2023 HYUNDAI SANTA CRUZ

2 recalls, 111 complaints - 27 TSBs - 5/5 safety rating

TRAILER HITCHES

Defect Description

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 acc... Read more

Consequence

A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

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 ... Read more

584,784 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

Defect Description

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2022 Tucson and 2022-2023 Santa Cruz vehicles. The roof moldings may detach.

Consequence

A detached roof molding could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

16,104 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America

Complaint Statistics

111 total complaints 7 crashes 5 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
ENGINE	20
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	16
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	12
POWER TRAIN	7
SERVICE BRAKES	6
AIR BAGS	4
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL	3
SEATS	3
VISIBILITY/WIPER	3
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	3

Incident date: Aug 29, 2026

The push-to-open fuel filler door repeatedly failed to release, preventing refueling. The door locks through an electronic actuator tied to the central locking system, and there is no interior lever or owner-accessible manual override. Beginning in August 2026, the door intermittently failed to open... Read more

Incident date: Jul 25, 2026

This malfunction started in August of 2025 within 12 months of buying this new vehicle. A airbag sensor was replaced, then a national bbb case found the same malfunction only this time it includes the whole safty system failure. I gave the manufacturer a year and they have not corrected the malfunct... Read more

Incident date: Jul 25, 2026

Back up camera stopped working 3 years ago.

Incident date: Jun 5, 2026

I was driving on the interstate at about 65-70 MPH when the sunroof exploded without apparent cause. This caused glass to be scattered throughout the vehicle and given the sudden event, sound and disruption to driving I would say that this is a safety issue. The same day this happened I dropped th... Read more

Incident date: Jul 8, 2026

See attached document for complaint.

Incident date: Apr 22, 2026

1>Air bag Recal F39 2>. Knee contract my turn off ignition switch Recal P41 3> Possibly vehicle rollover Recall N23 4> Components electrical system Recal AQ10001 5> After Market Performance Suspension system Recal 09E039000 6> ABS Electronic Control Module Recal 4GO

Incident date: Apr 22, 2026

Incident date: Feb 21, 2026

Brakes lock up on vehicle while driving Must turn vehicle off and restart several times to disengage brakes. This has happened twice in the last 8 weeks, very concerning as we cannot use our travel trailer as we do not trust this not reoccurring. Chevy dealership says there is a recall on this i... Read more

Incident date: Mar 7, 2025

The automatic transmission shift cable, has malfunctioned. The center piece that connects to the gear shift has melted, and prevents the car from starting and shifting gears. The damage was created due to high temperatures from the motor, being that it is very close to it. This should be replaced by... Read more

Incident date: Mar 7, 2025

Incident date: Oct 23, 2025

Certified pre-owned 2021 Tesla Model S delivered on October 21, 2025 with worn Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires (255/35ZR21 front, 295/30ZR21 rear). Tread depth measured approximately 2/32" on the outer tread shoulders of all four tires, below Tesla’s published 5/32" delivery standard. Within ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 6, 2025

Car won't charge on Level 1 charging; it popped the GFCI in my garage and now no longer charges on level 1 (regular slow AC charging).

Incident date: Oct 6, 2025

Car won't charge on Level 1 charging; it popped the GFCI in my garage and now no longer charges on level 1 (regular slow AC charging).

Incident date: Sep 30, 2025

Engine developed a clicking sound. Took to dealership and was diagnosed with rod and bearing damage requiring an engine replacement. Was fortunate to have inspected before engine failure while driving. No warning before the failure. I believe there is a known issue with the 6.2 L engines.

Incident date: Jan 30, 2024

The contact owns a 2022 Peterbilt 389 equipped with Goodyear Tires, Tire Line: Marathon LHS, Tire Size: 11R22.5, DOT Number: 1MY3TTYBW0324. The tires had been replaced prior to the failure. While driving, the driver's side front tires had a blowout. The local dealer was contacted, where it was diagn... Read more

Incident date: Aug 27, 2025

I am writing to report a persistent and dangerous safety defect in my 2014 Honda Accord involving the VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) / ABS / ABS modulator / ABS ECU system. The ABS, VSA, and other warning lights have been on for years, first noticing around 60-70,000 miles indicating an ongoing faul... Read more

Incident date: Sep 9, 2025

MOTOR IS CONSUMING A LOT OF OIL. I need to CHANGE EVERY month, which IS VERY EXPENSIVE

