Hyundai Recalls Over 40,000 Tucson and Santa Cruz Models for Transmission Rollaway Risk

Roughly 424 Hyundai Tucson’s and Santa Cruz’s, or 1%, of the 42,465 recalled vehicles are affected by a recall caused by a wiring defect that could make the transmission shift out of “park” without the brake pedal being pressed.

This defect poses a serious rollaway risk, increasing the likelihood of accidents or injuries.

The automaker is currently advising owners to engage the parking brake every time they park their vehicles to prevent rollaway accidents.

Hyundai will resolve the issue by rerouting the console extension wiring assembly in the affected vehicles at no cost.

Although the vehicles remain safe to drive when precautions are taken, notification letters will be sent to owners by January 19, 2025, with instructions for scheduling repairs.

If you own one of these vehicles and have experienced persistent issues or concerns with the defect, you may have grounds for compensation under the Lemon Law.

Contact a qualified attorney to learn more about your rights and whether you qualify for a refund, replacement, or claim settlement.

*Please note, the figures presented in the chart are approximations based on past case results and should not be interpreted as a prediction or guarantee. Each case is unique and requires personalized legal guidance.

Which Hyundai Vehicles Are Being Recalled for a Rollaway Risk?

The recall impacts 42,465 vehicles in the United States, specifically the 2025 Hyundai Tucson and 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz.

Affected Tucson units were manufactured between June 20, 2024, and November 13, 2024, while the impacted Santa Cruz models were built from July 22, 2024, to November 7, 2024.

What Causes the Transmission Rollaway Issue?

The rollaway issue stems from a flaw in the console extension wiring assembly located near the transmission shifter. Improper routing during assembly may cause the wiring to interfere with the shift lever lock.

If this occurs, the transmission can be shifted out of “park” without the brake pedal being pressed, creating a significant safety risk.

This defect increases the likelihood of rollaway incidents, which can lead to crashes or injuries to occupants or bystanders.

To address this issue, Hyundai has previously issued a technical service bulletin (TSB) outlining a procedure to reroute the extension wiring harness, eliminating the risk of interference.

Until the fix is completed, Hyundai strongly advises drivers to engage the parking brake every time they park to prevent potential rollaway accidents.

How Will Hyundai Resolve the Tucson and Santa Cruz Rollaway Recall?

Hyundai’s solution involves rerouting the console extension wiring assembly in affected vehicles to ensure it no longer interferes with the shifter mechanism.

This repair will prevent the transmission from shifting out of “park” unless the brake pedal is pressed, restoring safe operation.

The repair will be provided free of charge at authorized Hyundai dealerships. Affected owners will receive official notification letters by January 19, 2025, with instructions on scheduling the repair.

Additionally, owners who have already paid for repairs related to this issue may be eligible for reimbursement.

What Should I Do if My Hyundai Is Affected?

If your 2025 Tucson or Santa Cruz is included in this recall, follow these steps to ensure safety and resolve the issue promptly:

1. Use the Parking Brake: Always engage the parking brake when parking your vehicle to reduce the risk of rollaway incidents.
2. Wait for Notification: Hyundai will send letters to affected owners by January 19, 2025, with details about the repair process.
3. Schedule Repairs: Upon receiving the notification, contact your local Hyundai dealership to arrange for the free repair.
4. Keep Repair Records: If you’ve already addressed this issue and incurred repair costs, retain your receipts for reimbursement.
5. Stay Informed: For the latest updates, visit Hyundai’s official website or contact their customer service team.

Recurring Problems? Call the Hyundai Lemon Law Experts

If your 2025 Hyundai Tucson or Santa Cruz continues to experience problems after repairs, you may have grounds for a lemon law claim.

At the Lemon Law Experts, we’ve been committed to protecting consumer rights since 2009, helping thousands of clients secure millions of dollars in refunds and cash compensation for their lemon vehicles.

Whether it’s this recall or another defect affecting your vehicle, our experienced team is here to assist.

For a free consultation, call us at 877-885-5366 or complete a form on our website. Let us help you pursue the compensation and lemon law resolution you deserve.