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 ↗2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz powertrain problems
severe 10 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1crash
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 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 describe sudden power loss at highway speeds where the engine remains on but produces zero output—accelerator inputs are ignored and the vehicle slows uncontrollably from 65 mph down to 35–45 mph. Power returns only after restarting the vehicle. This has happened multiple times in a single trip and has occurred within the first 2,500 miles of ownership for some owners.
Transmission issues include the vehicle feeling like it shifts into neutral despite being in drive, with the engine revving but the vehicle not moving. On low-speed acceleration from stops, some owners report the transmission slipping and rough shifts. One owner noted this appears to be a recurring problem in 2022–2024 Santa Cruz models.
Several owners report unintended automatic braking: one experienced the rear collision emergency brake engaging twice on clear highway with following traffic, producing a severe grinding noise and flashing warning lights. Another owner's vehicle shuttered violently in heavy rain, then suddenly accelerated and shifted into reverse, spinning across a median.
Dealerships have been unable to diagnose these issues—no error codes appear, and technicians say the vehicles perform as designed. One owner's vehicle was kept overnight for inspection with no results. A few owners report engine stalls during gear transitions or brake-like resistance on startup that clears after restarting.
Same Hyundai Santa Cruz powertrain reports on nearby years: 2022 · 2023
Failure modes owners describe
Sudden power loss at highway speed
Engine loses power while driving at highway speeds (55-65 mph) in various conditions. Engine remains on and running but produces no output. Accelerator inputs have no effect. Power returns only after stopping, shifting to park, turning off the engine, and restarting.
When: Multiple instances across different mileages and conditions; owners report 2-4 occurrences within first 2,500 miles of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of engine output while engine still running; Vehicle slows uncontrollably from 65 mph to 35-45 mph; Accelerator pedal has no response; All dashboard warning lights illuminate during some incidents; Infotainment system error message displayed; No warning lamps in some instances
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to diagnose problem. No error codes retrieved during service visits. Vehicle found to perform 'as designed' by dealership.
Transmission slipping or neutral engagement
Transmission appears to slip out of gear or engage neutral while vehicle is in drive, particularly during acceleration from stops. Engine revs without vehicle acceleration. Occurs multiple times in succession during single driving events.
When: At stop lights and low-speed acceleration; occurs within first 33,000 miles of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle feels like it shifted to neutral despite being in drive gear; Engine revs with no forward motion; Loss of all power during acceleration from stop; Rough shifting on subsequent acceleration attempts; Transmission seems to completely slip out of gear
Repairs/costs cited: Owner notes this appears to be common issue in 2022-2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz models based on online research
Unintended automatic braking and shuttering
Vehicle experiences uncontrolled shuttering and vibration sensations followed by sudden power surges and unexpected engagement of braking or reverse. On one instance, rear collision emergency brake engaged unexpectedly on clear highway with traffic, causing sudden brake event and severe grinding noise.
When: During heavy rain at highway exit and on clear dry highway conditions; rear collision brake engaged twice at 55+ mph with approaching traffic
Symptoms owners cite: Shuttering and vibration sensation like riding on rough gravel; Sudden forward acceleration after shuttering; Unexpected engagement of reverse gear; Vehicle spinning and loss of directional control; Rear collision emergency brake engaged without approaching collision threat; Severe grinding noise during unintended braking event; Red rear collision warning system flashing
Repairs/costs cited: Owner requested dealer check system codes and software for rear collision brake event
Engine stall during gear transitions
Engine and transmission stall for several seconds when shifting from first to second gear, typically when pulling away from stop signs or traffic lights. Power loss occurs briefly before vehicle continues normally.
When: Sporadically during normal stop-and-go driving
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stall during first-to-second gear shift; Complete loss of power for several seconds; Occurs when pulling away from stops into traffic
Brake engagement resistance on startup
Upon starting vehicle or after stopping, vehicle acts abnormally with brake-like resistance preventing normal movement. Throttle input has little to no effect. Issue resolves after turning off engine and restarting.
When: Sporadic instances on startup and after stops
Symptoms owners cite: Feels like brakes are applied even when accelerating; Vehicle barely moves even with full throttle; Sluggish response to accelerator input; Requires shutdown and restart to restore normal operation
Park gear failure and forward coasting
Vehicle does not reliably engage park gear and coasts forward unintentionally when parked.
When: Sporadic instances when attempting to park
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle does not go into park at times; Vehicle coasts forward when parked
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 9 most recent
On one occasion on interstate at highway speed during summer, dry conditions I was driving at approximately 60 mph and was not accelerating while maintaining average pace in traffic. For no apparent reason the engine lost all power. I was forced to drift over in a hazardous manner to reach the right shoulder. When the power was lost the engine was still on and operating, multiple presses on the…
On 2 separate occasions on the highway at 55+ miles per hour during daylight dry conditions summer temperature the following safety hazard occurred; A car approached the rear of my 2024 hyundai santa crux night 2.5L. while on the highway. The approaching car likely at 25’ and closing when the santa cruz engaged the Rear Collision Emergency Brake system. It engaged for only a few seconds, but…
Sporadically, when shifting from first to second gear, the engine/transmission will stall, causing a loss of power for several seconds. This is generally when pulling away from a stop sign/light into traffic. I picked a single date below, but this continually happens from time to time.
while driving my car lost power and slowed on its own from 65 mph down to 45 mph. i had to power/acceleration and all the dashboard codes lit up and the infotainment system had an error messsage. i was force to pull over on the freeway and restart the car to get power to it. this is the 2nd time this happened within 2500 miles of the new vehicle.
Upon starting the vehicle is doesn't act normal and when placed In drive it feels like brakes are applied and it doesn't want to hardly move even when pressing the throttle all the way down. This has also happens a couple times when at a stop and have to pull over and turn the vehicle off and restart. My so. Drives this vehicle and I feel this is a huge safety concern if he is able to get the…
As I was attempting to accelerate at a stop light, once I got to 10mph I lost all power and the vehicle appeared to be in neutral, even though it was in gear. The engine just revved and would not go any faster. It appeared that the transmission just completely slipped out of gear. I had to figure out a way to exit the road as I was in full rush hour traffic. When I re-entered traffic to try…
Vehicle seems to not go into park at times and then coasts forward.
- Incident occurred on the interstate about a mile from the exit - Was in the right hand lane preparing to exit - Started raining very heavily, could barely see the lane lines - Continued to slow down coming to a momentary stop - When beginning to go again, experienced the drive/tires or something started Shuttering/vibrating-like riding over very rough gravel - At this time the car began…
While driving on I-81 up a steep grade, truck suffered a sudden power loss, with speed dropping to 35 MPH from 65 MPH. Attempts to regain speed failed and it felt like truck downshifted to a lower gear. 35 MPH continued until I decided to use truck cruise control to attempt to gain speed. I was worried about tractor trailers hitting me due to low speed. Finally got vehicle to 65 MPH but would…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2024 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 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
It's a meaningful issue. 10 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
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/2024/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.