I’m thinking of getting a 2024 Calligraphy but it’s a non-hybrid, so it has the 8-speed DCT. This is going to be a high-mileage car for me (19,000-22,000 miles a year) and I want to make sure it’s reliable. I heard the problem was due to software, but does anyone have more info on this? Thanks!
My 2024 did not need the software update and the transmission failed.
Edit: it failed at 16,000 miles
Teo said:
My 2024 did not need the software update and the transmission failed.
Edit: it failed at 16,000 miles
Even if your VIN wasn’t part of the affected list, do you think the software update would have solved the DCT issue? I’m considering an ICE Limited, but the DCT problems are making me hesitant.
@Wei
My VIN didn’t fall under the recall and the dealership said it never needed an update. When we started the Santa Fe, sometimes a message would pop up about the transmission oil pump. Turning it off and on fixed it. I took it to the dealer twice. In the end, they replaced the whole transmission. Took them two weeks.
The cars that were affected needed a software update. Longevity also depends on your driving habits. Do you sit in traffic every day? That will wear out the transmission quicker.
Using the auto-hold function will help disengage the clutches when stopped. Also, avoid staying in gear on inclines as it puts extra pressure on the clutch. Same thing when reversing.
Since it’s a wet clutch, it should handle heat better than the old dry clutch version.
DCT failures are more about how you drive than anything else. Creeping forward in stop-and-go traffic or short trips can cause issues. It’s not just a Hyundai problem—other manufacturers have similar problems. It’s like driving a manual transmission—keeping the clutch partially engaged can cause it to fail.
Some excerpts from an article:
DCTs need a different driving style. Many owners don’t realize this and end up treating their DCT like a normal automatic, which causes problems.
The main issue is with low-speed driving. Unlike a conventional automatic’s torque converter, which can slip to adjust speed, a DCT requires the clutch to be fully engaged or disengaged. Any in-between requires slipping the clutch.
Clutch slip at low speeds is fine for a while, but too much can cause the clutches to overheat and wear out quickly, leading to expensive repairs. This is common in heavy traffic or parking, especially on inclines.
If you want your DCT to last, avoid low-speed crawling and try to drive with the clutches fully engaged. This applies especially to dry-clutch DCTs, which don’t have cooling fluid and fail quickly if overused.
@Arlo
The software recall had to do with the parking pawls engaging when they shouldn’t, which damaged the transmission. This isn’t really about driving style, though I agree your driving habits will affect how long the transmission lasts.
They are fixed now. Earlier models needed the software update, but newer ones don’t. My 2024 Calligraphy didn’t need the update.
My 2024 XRT didn’t need the software update, and the transmission seems fine.
Zaid said:
My 2024 XRT didn’t need the software update, and the transmission seems fine.
The dealer probably updated it before you bought it, or it came with the update from the factory.
My 2024 Calligraphy didn’t need the update, but the transmission failed at 3,000 miles. I haven’t gotten the new one yet. It’s been at the dealership for 10 days with no loaner car.
Storm said:
My 2024 Calligraphy didn’t need the update, but the transmission failed at 3,000 miles. I haven’t gotten the new one yet. It’s been at the dealership for 10 days with no loaner car.
I hope the new transmission works out.