This bulletin provides information related to a Transmission Control Unit (TCU) software update for some vehicles equipped with an 8-speed wet dual clutch transmission (8WDCT). The software update revises the touch point learning variation, improving drivability and judder symptoms. Some 8WDCTs (indicated by a new part number) received an updated clutch spring. The correct TCU software update must be matched with the correct corresponding 8WDCT hardware, otherwise, drivability concerns may occur. This service procedure should be performed prior to any 8WDCT replacements done for drivability/judder concerns.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz powertrain problems
moderate 85 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
85
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 85 powertrain complaints filed for the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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
Powertrain accounts for 49% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 7 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 85 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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.
Certain Santa Cruz (NXT) vehicles equipped with 8-speed dual clutch transmissions (8DCT) may set one of the high pressure electric oil pump (HP EOP) DTCs listed below. This bulletin provides the service procedure to update the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) with improved logic to address these DTCs and enhance operation of the 8DCT.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some Santa Cruz (NXT), Santa Fe (TMA, MX5A), and Sonata (DN8A) models may require replacement of the 8-speed wet dual clutch transmission (8WDCT) when the vehicle sets one of the high pressure electric oil pump (HP EOP) DTCs listed below. This bulletin provides instructions to replace the 8WDCT.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides the procedure for updating the automatic transmission TCU (Transmission Control Unit) software to improve shift quality, judder and hesitation when accelerating.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This TSB provides a procedure to diagnose and replace, if necessary, an automatic transmission with Incorrect Ratio DTC (transmission clutch slip in gear above limit) listed on Page 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report two clusters of powertrain failures in 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz vehicles.
Transmission control and acceleration loss. Vehicles intermittently lose power during acceleration or refuse to shift, particularly when pulling away from stops, merging onto highways, or climbing hills. Maximum speed drops to 16–40 mph despite full throttle, engine RPMs climb without corresponding acceleration, and the transmission feels "stuck in too high a gear" or disengaged. These episodes last seconds to minutes and often resolve after shutting off the engine and restarting. Some owners report the vehicle shifting to near-neutral or remaining unresponsive even after restart attempts. Warning messages include "Pull Over and Stop Immediately," "Transmission System Error," and check-engine lights with codes P0301, P1C2D03, P1C2E92, P213577, and P0304. Dealers frequently cannot reproduce the issue during diagnostics.
Throttle response and cold-start stalling. Some owners describe delayed or absent throttle response after startup or at stop lights, with the vehicle either refusing to accelerate or surging forward unpredictably after a lag. Cold-start failures occur with the transmission stuck in first gear or refusing to upshift. Multiple owners report the vehicle stalling at low speeds after pulling from parking spaces, particularly in Smart mode, and requiring restart to restore function.
Both failures create acute safety hazards in traffic. Owners note multiple dealer visits, transmission replacements, software updates, throttle body replacements, and fluid additions without permanent resolution. Some vehicles experience failure again within days or weeks of repair. Extended wait times for transmission parts and recall components compound the issue.
Same Hyundai Santa Cruz powertrain reports on nearby years: 2023 · 2024
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission power loss and shift failure
Vehicle loses acceleration or refuses to shift gears, dropping speed to 16–40 mph despite full throttle, often triggered during merging, hill climbing, or traffic light acceleration. Engine RPMs climb without transmission response or the vehicle feels as if it is in neutral. Most common failure mode reported.
When: Occurs between 2,700 and 63,000 miles; often first incidents early in ownership (under 5,000 miles) with recurrence after repair; cold starts and stop-and-go traffic are frequent triggers
Symptoms owners cite: Complete or severe loss of acceleration when pressing pedal; Transmission refuses to shift or shifts only after RPM exceeds 3,000; Vehicle feels stuck in too high a gear or out of gear; Maximum speed capped at 16–40 mph despite full throttle; Check Engine Light with or without warning message; Engine RPMs high (3,000–6,000) with no corresponding speed gain; Some instances self-resolve after engine restart; others persist; Violent shuddering or jerking when attempting to accelerate
Codes mentioned: P0301, P1C2D03, P1C2E92, P1CD0, P0304, P0653, P213577, C161386
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers report transmission fluid top-offs (adding 1–2 quarts), transmission replacement, TCU (transmission control unit) software updates, throttle body replacement. One owner reports dealer found loose ground wire (GE204) in left front fender to transmission control module. Many repairs temporary; failures recur within days to weeks. Transmission replacement timelines extend 60–92 days due to parts unavailability.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 22V746000 (Powertrain) addresses transmission replacement need but parts unavailable for extended periods. Some owners' VINs excluded from recall despite identical symptoms. Hyundai corporate involved in multiple cases with escalation to buyback department. Some dealers claim recall already addressed when transmission never replaced. Software updates (TCU updates) performed but ineffective for persistent issues.
Throttle response delay and surge acceleration
Vehicle exhibits delayed or absent throttle response at stops or startup, then lurches forward unexpectedly. Pedal input feels disconnected for 3–10 seconds, then sudden surge occurs, requiring hard braking to avoid collision.
When: Occurs from very early ownership; noted at 329 miles, 670 miles, 1,100 miles; also observed after software updates and navigation system map updates
Symptoms owners cite: Accelerator pedal unresponsive for several seconds after pressing; Sudden surge or lurch forward after delay, requiring emergency braking; Vehicle revs but does not move; No warning lights in some instances; Issue triggered by pulling away from traffic light or parking space
Codes mentioned: P0653, P1C2D03
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body replacement performed in multiple cases. One dealer stated software update needed but owner refused due to concerns about update stability reported by other owners. Some owners report issue began immediately after dealership-performed software updates or navigation map updates.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Software updates cited as remedy but effectiveness disputed. Dealers may recommend update without confirming problem first. One owner reports dealership stated Hyundai aware of issue and working on solution but advised vehicle unsafe to drive; no specific remedy offered.
