2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 182 |
| 2023 | 79 |
| 2024 | 35 |
| 2025 | 17 |
| 2026 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
50% of complaints: power train — 91 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
The contact's husband owns a 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz.
NHTSA ODI report, 20221025
The cars transmission has become very jerky at low speeds. The drive train will either hesitate or rev without power for a couple seconds. The problem started at around 14k miles.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260810
The transmission failed. The dealership computer identified the failure with Safety Recall 236.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260804
27% of complaints: engine — 50 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
October 2025 while driving the vehicle at highway speeds, vehicle started bucking, losing power and then stalled. The check engine light did not come on. I was able to get off the side of the road and had it towed to the dealer.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260710
Also filed under FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
12% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 21 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicle in the middle of turning in to a hazardous highway lost power and then began to drive sluggish at 20 miles per hour skipping. It acted like the fuel injectors were not allowing it to get fuel.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260908
Also filed under VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
12% of complaints: electrical system — 21 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing speedometer/odometer and instrument cluster/panel.
10% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 18 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 22V197000 — check if this car was fixed
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe, Sonata, Veloster N, 2022 Santa Cruz, Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 22V746000 — check if this car was fixed
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2022 Tucson and 2022-2023 Santa Cruz vehicles. The roof moldings may detach.
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.
Campaign 23V038000 — check if this car was fixed
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...
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.
Campaign 23V181000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (91 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (50 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 22V197000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V746000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V038000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V181000 (trailer hitches) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.