Hyundai recalls all vehicles fitted with 8DCT

Hyundai Australia has just recalled 8466 vehicles across its Santa Fe, Sonata, i30 N and Kona N model lines to rectify a programming issue revolving around their eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

According to the official recall notice, the ‘fail-safe’ drive mode “may not respond as intended when certain transmission faults are detected” and could activate “under certain driving conditions” – basically meaning the cars could randomly enter limp-home mode.

The widely anticipated local recall follows a similar North American call-back, which was much more explicit in its diagnosis, by roughly three and a half months.

As we reported in October, the US recalls involve a fault in the transmission’s electric oil pump that can trigger a diagnostic trouble code, causing affected vehicles to enter a temporary limp mode before the transmission control unit immobilises it completely by disengaging the clutch packs.

While the local notice only refers to a programming fault, some overseas vehicles have needed entirely new transmissions.

The Australian recall specifically applies to all Hyundai Santa Fe diesel, i30 N DCT (hatch and sedan), Sonata N-Line and Kona N variants produced between 2020 and 2022.

As usual for an automotive recall, the required inspection and repair work will be completed free of charge, and affected owners are being encouraged to contact their preferred authorised service centre.

Diesel-powered Kia Sorento variants also use this transmission, however, the brand’s local arm is yet to issue its own recall.

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