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    Hyundai Santa Cruz

    EPA MPG: 23 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    We expect the 2025 Santa Cruz will be less reliable than the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2022, 2023 and 2024 models.

    The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz has been recalled 4 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    What Owners Say

    Other major transmission & clutch problem

    "After reaching 20MPH out on highway car would not advance/increase speed. I about got smashed from behind by an 18 wheeler going at top legal speed. I managed to get my car steered over unto the dirt shoulder. I had to wait until no traffic to get turned around for home. I drove home about 20MPH on & off highway by pulling unto shoulder"

    Anonymous, TX (2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL 2.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Transmission rebuild or replacement

    "Transmission was slipping. Started shortly after purchase. Vehicle was new but used as a demo. Showed approx 8m klms. Hyundai replaced trans without any problem. They provided a rental."

    Anonymous, AB (2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    "3 times during Spring and Summer of 2023 I would get an emergency message on my dash board telling me to check my transmission fluid immediately. With the last occurrence in late October 3023, I experienced severe temporary transmission slippage. If i turned the car off, the message would disappear and dealer could not diagnose the problem. On the 3rd occurance I was able to get to the dealer while the issue was happening, kept the car running, and they diagnosed the need for a new transmission. It was out of service for 2 months- late October to late December of 2023- while waiting for a new transmission."

    Anonymous, WI (2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL 2.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    "Automatic shifting was inconsistent and rpms were too fast."

    Anonymous, IL (2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    "I was in a drive thru when it went out. Had it taken to the dealership where they replaced the transmission. A couple weeks after getting it back it was grinding and hard to shift. They said a bolt was missing but nothing leaked. Transmission is still leaking."

    Anonymous, CA (2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL 2.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    What Owners Say

    Door handle

    "Coating around interior door grab peeled"

    Anonymous, FL (2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "Interior front door handles have the paint flaking off."

    Anonymous, GA (2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL 2.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    "Interior door trim was flaking off. Covered by warranty."

    Anonymous, UT (2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "while pulling away from a stop sign and reaching about 35mph the truck would not gain anymore speed and I had to pull over and turn it off and, and start it again and continue without any more issue."

    Anonymous, CA (2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    Exterior lights (other than headlights)

    "Turn signal warning that would not clear. Rapid flashing."

    Anonymous, AZ (2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    What Owners Say

    Heated or cooled seats

    "first the usd charger for the phone charger/connect to the infotainment went out. they replaced it as it was under warranty but then the seats heating and cooling went out but it cost like $600 to replace the components so i passed on the repair as i was out of warranty"

    Anonymous A., FL (2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Transmission leaks

    "The mechanic that installed the new transmission forgot a bolt causing the leak. Bolt has been replaced but there is still a small leak."

    Anonymous, CA (2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL 2.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    What Owners Say

    Other major engine problem

    "O2 Sensor failure resulting in check engine light and vehicle bucking. Replaced under warranty after an extended waiting period with the CEL on"

    Anonymous, NY (2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL 2.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    Automatic climate control

    "With the temperature set at 70, the air will blow out as of the a/c is on. It won't warm up till you raise it up to max heat."

    Anonymous, GA (2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL 2.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Paint And Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Loose interior trim or moldings

    "Door grab peeled"

    Anonymous, FL (2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Noises And Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    Steering And Suspension

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    2022 Pickup trucks Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
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    Overall Reliability Verdict

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    Engine Major
    Engine Minor
    Engine Cooling
    Engine Electrical
    Transmission Major
    Transmission Minor
    Drive System
    Fuel System/Emissions
    Exhaust
    Steering and Suspension
    Brakes
    Climate System
    Build Quality
    Electrical Accessories
    Body Hardware
    Paint/Trim
    Noises/Leaks
    In-car Electronics
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    TRAILER HITCHES
    Mar 17, 2023
    A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
    Summary:
    Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Santa Fe, 2021-2023 Santa Fe HEV, 2022-2023 Santa Fe Plug-in HEV and Santa Cruz vehicles potentially equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Hyundai dealership. Water accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
    What should you do:
    Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is completed. Dealers will install a new fuse and wire extension kit as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed starting May 16, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 244. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 22V-633.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V181000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 584784
    STRUCTURE
    Jan 31, 2023
    A detached roof molding could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2022 Tucson and 2022-2023 Santa Cruz vehicles. The roof moldings may detach.
    What should you do:
    Dealers will inspect and replace, or secure the roof moldings, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 30, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 241.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V038000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 16104
    POWER TRAIN
    Oct 06, 2022
    Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe, Sonata, Veloster N, 2022 Santa Cruz, Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete loss of drive power.
    What should you do:
    Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 236.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 22V746000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 56148
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
    Mar 28, 2022
    An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
    Summary:
    Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2022 Santa Fe and Santa Cruz vehicles. The oil supply pipe to the turbocharger may crack, which could result in an oil leak in the engine compartment.
    What should you do:
    Dealers will replace the turbocharger oil supply pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 26, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall 222.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 22V197000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 16
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