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 ↗2025 Hyundai Santa Fe powertrain problems
moderate 14 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
14
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
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.
Hyundai Motor America is currently investigating an ongoing concern with software GDS event #1306 for certain Hyundai Santa Fe (MX5A) vehicles. The software update is not appearing for some impacted vehicles. In the interim, Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 25-01-072H will be removed from Hyundai Tech Info. We will provide an update once the issue is resolved and the suspension is lifted. If dealer has already performed the update successfully on an impacted vehicle prior to the suspension, the corresponding campaign claim can be submitted.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Certain Santa Fe (MX5A) and 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. Technical Service Bulletins (TSB) 25-01-071H (for Santa Fe vehicles) and 25-01-072H (for Santa Cruz vehicles) provide 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 ↗Certain Santa Fe (MX5A) 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 the DTCs above and enhance operation of the 8DCT.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe a dual-clutch transmission prone to shift failures, slipping gears, and loss of power from very early ownership. Multiple complaints detail inability to upshift despite RPM exceeding 5,000, aggressive tachometer revving downhill without throttle input, and vehicles rolling forward on inclines as if in neutral when shifting to reverse. One owner reports smoke and burning oil smell from the transmission area with simultaneous warning lights; the dealer blamed a loose ground, but the problem persisted.
Several owners experienced sudden loss of acceleration on highways or inability to shift after normal stops—both resolved temporarily by restarting. A recurring theme is the vehicle's failure to respond to throttle input at highway speeds (45–55 mph), which owners and dealerships confirm is unsafe. One owner's 2023 Sonata had a similar transmission issue that "blew a cylinder" on the highway.
Transmission oil low warnings appear frequently, sometimes within days of service, accompanied by severe sluggishness and RPM capped at 2.5. Communication faults between the engine and transmission control modules appear early—one Hybrid at 67 miles—suggesting a system architecture issue rather than isolated wear. A high-pitched whistling noise that progressed from highway speeds to lower speeds ended in transmission replacement. Hyundai states the transmission operates as designed; notably, this transmission was discontinued for the 2026 model.
Same Hyundai Santa Fe powertrain reports on nearby years: 2022 · 2023 · 2024
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission shift failures and slipping
Dual-clutch transmission fails to shift properly, slips gears, or produces aggressive tachometer revving without accelerator input. Multiple owners report inability to shift into reverse, failure to upshift from lower gears despite high RPM demand, or vehicle rolling forward on inclines as if in neutral. One owner reported gear skipping and dropping.
When: Occurs during normal driving, downhill driving with cruise control, acceleration above 45 mph, reverse on inclines, and across all reported mileages from early ownership to 16,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Significant vibrations and noise during downhill cruise control; RPM exceeding 5,000 without corresponding speed increase; Vehicle fails to upshift to higher gears; Tachometer aggressively revs during idle downhill; Vehicle rolls forward on incline in reverse as if neutral; Gear skipping and dropping gears; Jerky shifting and hard engagement
Codes mentioned: U010100 (lost communication with engine control module), U100xxx codes (transmission and CAN bus communication failures), Dual clutch transmission communication faults, ABS faults
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported transmission replacement after dealer initially claimed complaint could not be duplicated; parts ordered. Dealers have updated TCU where available and performed loose ground repairs, but problems persisted in reported cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai advised one owner the problematic transmission is operating as designed; Hyundai discontinued this transmission in 2026 Santa Fe model per one complaint. Some dealerships performed TCU updates and attempted repairs but issues unresolved.
Transmission overheating and loss of power
Vehicle experiences sudden loss of power while driving, accompanied by transmission warning lights and visible smoke from underside near transmission area with strong burning oil or rubber smell. Issue described as intermittent but serious safety risk.
When: Intermittent since early ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power while driving; Transmission warning light; Visible smoke from center underside near transmission; Strong burning oil or rubber smell inside and outside vehicle; Loss of acceleration capability; Potential fire hazard
Codes mentioned: Dual clutch transmission communication faults, ABS faults
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer documented faults but returned vehicle same day attributing to loose ground; problem continued after this repair attempt.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Loose ground repair attempted by dealer; issue unresolved per owner report.
Transmission oil low warnings and sluggish performance
Vehicle displays 'check transmission oil immediately' warning messages despite recent service. Vehicle becomes sluggish with limited RPM capability, creating unsafe driving conditions. Multiple warning occurrences in short time frame suggest possible transmission fluid issue or sensor malfunction.
When: After maintenance service at 16,500 miles in one case; at 3,600 miles in another case
Symptoms owners cite: Check transmission oil warning message; Sluggish acceleration; RPM limited to 2.5 RPM (severely limited throttle response); Warning message recurring after dealer service; Unsafe low-speed driving conditions with other traffic
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer service performed twice in one case without resolving issue; vehicle returned after pickup with warning recurring immediately.
