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Hyundai · Known Issues

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Problems: 4 Known Issues

2024 model year · 620+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 620+ owner reports, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe has 4 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are 8-Speed Wet Dual-Clutch (DCT) TCU Failure — Rollaway Risk and Rough Shifting ($0-$4,500 repair) and 2.5L Smartstream GDI Fuel Injector Internal Leak Causing Misfire and Stalling ($600-$1,800 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Steering Column Intermediate Shaft Clunk with 620 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $50 to $4,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Santa Fe Transmission1
  • Santa Fe Fuel System1
  • Santa Fe Body/Panels1
  • Santa Fe Suspension1
  • Recalls17
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Transmission1
  • Fuel System1
  • Body/Panels1
  • Suspension1
  • Recalls17

All 4 Known Issues

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ALL YEARS2025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007

On the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.5L Smartstream GDI Turbo (G4KR), the fifth-generation (MX5) Santa Fe's 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission has a Transmission Control Unit (TCU) software logic error that can inadvertently disengage the clutches, damaging the transmission case and/or allowing the vehicle to roll away while in Park. Owners also report broader drivability complaints with this DCT — rough/harsh upshifts, hesitation, clunking, and intermittent loss of motive power. The problems were significant enough that Hyundai announced it is dropping this wet DCT for the Santa Fe and Santa Cruz in favor of a conventional automatic for 2026.

Common Symptoms

  • Vehicle rolls away after being shifted to Park
  • Harsh or jerky upshifts and downshifts
  • Hesitation or delayed engagement from a stop
  • Clunking or shuddering during low-speed shifts
  • Transmission warning light or loss of motive power

How to Fix

Check the VIN against NHTSA recall 24V-529 (Hyundai Recall 263); the remedy is a TCU software update (delivered OTA and/or at the dealer) and inspection/replacement of the dual-clutch transmission as necessary, free of charge. For rough-shift/hesitation drivability complaints outside the recall, dealers apply the wet-DCT TCU update and touch-point/clutch relearn per Hyundai TSB; severe cases require clutch or mechatronic replacement. Always confirm the vehicle is fully in Park and apply the parking brake.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $4,500

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

On the 2021-2025 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.5L Smartstream GDI (G4KR), on the 2.5L Smartstream GDI+MPI engine (G4KR) used in the TM Santa Fe from 2021, the internal filter/screen inside the direct injector can break apart and the injector leaks fuel into the cylinder after shutdown and at idle. Owners report a hard hot start, raw-fuel smell, rough idle, single- or multi-cylinder misfires, loss of power and stalling while driving; the leaking fuel also dilutes the engine oil. Hyundai addressed it with TSB 23-FL-002H-1, which lists the diagnosis and replacement procedure for internally leaking GDI injectors and was later expanded to a wider production date range covering Santa Fe, Tucson and Santa Cruz. A 2025 class action alleges Hyundai has still not recalled the vehicles. Note the earlier 2.4L Theta II GDI injectors are a different part and this pattern is specific to the 2.5L.

Common Symptoms

  • Long crank / hard hot start
  • Rough idle and shaking at stop
  • Misfire, flashing check engine light
  • Sudden loss of power or stalling while driving
  • Fuel smell; oil level rising and smelling of gasoline

How to Fix

Pull misfire DTCs and identify the offending cylinder(s). The dealer procedure under TSB 23-FL-002H-1 is a leak-down/injector-balance test, then replacement of the affected direct injectors (many techs replace all four, since one failed screen usually means the rest are the same production lot) plus new injector seals and combustion seals. Change the engine oil afterward — fuel dilution from the leak contaminates it. Powertrain warranty covers this on most affected vehicles; push for the TSB by number if the dealer resists.

Typical repair cost:$600 - $1,800

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2013-2025 Hyundai Santa Fe, the panoramic sunroof drain tubes on the Santa Fe clog with leaves, pollen, and debris, causing water to overflow the sunroof tray and leak into the cabin. Water typically enters through the headliner area and drips onto the front seats or pools in the rear footwells. Extended water intrusion can damage the body control module, amplifier, or other electronics located under the carpet.

Common Symptoms

  • Water dripping from headliner
  • Wet front seats after rain
  • Water pooling in rear footwells
  • Musty or mildew smell in cabin
  • Electrical issues from water damage

How to Fix

Clear all four sunroof drain tubes using compressed air blown from the top (at the sunroof tray). Do not use wire or stiff objects that can puncture the drain hoses. Check that the drain tube grommets at the bottom of the A and C pillars are intact and draining properly. Clean the sunroof tray channel of debris. Perform this maintenance every 6-12 months, especially if parked under trees.