Cold-start and low-speed transmission stalling
Vehicle stalls or becomes unresponsive during cold-start conditions or when pulling away from parking spaces at very low speeds. Transmission stuck in first gear or refuses to upshift beyond 25 mph; issue recurs despite full restart.
When: Cold-start failures at 5,000 miles and beyond; low-speed stalls occur within first 2 months of ownership; one instance at 13°F ambient temperature
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls or does not respond when shifted into Drive after cold start; Transmission stuck in first gear, unable to upshift beyond 25 mph; Accelerator fully pressed with no speed gain; No warning lights in many instances; Only temporary fix is to shut off and restart engine; Occurs repeatedly in daily use despite being unreproduce-able at dealer
Codes mentioned: P1C2D03
Repairs/costs cited: One dealership replaced entire transmission; another topped off transmission fluid. Issues persisted after both repairs. Owner reports problem continues to occur on cold starts despite multiple service visits.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai corporate has open case on at least one vehicle. No permanent resolution offered; case remains active without fix.
Engine misfire and power loss with dark exhaust smoke
Engine misfires or loses power during acceleration with thick, dark smoke from tailpipe. Vehicle behaves as if out of gear or with ignition fault. Three occurrences in one owner's report within 3-day period.
When: Multiple occurrences within 3-day period at 11,765 miles; one instance at 6,000 miles without warning
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power when accelerating from stop; No engine response despite increased accelerator pressure; Puff of thick dark smoke from tailpipe after ~10 seconds of power loss; Burnt rubber smell under hood after incidents; Subsequent hesitation when accelerating from stop; No error codes detected on OBD-II scan in some instances
Codes mentioned: P0304
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple fuel injector replacements (two replaced on same vehicle at 30,000 miles within one month). No permanent remedy; issue recurred after each replacement. One owner reports dealership replaced injectors one at a time rather than all four.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in narratives. One owner states dealership awaiting big accident before replacing all fuel injectors simultaneously.
Radiator failure and coolant overpressure
Vehicle overheats with coolant overpressure causing radiator to rupture or release hot liquid under hood. Coolant sprays onto engine and driveway; battery cover blown open; paint damage from heat and caustic liquid.
When: At 37,000 miles (same vehicle also experiencing transmission issues)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle loses speed and overheats while driving at 60 mph; Dashboard beep and 'overheating' warning message; Hood and oil lights begin flashing; Hot pink coolant sprays everywhere when vehicle stops; Battery cover blown open; Paint bubbled and damaged from heat and liquid exposure; Engine light, oil light, battery light remain on after incident
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired; remains at dealership pending inspection and repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific recall noted for radiator. Vehicle has multiple outstanding recalls per owner (4 recalls mentioned). Dealership awaiting ASAP inspection.
Synthesized from 85 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 9 most recent
The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the transmission would not engage when shifted to reverse. The service engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while entering the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the failure was related to the NHTSA Campaign Number:…
* On the date of 12/13/23 my 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz had a loss of power to the drivetrain on two occasions , once in a parking lot , second when merging into traffic. * I felt to drive the vehicle was a risk to myself and safety of others. * 12/21/23 is the last report of DTC. 49,701 miles * The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is at a Dealership in Maryland for powertrain inspection and problem…
I brought in my 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz to its first oil change at one of my local Hyundai dealers. the technician right away stated they needed to perform a software update otherways they would not be able to perform the oil change, I agreed to it, after 3 and a half hours I walk up to service technician and complained it was already taking too long, when I finally got my car the car would not…
Dec. 16 2023 / 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz(Daily Driver) VEHICLE SAFETY CONCERNS / DANGEROUS DRIVING SAFETY ISSUES INCREASED RISK OF CRASH (HIGHWAY) Transmission: Problems started Dec. 11,2023 Monday Having trouble gaining any speed. The engine revving when getting on freeway when practicing normal function acceleration, slow having hard time gaining speed, car jerking. Transmission gauge will go…
The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V746000 (Power Train) 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…
While driving on a local highway, vehicle lost all power and stopped. It would not restart. Vehicle was towed to the dealer, and was they found found that the HIGH PRESSURE #4 FUEL INJECTOR IS STUCK OPEN, and REPLACED #4 CYLINDER FUEL INJECTOR AS REQUIRED. They also replaced the battery. Vehicle is 11 months old. If this had happened on the interstate, I would have been rear ended and possibly…
Hyundai has failed to remedy this known transmission defect and is placing owners of the affected vehicles lives in danger. Reprogramming of the "fail-safe" driving capability does not fix the life threating issue. While driving on Interstate 89 in Vermont on December 7 every warning light on the dashboard illuminated and my 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz slowed from 65mph to 40mph. I pulled of the…
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? I'm open to allow the vehicle to be inspected at anytime. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? After pulling out onto a busy highway of 60MPH speed limit from a right on red light, the car only would accelerate to 17MPH nearly causing a multi-car rear end accident. Has the…
When accelerating from a complete stop the transmission skips within the first few RPMs. This also happens when coming to a complete stop. It feels like a stall or a stutter. Also does it when put into reverse.
Had powertrain trouble with your 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
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 powertrain problem on the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 85 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 2,950 and 40,000 miles, with the median around 10,200. A quarter of owners report trouble before 2,950; a quarter make it past 40,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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/2022/Hyundai/Santa Cruz.
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.