This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear wiper motor on a 2016-2024 Hyundai Tucson with the 2.5L I4 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wiper motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Wiper motor gasket/seal × 1 — Often included with motor assembly
• Interior trim clips (if broken) — Hyundai interior panel clips

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition off and remove key
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes
4. Remove rear wiper arm by lifting cap, removing retaining nut, and pulling arm off splined shaft
5. Clean work area around rear wiper motor location on liftgate

Procedure

1. 1

   Access interior liftgate trim panel
   Open the rear liftgate. Locate and remove any interior trim panels covering the rear wiper motor area. Typically this involves removing the upper liftgate trim panel. Use trim removal tools to carefully pry out clips without breaking them. Work from one side to the other, releasing clips progressively.
2. 2

   Remove trim panel fasteners
   Remove all Phillips screws or plastic fasteners securing the upper liftgate trim panel. There are typically 4-6 fasteners. Set screws aside in a container to prevent loss.
3. 3

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Locate the rear wiper motor electrical connector behind the trim panel. Press the release tab and carefully disconnect the wiring harness from the motor. Note the connector orientation and routing of the wire harness.
4. 4

   Access wiper motor mounting bolts
   Identify the wiper motor assembly mounted to the liftgate. The motor is typically secured by 3 mounting bolts accessible from inside the liftgate. Clear any insulation or protective covering if present to access the bolts.
5. 5

   Remove wiper motor mounting bolts
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the 3 mounting bolts securing the rear wiper motor to the liftgate. Support the motor assembly as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
6. 6

   Remove wiper motor assembly
   Carefully pull the wiper motor assembly away from the liftgate. The motor shaft will withdraw from the exterior hole. Remove any gasket or seal from the liftgate surface and inspect the mounting surface for corrosion or damage.
7. 7

   Prepare new wiper motor
   Compare the new wiper motor to the old unit to confirm correct replacement part. Install a new gasket or seal onto the new motor assembly if not pre-installed. Ensure the motor shaft and mounting surfaces are clean.
8. 8

   Install new wiper motor
   Position the new wiper motor assembly to the liftgate, carefully inserting the motor shaft through the exterior hole. Align the mounting bolt holes and ensure the gasket seats properly against the liftgate surface.
9. 9

   Secure wiper motor mounting bolts
   Install the 3 mounting bolts and hand-tighten them. Using a torque wrench, tighten the mounting bolts to 27.0 Nm (20 lb-ft) in a cross-pattern to ensure even pressure on the gasket and proper seal.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Route the wiring harness as original and reconnect the electrical connector to the new wiper motor. Ensure the connector clicks fully into place and the locking tab engages properly.
11. 11

    Reinstall interior trim panel
    Position the upper liftgate trim panel and align all clips with their respective holes. Press firmly to seat clips, starting from one side and working across. Reinstall all Phillips screws or plastic fasteners, tightening screws to 11.0 Nm (8 lb-ft).
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect battery and install wiper arm
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal and tighten to 6.0 Nm (4 lb-ft). Install the rear wiper arm onto the splined shaft in the correct park position (typically down position). Install retaining nut and tighten securely, then snap the cap back into place.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all trim panel clips are fully seated and panel is flush with surrounding surfaces
2. Verify wiper arm is installed in correct park position before tightening retaining nut
3. Check that no wiring is pinched between trim panels

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and test rear wiper operation through all speeds and intermittent settings
• Verify wiper motor operates smoothly without unusual noise or binding
• Test rear washer function to ensure no leaks around motor seal
• Confirm wiper arm returns to proper park position when turned off
• Inspect liftgate area for any water leaks after testing (spray water on liftgate and check for leaks around motor seal)
• Verify all interior trim panels are secure with no rattles

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