Incident date: Sep 9, 2025

I TURNED LEFT INTO A PARKING SPACE IN MY 2020 PRIUS. I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE, AND MY CAR SHOT FORWARD. I COULDN'T STOP IT, AND IT HIT A CONCRETE POLE. IT ONLY TOOK 1 SECOND. IT SEEMS TOYOTA HYBRIDS ARE STILL HAVING THIS UNINTENTIONAL ACCELERATION DESPITE A MULTI BILLION DOLLAR LAW SUIT IN THE EARLY ... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Sep 9, 2025

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Jul 17, 2025

The radio in this vehicle has a widespread issue where the screen delaminates and starts ghost touching . Options are randomly selected , people are randomly called , emergency services are attempted to be contacted. Basically anything that the radio controls in the car could be changed or activated... Read more

Incident date: May 17, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA H... Read more

Incident date: May 4, 2025

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact was adding oil occasionally. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair... Read more

Incident date: Apr 3, 2025

Paint defect white paint between the spoiler and the roof completely peeling off to bare metal.

Incident date: Mar 27, 2025

I have purchased a used 2017 Lincoln MKZ Reserve 2.0l in August of 2023 that started losing coolant and smoking from exhaust. Upon further investigation the coolant was noticed in the cylinder 2 through the spark plug opening. I had changed the head gasket and noticed the slotted coolant journals be... Read more

Incident date: Mar 4, 2025

10 speed transmission. Began to shift had in and out of 8th gear. When shifting out of 3rd, it would lose power and slow down. While traveling highway speed, it suddenly shifted from 10th down to 1st for a brief time before getting back in gear. This caused me to take my foot off of the gas and ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 4, 2025

Complete engine failure. Replaced engine in February of 2024. Multiple transmission issues. Grill completely peeling off.

Incident date: Jan 6, 2025

AC does not work in cold weather. Only blows 140 degrees when set to 60 or higher but blows 40 degrees on low. No in between. Took to dealer and they replicated the issue and agreed it needs to be fixed asap but can’t find anything wrong. They had a corporate master technician look at it a week la... Read more

Incident date: Dec 26, 2024

- (1) failed/black instrument cluster/panel. unable to see mileage, fuel level, engine temperature, tire pressure, etc. - I can hear multiple warning lights going off, but I'm unable to see any. - the vehicle has been brought in for servicing at my nearest jeep dealership - the vehicle is currently ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 26, 2024

Incident date: Jan 23, 2025

My 2019 First Edition I-Pace is subject to Jaguar recall H514, as per both the NHTSA and Jaguar web sites the solution is to repurchase the vehicle from me AFTER decreasing my max charge to 80% significantly reducing my available range, to the point I cannot rely on the vehicle for trips I was able ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 24, 2025

I was driving down the road & without any warnings my car suddenly loss power. Engine started a really bad knocking sound then stalled out , took to certified mechanic and he told me I need a new engine. Prior to this there were no boarding likes or issues related to the car.

Incident date: Dec 17, 2024

During 3 separate drives (October11, 2024; December 30, 2024, and January 2, 2025) the vehicle shut off while going uphill on an interstate while the engine was at 3,000 RPM. When I pulled over to the side of the highway and stopped the car, the emergency parking break automatically came on. I had t... Read more

Incident date: Dec 19, 2024

I have a 2024 Ford Maverick Lariat Hybrid with only 1880 miles on it and every 3 days the battery drains from 99% down to 39%. I keep getting the Deep Sleep messages and the dealer refuses to replace the battery. I even got a message saying to drive the vehicle on a day when the vehicle was at the d... Read more

Incident date: Dec 19, 2024

While driving our 2021 Avalon on a busy interstate,the engine failed on us unexpectantly. This cathostrophic failure without warning startled my finance and ruined xmas holidays. The car was towed to a local Toyota dealership who diagnosed the issue as low oil pressure which prevented oil reaching t... Read more

Incident date: Dec 19, 2024

Engine overheated multiple times during high speed/high traffic situations due to a design flaw within the engine. Ford was aware of these issues in this engine for years and still knowingly sold them to American consumers, myself included. This is wrong and erodes the trust myself and others have ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 9, 2025

Oil pressure sending unit sensor failed and triggered oil light to come on.

Incident date: Dec 29, 2024

The FSD feature for which we have paid in full to Tesla does not work. No cruise control and no Assisted Steering Control or Cruise Control works. As per their Service Department, AP4 Car Computer has internal short and camera can not communicate for above mentioned features.

