Hyundai Santa Cruz common problems
Owners of 2022–2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz vehicles have filed 305 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported system is engine & cooling (98% of categorised reports). Below is every reported problem area, ranked by real complaint volume, with recall and crash context — useful if you're researching this model before buying used.
- 305
- Owner complaints
- 10
- Recall campaigns
- 10
- Crash-related reports
- 8
- Injury reports
Most reported problem areas
By share of categorised NHTSA complaints across all 4 model years. Each links to what that system covers and its recall history.
How to read this before buying
Complaint volume is not the same as failure rate. A model that sold in large numbers, or one that has been on sale for many years, accumulates more complaints without necessarily being less reliable. Use these figures to learn which systems to inspect, not to rank one model against another.
The single most useful next step is to check the specific vehicle's recalls by VIN — a recall repair is free at any franchised dealer, but only if it has actually been done.
Recent safety events
Full timeline- Recall2025 santa-cruz
Unexpected braking increases the risk of a crash.
- Recall2025 santa-cruz
Side curtain air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.
- Recall2025 santa-cruz
A transmission that can shift out of Park without applying the brake pedal can result in a vehicle roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Recall2024 santa-cruz
A loss of power steering assist can increase the risk of a crash.
- Recall2022 santa-cruz
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Recall2023 santa-cruz
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Frequently asked
- What are the most common Hyundai Santa Cruz problems?
- Across 305 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for 2022–2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz vehicles, the most reported systems are engine & cooling (98%), body & structure (1%), steering (1%).
- Which Hyundai Santa Cruz model year has the most complaints?
- In our index, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz has the most owner complaints, with 177 filed.
- Are Hyundai Santa Cruz problems dangerous?
- Of the 305 complaints on record, 10 mention a crash, 5 mention a fire and 8 mention an injury. Complaint counts are not a failure rate — check the specific vehicle's open recalls by VIN.
Problems by model year
The 2022 accounts for the most complaints (177). Open any year for its full complaint and recall report.
Where this comes from
Every figure is aggregated from consumer complaints filed directly with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — not forums, reviews or estimates. Component grouping uses our published taxonomy.