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2012 AWD coupler

26K views 19 replies 16 participants last post by  Dog Patch Steve 
#1 ·
So-I have been reading on here and my 2012 Sante Fe is doing the slow down and clunk bang-feels like you just got rear ended. Pretty sure it is the coupler...we disconnected the pigtailed electrical thingie. AND IT STILL DID IT! I really really do not want to take this in to the dealer-because, while the part is expensive, my friend can replace it (and get some real use out of his lift he paid so much for) However he is reluctant to do so, in case this is not the real problem.

Can anyone think of a reason the coupler would still clunk at low speeds in a turn with the electrical connection off? The stability control AWD and hill climber lights were all on indicating they were not working....Help!
 
#4 ·
Check overall tire diameter. Another person said his problem was caused by his tires being mismatched by about an inch.

Remove the drive shaft and drive the car to see if there's a difference.

Check your differential lube to make sure it's up to the proper level and clean.

.
 
#6 · (Edited)
If its the coupler that would be the 3rd year build and seemly still a powertrain problem. Since I buy 4x4 only these days it would be a game changer should I look for a newer SUV. This method of engagement could be improved as there are a lot out there in other brands. What are they using that works and stays working.

BorgWarner is a OEM of drive systems for various AWD solutions I have seen and used in other vehicles owned. Spoken of very highly and stood up in the real world as well.
 
#9 ·
I'd contact Hyundai customer relations. It should never happen at that mileage for one thing and they new there were problems in 2010 if they did not correct their coupler issues they should as if you had the 100k warranty. Costs nothing to call. There are always one time exceptions made.

I would be on the phone real quick and they'd certainly have it confirmed at a dealer who they would contact for their assessment. Worst case is you pay for the initial hour of the shop time.
 
#13 ·
BigJohn:
Any chanced you bought it new? If so, might there be some of the 10/100k powertrain warranty left? Just thought I would throw that in for consideration.

Don
 
#15 ·
Its is the coupler. I have a 2012 that went bad just as i passed 100k warranty. Started having issues before the 100k and i told the dealer that. It was documented so even after i passed the 100k and it failing more they replaced it. Mechanic i spoke to at Hyundai said its common. My sister had a 2010 with the same problem as well.
 
#16 ·
I agree..
I purchased 2 brand new 2012 santa fes at the same time from the dealer. A 4cyl and a 6 cyl.
At 130k miles In the 4 cyl. I started feeling clunking from the rear when i was accelerating or slowing down. It felt like o was getting rear ended. It was the viscous coupler. I chenged it out myself in the driveway in about an hour. The part was about $1000.00 new from the dealer. I swapped it out and the problem was gone for good , car is now at 200k miles.
The next vehicle the santa fe 6 cylinder just hit 125k miles and..... bang.... on a road trip started getting the rear end banging while slowing down. Made it home 200 miles. When I pulled in the driveway the slamm was like being rear ended. Ordered the aftermarket coupler from amazon for $ 330.00 putting it in tomorrow. Will let you know how it works....
So to sum it up, if at around 100k-130k miles your 2012 santa fe starts feeling like your rear end is clunking when accelerating through gears or deceleration clunking. Then odds are that its the viscous coupler....This was the part on amazon
47800-39420 4WD Coupling Assembly Compatible with Hyundai Santa Fe 2.4L 3.5L, 2010-2012 (Hyundai Santa Fe 2.4L 3.5L).
Good luck
 
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