Incident date: Dec 29, 2024

My 2018 Ford focus started having transmission issues over 2 years ago. I took my car into a Ford dealership who reassured me that my car was fine and that my transmission was in fact not slipping. I continued to drive my vehicle while feeling the transmission slipping telling myself Ford told me th... Read more

Incident date: Dec 6, 2024

Our CRV hybrid is experiencing the sticking steering wheel issue. It takes force to move the steering wheel at freeway speeds. It is not included in the recall but clearly has the issue. Our local Honda service dealer blew us off and is unwilling to help.

Incident date: Oct 17, 2024

Death whoble

Incident date: Oct 12, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (AIR BAGS) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was ma... Read more

Incident date: Oct 12, 2024

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle would leak coolant, and needed to be refilled consistently. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where a hole in the coolant tank was discovered and replaced the tank, however, the coolant continued to leak and the engine ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 12, 2024

The contact owns a 2008 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the c... Read more

Incident date: Sep 17, 2024

The contact owns a 2024 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the automatic emergency braking system had malfunctioned and the vehicle did not stop when needed. The contact stated that while driving at a low rate of speed the collision avoidance system had activated, ... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Sep 17, 2024

The driver side mirror vibrates, causing the reflection in the driver-side mirror to become distorted and impeding the driver’s ability to observe traffic. My understanding is that there is no remedy. The vehicle has done this since taking delivery in April 2024.

Incident date: Aug 12, 2024

I am receiving error messages like the following in its entirety. I am getting the email several time a day. I am worried its will be a safety issue during driving. The car was in dealer shop for 4 days and I picked the car with this error message. **************enclosure************************ M... Read more

Incident date: Aug 12, 2024

My 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe has roughly 120,000 miles on it and an engine light came on. I brought the vehicle into an automotive shop where they stated the vehicle was very low on oil, they checked the code and then reset it. After they drove the vehicle, it began "knocking" and the code came back on.... Read more

Incident date: Jul 23, 2024

When the fuel saving auto off feature is engaged, this vehicle has stalled, locked, and/or shut down completely in traffic several times. I have almost been hit several times and this is very frightening. I took the car to the dealership several times and they said nothing was wrong. I disengage... Read more

Incident date: Jul 17, 2024

Wiring inside headlamp is not up to Standards. For the cost the replace the headlight the wiring should not be falling apart causing shorts. One night I was driving and got a warning on my dash for my headlights and noticed it was a bit harder to see. Pulled over and noticed the headlight was out. W... Read more

Incident date: Jul 15, 2023

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the driver's side and passenger's side rear doors were retaining water. The water was sloshy inside the doors while driving. The contact had to drain the water from both doors. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was... Read more

Showing 50 of 111 complaints.

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2023 HYUNDAI SANTA CRUZ

2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz PU/CC AWD

Category	Rating
Overall Rating	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash, Passenger	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Passenger	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Rollover	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Rollover Risk	16.4%

Safety Technology

Feature	Status
Electronic Stability Control	Standard
Forward Collision Warning	Standard & Optional
Lane Departure Warning	Standard

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings Program. Ratings are based on crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2023 HYUNDAI SANTA CRUZ

27 manufacturer communications from 23 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
100000 POWER TRAIN	7
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	4
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	4
160000 STRUCTURE	3
130000 VISIBILITY	2
353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.	1
162000 STRUCTURE:BODY	1
134000 VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY	1

100000 POWER TRAIN

This TSB provides a procedure to diagnose and replace, if necessary, an automatic transmission with Incorrect Ratio DTC (transmission clutch slip in gear above limit) listed on Page 2.

160000 STRUCTURE

This bulletin provides instructions to inspect and repair certain Santa Cruz (NXT) vehicles experiencing a condition where the tonneau cover does not retract properly and/or a V-Gap is present when closed.

160000 STRUCTURE

This bulletin provides repair instructions for certain Santa Cruz (NXT) vehicles exhibiting difficulty with the tonneau cover not opening (does not unlatch when unlocked and the handle is in the open position) or not closing (does not latch

130000 VISIBILITY/WIPER (PWS)

This bulletin contains information about the proper removal of the windshield wiper blade protective cover on all models. If the protective cover is not removed correctly, there is a possibility of the rubber insert and rail spring becoming

130000 VISIBILITY

030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Certain Tucson (NX4A), Santa Cruz (NXT), Santa Fe (TMA), and Santa Fe Hybrid (TMA HEV) vehicles may exhibit a brake judder condition. This bulletin describes the procedure to inspect the brakes, resurface or replace and perform a brake burn

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Certain 2023MY Santa Cruz (NXT) and Santa Fe (TMA) vehicles may have been produced with a damaged oil level sensor during assembly. Follow the procedure outlined in this TSB to replace the oil level sensor and gasket to complete the service

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Certain 2022-2023MY Santa Cruz (NXT) vehicles may experience a warning lamp illumination for a diagnostic trouble code P2181 that is related to the Integrated Thermal Management Module (ITM). Follow the service procedure outlined in this bu

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

This bulletin provides instructions to inspect and replace the fuel filler door on 2023MY Santa Cruz (NXT) vehicles that exhibit paint imperfections such as: sag, bubble, blemish, crater, or dirt.