Typical repair cost:$50 - $500

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Community Reported
Medium Confidence
Community reported
620 owners

On the 2019-2025 Hyundai Santa Fe, the intermediate steering shaft on 4th-gen Santa Fe models develops a clunking or popping noise when turning the steering wheel, especially at low speeds or when going over bumps while turning. The universal joint in the shaft dries out and develops play. Hyundai issued TSB 19-ST-001 addressing the concern.

Common Symptoms

  • Clunk when turning steering wheel
  • Popping noise at low speed turns
  • Looseness felt in steering wheel
  • Noise worse in cold weather
  • Clunk going over speed bumps while turning

How to Fix

Apply lithium grease to the intermediate shaft U-joint as a temporary fix. For a permanent repair, replace the intermediate steering shaft assembly (Hyundai part 56400-S1000). Dealer cost is $350-600. Some owners have had success requesting goodwill coverage from Hyundai.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipWhite lithium grease sprayed into the U-joint boot provides a temporary 3-6 month fix while waiting for a permanent repair
Typical repair cost:$100 - $600

Research This Issue

Based on 620 owner reports

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerified620 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2025Reviewed Feb 2026
NHTSA Recalls17 recalls

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:CRITICAL FASTENERS

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Tucson and Santa Fe vehicles. The connecting rod bolts in the engine may have been improperly tightened, which can cause a loss of drive power and engine damage, possibly resulting in an oil leak.

Campaign #25V54900026/08/2025

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Santa Fe vehicles. The B+ positive terminal cover on the starter motor assembly may be improperly installed, which can cause an electrical short during a crash.

Campaign #25V65900002/10/2025

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Hybrid vehicles. The rearview camera may not have been installed properly, which can damage the wiring harness and cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

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Other Hyundai Models

Hyundai Elantra42Hyundai Sonata31Hyundai Tucson23Hyundai Veloster22Hyundai Palisade19Hyundai Santa Cruz17

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Hyundai Santa Fe problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 620+ owner reports, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 8-Speed Wet Dual-Clutch (DCT) TCU Failure — Rollaway Risk and Rough Shifting, 2.5L Smartstream GDI Fuel Injector Internal Leak Causing Misfire and Stalling, Panoramic Sunroof Drain Clog. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe has 4 known issues documented across 620+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: 8-Speed Wet Dual-Clutch (DCT) TCU Failure — Rollaway Risk and Rough Shifting and 2.5L Smartstream GDI Fuel Injector Internal Leak Causing Misfire and Stalling. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Hyundai Santa Fe problems?

Repair costs for known Hyundai Santa Fe issues range from $0 to $4,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 8-Speed Wet Dual-Clutch (DCT) TCU Failure — Rollaway Risk and Rough Shifting, typically costs $0-$4,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe 8-Speed Wet Dual-Clutch (DCT) TCU Failure — Rollaway Risk and Rough Shifting?

The fifth-generation (MX5) Santa Fe's 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission has a Transmission Control Unit (TCU) software logic error that can inadvertently disengage the clutches, damaging the transmission case and/or allowing the vehicle to roll away while in Park. Owners also… Repairs typically run $0-$4,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2021-2025 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.5L Smartstream GDI Fuel Injector Internal Leak Causing Misfire and Stalling?

On the 2.5L Smartstream GDI+MPI engine (G4KR) used in the TM Santa Fe from 2021, the internal filter/screen inside the direct injector can break apart and the injector leaks fuel into the cylinder after shutdown and at idle. Owners report a hard hot start, raw-fuel smell, rough i… Repairs typically run $600-$1,800. Severity: high.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data sourced from 620+ owner reports, NHTSA recalls, TSBs, and automotive forums.

FAQ
Campaign #25V808000
21/11/2025

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025 Tucson, 2025-2026 Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Hybrid, and 2026 Genesis GV70 vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not have been installed properly, which can cause the air bags not to deploy as intended.

Campaign #25V80900021/11/2025

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6, 2023-2026 Genesis G90, 2024-2026 Hyundai Santa Fe, and Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid vehicles. The driver and passenger seat belt anchors may detach.

Campaign #26V21800006/04/2026

+ 12 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

What is the 2013-2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Panoramic Sunroof Drain Clog?

The panoramic sunroof drain tubes on the Santa Fe clog with leaves, pollen, and debris, causing water to overflow the sunroof tray and leak into the cabin. Water typically enters through the headliner area and drips onto the front seats or pools in the rear footwells. Extended wa… Repairs typically run $50-$500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2019-2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Steering Column Intermediate Shaft Clunk?

The intermediate steering shaft on 4th-gen Santa Fe models develops a clunking or popping noise when turning the steering wheel, especially at low speeds or when going over bumps while turning. The universal joint in the shaft dries out and develops play. Hyundai issued TSB 19-ST… Repairs typically run $100-$600. Severity: low.