Shift-by-wire system failure
Vehicle displays gear selection error message stating 'gear already selected' and fails to shift properly. Vehicle enters limp mode unable to power off or restart using Start/Stop button. Issue resolved spontaneously after approximately 30 minutes without intervention.
When: At approximately 7,150 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Gear selection error message on display; Vehicle would not shift properly; Vehicle would not power off; Vehicle would not restart; Vehicle remained inoperable for 30 minutes; Spontaneous recovery without intervention
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai roadside assistance contacted and tow truck dispatched; vehicle recovered spontaneously before tow arrival.
Delayed deceleration and unintended acceleration
Engine RPM remains elevated after accelerator is released, causing vehicle to continue applying power unexpectedly. One owner reported separate incident of unintended hard acceleration while slowly entering garage from stop, requiring significant braking effort to control.
When: After recent repair in one case; intermittent but reproducible
Symptoms owners cite: Delayed deceleration after releasing accelerator; Elevated engine RPM lasting several seconds after pedal release; Unexpected continued power application; Unintended hard acceleration from slow roll; Difficult deceleration control
Transmission acceleration hesitation and poor response
Vehicle exhibits sluggish or hesitant acceleration response regardless of throttle input, and fails to accelerate when pressing accelerator 75% at highway speeds (45-55 mph). Vehicle does not increase speed despite high RPM demand after acceleration from stop.
When: Recurring issue at highway speeds and during normal driving
Symptoms owners cite: Sluggish acceleration response; Scary hesitation at takeoff; No acceleration response at 45-55 mph despite 75% throttle input; Poor drivability at all speeds; Unsafe driving conditions
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle brought to authorized Hyundai dealer repair shop 3 times; no repair documented to resolve issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai states transmission is operating as designed; acknowledges design change by discontinuing this transmission in 2026 Santa Fe.
Powertrain communication failures
Recurring lost communication between engine control module and transmission control module or CAN bus network. Multiple diagnostic codes indicate system-level defect in vehicle's communication architecture rather than isolated component failure.
When: Starting at 67 miles, recurring at 5,300 and 6,200 miles, and throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple powertrain communication failure events; Warning lights (transmission and ABS); Random transmission error alerts; Potential drivability issues from communication loss; Potential sudden loss of power risk
Codes mentioned: U010100 (lost communication with engine control module), U100xxx codes (transmission and CAN bus communication failures)
High-pitched whistling noise progressing to transmission failure
High-pitched whistling sound present during acceleration above 75 mph that progressively appears at lower speeds. Dealer initially claimed normal coil whine, but after progression and manager confirmation of abnormal condition, transmission replacement became necessary.
When: After maintenance service at 16,500 miles; sound progressed until transmission failure evident
Symptoms owners cite: High-pitched whistling sound during acceleration; Sound initially at speeds above 75 mph; Sound progressively appearing at lower speeds; Abnormal condition confirmed by service manager; Transmission failure requiring replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement required; parts ordered.
Catalytic converter failure and subsequent acceleration issues
Vehicle experiences sudden loss of acceleration on highway shortly after purchase. Diagnosis confirms failed catalytic converter requiring replacement. After replacement, acceleration quality diminished and continuous engine noise issues persist.
When: Day 5 after purchase in July 2025 at unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of acceleration while driving highway; Poor acceleration after repair; Continuous random engine noises
Repairs/costs cited: Catalytic converter replacement performed at dealership.
Fuel efficiency loss in high temperatures
Vehicle exhibits significant reduction in fuel economy during high-temperature driving conditions. Mileage decreases approximately 20-30% during afternoon heat versus morning commute on identical routes, suggesting transmission or engine management issue related to temperature.
When: During hot weather afternoon driving
Symptoms owners cite: Significant fuel economy reduction in high temperature; 20-30% decrease in mileage compared to cool conditions on same route
Engine stalling during acceleration in hot weather
Vehicle stalls multiple times when accelerating during hot weather conditions. Stalls have created dangerous traffic situations. Issue appears temperature-dependent and related to transmission or engine management response.
When: During hot weather driving; multiple occurrences
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalling during acceleration; Hot weather condition trigger; Multiple stalls creating dangerous traffic situations
Synthesized from 14 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
After a maintenance service was performed at 16500 miles, we began to notice a high pitched whistling sound when pressing gas pedal doing highway driving above 75mph. The car was brought back to the dealer who couldn’t duplicate the complaint. We drove cross country, sound consistent until it began to make the sound at lower and lower speeds. We arrived at our destination and I took the car to…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe?
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 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 14 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?
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/2025/Hyundai/Santa Fe.
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.