100000 POWER TRAIN

This bulletin outlines changes to the service procedure regarding the replacement of 8-speed wet dual clutch transmissions (8WDCT) and associated transmission control unit (TCU). These changes only apply to vehicles equipped with Theta 2.5T

100000 POWER TRAIN

This bulletin provides information related to a Transmission Control Unit (TCU) software update for certain vehicles equipped with an 8-speed wet dual clutch transmissions (8WDCT) that improves the touch point learning variation. Certain 8W

100000 POWER TRAIN

If you are servicing an 8-speed vehicle with a a??Check Enginea?? light on and one or more of the DTC listed, follow the service procedure and replace the related solenoid and harness.

100000 POWER TRAIN

This bulletin provides service procedures to prevent possible moisture intrusion of the HP EOP (High Flow Electric Oil Pump) connector when servicing the 8-speed wet dual clutch transmission (8WDCT). If moisture enters the HF EOP connector,

100000 POWER TRAIN

This TSB applies only if Recall 236 or Service Campaign T8N has been performed and the 8 speed wet dual clutch transmission (8WDCT) replacement is necessary related due to high pressure electric oil pump (HP EOP) DTCa??s P1C2D03 (HP EOP Mot

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

160000 STRUCTURE

This bulletin provides repair information for a non-glossy front door pull handle that exhibits paint peeling on certain 2022 a?? 2023MY Tucson (NX4A) and Santa Cruz (NXT) vehicles. If a vehicle exhibits this paint peeling condition, replac

162000 STRUCTURE:BODY

Hyundai applies a Paint Protection Film (PPF) on new vehicles before delivery to dealerships. It provides a barrier between the paint and contaminants, such as rail dust, acid rain, and industrial fallout. In rare cases, the paint can becom

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

If you are servicing an 8-speed vehicle with a a??Check Enginea?? light on and one or more of the DTC listed, follow the service procedure and replace the related solenoid and harness.

134000 VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

Some 23MY Tucson and Santa Cruz vehicles' sunroofs were not programmed at the factory. This causes the sunroof to become inoperable. This bulletin provides information to program sunroof operation.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Some 23MY Tucson and Santa Cruz vehicles' sunroofs were not programmed at the factory. This causes the sunroof to become inoperable. This bulletin provides information to program sunroof operation.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin outlines the repair procedure for some 22MY and 23MY Tucson and Santa Cruz vehicles that exhibit symptoms of no audio or intermittent sound from the vehicle's speakers.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin outlines the process for replacing the external amplifier on certain 22MY and 23MY Tucson and Santa Cruz vehicles equipped with an external amplifier.

130000 VISIBILITY

This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside th

100000 POWER TRAIN

This bulletin outlines changes to the service manual regarding the replacement of 8-speed dual clutch transmissions (DCT) and associated transmission control module (TCM). Additional steps, not in the service manual, are required within GDS

353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

This bulletin outlines the repair procedure for vehicles that exhibit symptoms of no audio from all speakers.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin outlines the repair procedure for vehicles that exhibit symptoms of no audio from all speakers.

HYUNDAI SANTA CRUZ - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the HYUNDAI SANTA CRUZ across all model years (2022, 2026).

13 Total Recalls

477 Total Complaints

0 Investigations

13 Reported Crashes

2 Reported Fires

0 Reported Deaths

HYUNDAI SANTA CRUZ - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2026	3	7	View
2025	3	27	View
2024	1	54	View
2023 (current)	2	111
2022	4	278	View

Other HYUNDAI Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
SONATA	184	21,863	View
SANTA FE	153	9,962	View
ELANTRA	133	11,853	View
PALISADE	124	2,704	View
TUCSON	95	8,074	View
SONATA HYBRID	67	1,129	View
IONIQ 5	66	1,865	View
ACCENT	64	2,745	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2023 HYUNDAI SANTA CRUZ

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2023 HYUNDAI SANTA CRUZ

Safety Technology

Technical Service Bulletins, 2023 HYUNDAI SANTA CRUZ

Most Affected Components

HYUNDAI SANTA CRUZ - All Years Overview

HYUNDAI SANTA CRUZ - Year by Year

Other HYUNDAI Models