The Patriot owners manual suggests that you change the 6F24 fluid at 60,000 miles "if" you drive the "severe" conditions (towing, etc.). 30 to 50 thousand mile changes are still recommended by most car enthusiasts. The lifetime fill concept is a marketing scheme.

The filter is considered a non service item. You are correct that the only way to access it is to remove and tear down the transmission. This is common in a lot of modern transmissions.

The Hyundai 6F24 transmission is used in numerous other vehicles. A Google and You Tube search will turn up instructions for diy transmission fluid change. Some examples:

ATF Drain and Fill with pics for those interested. - Hyundai Forums : Hyundai Forum
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Sonata+Transmission+Fluid+Change.

 

This Makes Me SAD !:crying:

 

Yea, a lot of us have had to go through withdrawal symptoms with all of the changes to today's vehicles. Transmission filters tend to be rock catchers anyway, so it's not that big of a deal. You could always add a Magnafine filter if it makes you feel better.

That they are doing away with dip sticks was hard to adjust to. On the plus side, this transmission has a drain plug, making that operation much easier. Getting the proper fluid level takes a bit more effort.

 

There is a filter in there, but it is very coarse and inefficient. That is why they are sometimes called rock catchers. It has to flow well because it is on the suction side of the system. They filter down to a size of approximately 100 microns while an engine oil filter goes below 25 microns. All internal tranny filters are like this.

Some filters are just a metal screen: https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/transmission-fluid-change-223534/

You might want to check if adding an additional filter will void the warranty. Some companies are sticklers about this stuff.