clutch transmission (DCT): the 2021 and 2022 Santa Fe, Sonata and Veloster N, and the 2022 Elantra N, Kona N and Santa Cruz.
• Hyundai will test and replace the damaged transmissions by reprogramming the control software. The automaker will begin sending notification letters to owners by December 5.

Hyundai has announced a recall through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NTSHA) due to a potential defect found in the high-pressure transmission oil pump of six models. Specifically, the recall affects models equipped with Hyundai’s eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). Documents at NHTSA the software’s failsafe logic is detailed incorrect when detecting oil pump faults, resulting in a complete loss of drive power.

The recall report states that drivers may be alerted to the problem by “multiple warning lights coming on.” At this point, internal fault detection can put the vehicle into a “safe” mode with limited mobility. This can be accompanied by a complete loss of propulsion, with transmission clutches and drive gears disengaged after 20 to 30 seconds, Hyundai said in a statement. Documents Hyundai filed with NHTSA say there were 229 incidents reported in the United States between June 2021 and September 2022, but no confirmed crashes or injuries as a result of the problem.

Affected models include the 2022 model year Elantra N, Kona N, and Santa Cruz, as well as the 2021 and 2022 Santa Fe, Sonata, and Veloster N, for a total of 53,142 vehicles that have been recalled. Dealers will inspect transmissions and replace them free of charge if necessary. They also reprogram the transmission control unit with updated software to fix safe drivability.

Hyundai issued a “stop sale” order on the affected vehicles on October 7 and will begin contacting owners by December 5. In the meantime, owners can check to see if their vehicles are affected at NHTSA website recalls.