Recalls

Fire Risk Prompts Recall on 2024-2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

by Guillaume Rivard
Photo: Guillaume Rivard

A fifth recall has just hit the latest-generation Hyundai Santa Fe, and this one is aimed at both 2024 and 2025 models. More than 135,000 units are affected in the U.S. and some 13,000 in Canada, but only those equipped with the turbocharged 2.5-litre engine and not the hybrid system.

On some of them, the starter motor's terminal cover may not have been installed properly. As a result, the positive terminal could be exposed and contact nearby components in a crash. If this happens, there could be a short circuit.

Since there’s a fire risk almost every time a short circuit is involved, a recall is necessary. However, Hyundai has said that it is not aware of any incidents involving this issue so far.

Photo: Hyundai

Starting in December, Hyundai will notify owners by mail and advise them to take their Santa Fe to a dealership to inspect the starter motor positive terminal cover and reinstall it if necessary. In the meantime, you can go to Hyundai Canada’s recall website for more details or to find out if your Santa Fe is part of the recall.

As for the four other recalls that were previously announced, the most critical one has to do with a software problem that could damage the transmission and cause the vehicle to move when it's parked and the parking brake isn't applied. Dealers need to inspect and possibly replace the transmission. An update to the transmission control unit software is also required. 

Photo: Guillaume Rivard

Speaking of the transmission, Hyundai is addressing one of the biggest complaints about the Santa Fe for the 2026 model years: the turbocharged 2.5-litre engine will lose its eight-speed dual-clutch transmission in favour of a conventional automatic transmission with torque converter, also with eight forward gears.

The dual-clutch gearbox, which isn't really suited to an SUV or pickup, has proven disappointing in the Santa Fe not only in terms of responsiveness, but also reliability.

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