Hyundai has announced an important recall involving a total of 42,465 vehicles across two of its 2025 models: the Tucson and the Santa Cruz. The recall stems from a transmission defect that could result in the vehicles shifting out of “Park” unintentionally, potentially causing the vehicle to roll away. This safety concern has prompted Hyundai to take immediate action to address the issue and ensure the safety of its customers.
What is Causing the Hyundai recall?
The problem comes from an incorrectly positioned wiring harness in the center console of certain 2025 Tucson and Santa Cruz models. Detailed reports filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) describe the issue. The wiring harness interferes with the shift-lock release mechanism. This malfunction allows the gear selector to shift out of the “Park” position. The shift can happen even if the driver does not apply the brake pedal.
Under normal conditions, the shift-lock system prevents the transmission from moving out of Park unless the brake pedal is pressed. In the affected vehicles, this safety feature is compromised. This poses a risk of unintentional rollaways. While such incidents are rare, the potential consequences can be severe. This makes it a critical safety issue that Hyundai is prioritizing.
How Hyundai is Addressing the Issue
In response to this safety concern, Hyundai has issued a recall and is taking proactive steps to resolve the problem. Although the issue is serious, Hyundai has not issued a stop-drive advisory. Instead, the company recommends that owners of affected vehicles engage their parking brakes each time the vehicle is parked as an additional precaution. The parking brake serves as an essential safeguard to reduce the risk of rollaways until repairs are made.
Hyundai is committed to resolving the issue swiftly and efficiently. Affected vehicle owners will be notified directly and instructed to bring their vehicles to authorized Hyundai dealerships for repairs. The repair involves rerouting the wiring harness in the center console to ensure it no longer interferes with the shift-lock mechanism. This fix will be performed free of charge for all affected vehicles. Additionally, Hyundai will reimburse any owners who may have already paid for repairs related to this issue prior to the recall announcement.
Hyundai recall: Timeline for Notification and Repairs
Hyundai has outlined a clear timeline for informing affected vehicle owners. Dealerships will receive electronic notifications in the coming weeks, and owners will receive official recall letters by January 19, 2025. This will allow them to schedule appointments for the necessary repairs. Dealerships will be fully equipped with the required updates by this time, ensuring that repairs can be carried out as soon as the owner arrives.
What Hyundai Owners Should Do Next
If you own a 2025 Tucson or Santa Cruz, it is important to determine whether your vehicle is part of the recall. Owners can contact their local Hyundai dealership directly or use the NHTSA’s VIN lookup tool to confirm if their vehicle is affected. Hyundai urges owners to remain cautious while awaiting repairs and to continue using their parking brakes as an added precaution.
Once you’ve confirmed your vehicle is part of the recall, schedule an appointment with your dealership as soon as possible. Hyundai has committed to ensuring that the repair process is as seamless as possible for affected customers. The company is taking this recall seriously and is making efforts to restore the vehicles to full safety standards with minimal disruption to drivers.
Models Affected by the Hyundai recall
The recall specifically targets two of Hyundai’s popular 2025 models:
- 2025 Hyundai Tucson: Approximately 35,560 units are affected by this issue.
- 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz: Around 6,905 units are included in the recall.
Both the Tucson and Santa Cruz are well-regarded for their reliability, versatility, and advanced features. This recall is a critical step to ensure that these models continue to meet Hyundai’s high standards of safety and performance.
Safety Precautions for Hyundai Owners
While waiting for repairs, Hyundai emphasizes using the parking brake each time the vehicle is parked. In addition to shifting the gear into “Park,” the parking brake helps reduce the risk of unintended rollaway. Owners of affected vehicles must take this extra precaution. This should be done until they can get their vehicle repaired.
The Importance of Vehicle Safety and Ongoing Vigilance
This recall serves as an important reminder of the role regular vehicle maintenance plays in ensuring safety on the road. It also underscores the need for manufacturers to remain vigilant about potential safety risks and act quickly when a defect is identified. Hyundai’s response to this situation highlights the company’s commitment to addressing even minor issues promptly to safeguard its customers.
The recall also reflects Hyundai’s dedication to maintaining the trust of its customers. By swiftly addressing this defect and providing a clear timeline for repairs, Hyundai is reinforcing its commitment to customer safety. The company’s transparent approach to this recall shows its ongoing efforts to prioritize customer well-being.
Hyundai’s Commitment to Customer Safety and Brand Trust
As the recall progresses, Hyundai is focused on minimizing the inconvenience to customers. The company aims to make the repair process quick and efficient. By offering this necessary repair at no cost, Hyundai demonstrates its dedication to customer satisfaction. It also shows its commitment to safety. Hyundai customers can rest assured. The company is taking all necessary steps to address the situation. It is working to prevent similar issues in the future.
With the fix in place, Hyundai aims to ensure its 2025 Tucson and Santa Cruz models maintain high reliability and performance. Customers expect this level of quality, and Hyundai is committed to delivering it. The company’s focus on safety and innovation remains a core value. This recall is an important step in maintaining Hyundai’s reputation. It reinforces the brand’s status as trusted and customer-focused.
Timely Action and Ongoing Updates on the Recall
In conclusion, this recall highlights the importance of addressing even minor issues that could impact vehicle safety. Hyundai’s prompt response is key. The company is committed to providing free repairs and maintaining transparent communication. This underscores Hyundai’s dedication to protecting its customers. It also shows the company’s commitment to upholding safety standards. Owners of affected vehicles should remain vigilant. They should engage their parking brakes and await official recall notifications.
As more information becomes available, Hyundai will keep owners informed. They will also provide updates on the recall’s progress. Stay tuned for further updates from Hyundai, and rest assured that the company is working diligently to resolve this issue.