A faulty oil pump can rapidly send certain models into limp mode before losing power entirely.
- Hyundai confirms that six of its late-model vehicles are subject to a recall and sales stop, due to problems with the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.
- All N-model cars plus the Santa Cruz compact pickup truck from 2022 (pictured above) as well as 2021-2022 Sonata and Santa Fe models have been recalled, totaling 61,861 units.
- The problem stems from a faulty oil pump that leads to limp mode and then the loss of propulsion entirely.
Despite Hyundai’s strides in electrification, quality, and performance, no company is immune to mistakes, and it seems Hyundai has stumbled into a big one. A recall notice posted online said a faulty oil pump in specific 8-speed dual-clutch transmission cars was resulting in a total loss of propulsion, and Hyundai confirms this recall is affecting six late models.
Specifically, this recall will affect the 2021-22 Hyundai Santa Fe, Sonata, and Veloster N models, as well as the 2022 Elantra N, Kona N, and Santa Cruz models. According to the leaked recall notice, a transmission-specific high-pressure oil pump is prone to malfunction, which can lead the car to produce a diagnostic trouble code. In order to preserve the transmission, the clutches will automatically disengage once the oil-pump fault is identified. Once the diagnostic code has been triggered, the cars will then allegedly enter a fail-safe mode before losing propulsion entirely 20-30 seconds later.
Hyundai’s fun hot-hatch/crossover Kona N will also be affected by the recall.
Hyundai
The 8-speed DCT is one of the most used transmissions across Hyundai’s model range, meaning 61,861 of the company’s cars will be affected in the US. The recalled models weren’t manufactured at the same plant either—spread across Hyundai’s Alabama and South Korea plants.
There is a remedy, according to Hyundai’s recall statement.
“All owners of the subject vehicles will be notified by first-class mail with instructions to bring their vehicles to a Hyundai dealer to inspect the transmission and replace it, if necessary,” the statement says. “Dealers will also reprogram the transmission control unit with updated software that provides proper ‘failsafe’ driving capability.”
The fix will be available to owners across North America at no cost. Hyundai also clarified that no crashes or injuries have been reported as a result of this defect. Soon, owners of affected vehicles can check their VIN on Hyundai’s website or through the NHTSA website.This is not the first major recall for Hyundai this year, with a report of exploding seatbelts triggering a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigation and recall. Additionally, a series of thefts late last year revealed that certain Hyundai and Kia models are vulnerable to being stolen thanks to a lackluster security system. Still, this transmission recall is the first major mechanical fix in some time.As Hyundai works to fix this issue, the true efficacy of the fail-safe system will become clear, given that it likely saved thousands of transmissions from being destroyed. In the meantime, the company has urged dealerships to cease sales of any remaining models subject to the recall, new or used.
Emmet White A New York transplant hailing from the Pacific Northwest, Emmet White has a passion for anything that goes: cars, bicycles, planes, and motorcycles.
Keyword: Hyundai Recalls, Stops Sale of Six Dual-Clutch Transmission Models