Recall coming for thousands of Hyundai and Kia cars

Tens of thousands of Hyundai and Kia vehicles fitted with the Korean car-maker’s eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, including almost every N performance model, are expected to be recalled in coming months following a mass recall in the US to address the gearbox’s electric oil pump.

The North American recall affects more than 100,000 vehicles produced between August 28, 2020 and May 13 this year, and in some instances the fault has required the installation of a whole new transmission.

According to the official US recall notice, the electric oil pump in the eight-speed dual-clutch auto may experience an internal fault and trigger a diagnostic trouble code, leading to the affected vehicle entering a temporary limp mode before the transmission control unit completely immobilises it – by disengaging the clutches – to prevent further damage.

Drivers will be alerted to the fault by myriad warning lights on the dashboard before the TCU calls time on clutch engagement and drive around 20-30 seconds later.

While the physical fault lies in the electric oil pump, Hyundai and Kia will be rolling out a software update for affected vehicles that extends the fail-safe driving capabilities, but a whole new transmission could be required if the fault or some related damage is found on inspection.

Vehicles affected by the North American recall include the Hyundai Elantra N (i30 Sedan N), Hyundai Kona N, Hyundai Veloster N, Hyundai Santa Cruz, Hyundai Sonata N-Line, Kia K5 (Optima) and diesel versions of the Hyundai Santa Fe and closely related Kia Sorento.

Hyundai North America has reportedly issued a stop-sale order on the affected models, while Kia North America seems to be keeping its cards close to its chest for now.

The list of potentially affected Australian vehicles largely reads the same as above, minus the Santa Cruz, Veloster N and K5, but inclusive of the hugely popular Hyundai i30 N.

While neither Hyundai nor Kia Australia are formally aware of a similar recall being issued locally in the immediate future, carsales understands there is indeed an Australian-specific recall in the works for the previously mentioned Hyundai models at the very least.

We’re yet to hear of a rough timeline or affected vehicle tally, but will keep our ears to the ground and update this article accordingly.

Join the conversation at 

our Facebook page

Or email us at 

editor@carsales.com.au