Why does my Veloster N's DCT lose gears or go into limp mode?

Short answer: It's the known DCT oil pump problem behind recall 22V746000 (Hyundai 236). The dealer updates the transmission software, and if code P1C2D03 is stored, the transmission is replaced. Get your VIN checked and the recall done.

Symptom: Loss of even gears (2-4-6-8), three chimes, limp mode or a sudden loss of power, often on cold mornings. Restarting the car may clear it.

What to check first

1. Check your VIN for recall 22V746000 (Hyundai 236).
2. Ask the dealer to check for code P1C2D03.
3. Note when it happens (cold starts, temperature, chimes) and tell the dealer.
4. Keep receipts if you have modifications. A dealer can still deny unrelated claims, so be ready to push.
5. If it loses power, get out of traffic safely.

Likely causes

1. Failing high pressure electric oil pump in the DCT. The dual clutch transmission (DCT) uses an electric oil pump to work its clutches. When it fails, the car loses some gears or power. One owner said the pump part alone was about $900 CAD.
2. Old TCU software. The TCU is the transmission computer. The recall updates it so the car can still limp along safely when the pump fails.

What it usually costs

The recall is free. One owner whose oil pump failed after the recall said the part alone was about $900 CAD.

Is it safe to keep driving?

Not fully. Losing power in traffic is dangerous. If it starts happening, get the recall done right away.

DIY or shop?

No. Software and transmission work are dealer jobs.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• Recall 22V746000: NHTSA recall 22V746000 covers certain 2021-2022 Veloster N, Santa Fe, Sonata, 2022 Santa Cruz, Elantra N and Kona N with the 8-speed wet DCT. The fail-safe limp mode may not work when the transmission oil pump fails, so the car can lose drive power. The dealer updates the TCU software, and replaces the transmission if code P1C2D03 is stored. If your car is part of this recall, the dealer fixes it for free.
• Plain words: The complaint count below shows how often owners reported problems that mention these words to NHTSA. A count is not proof of a defect.
• NHTSA complaints: 25 keyword-matched complaints for Hyundai Veloster N and Veloster 2019–2022 (of 141 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-11-05; keywords: transmission, dct, clutch, gear, limp, neutral, loss of power, lost power). This counts complaints that mention these words. It is not a defect finding.

What owners report

• In Transmission help on Reddit r/VelosterN, a 2022 Veloster N DCT owner had transmission trouble starting on cold mornings, and a dealer pushed back on warranty because of an aftermarket downpipe. Another owner said his car regularly lost 2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th gears on cold mornings with three chimes and no warning light, and restarting cleared it.
• In Post Recall Question on Reddit r/VelosterN, owners compared notes after the recall TCU update. Most said shifts were smoother and less aggressive, and one said the clunk between 1st and 2nd went away.
• In Recall for 2021 on Reddit r/VelosterN, a 2021 Veloster N owner over 100k km said the recall only did a software update, then the oil pump failed anyway. The part was about $900 CAD and wasn't covered.

Quick tip

If the dealer only did the software update and it still loses gears, ask them to check for P1C2D03 and the oil pump again.

Vehicle focus: Hyundai Veloster N with the 8-speed wet DCT, 2021-2022. The recall also covers some Elantra N, Kona N, Sonata, Santa Fe and Santa Cruz models.

Safety / mechanic note

A sudden loss of drive power can cause a crash. Verify with a mechanic.