2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz

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2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:58:30.548Z

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
79
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2023

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Power train

32% of complaints

Complaints per year

2022: 185 complaints 2022 2023: 79 complaints 2023 79 2024: 36 complaints 2024 2025: 21 complaints 2025 2026: 4 complaints 2026
2022: 185 complaints 2022 2023: 79 complaints 2023 79 2024: 36 complaints 2024 2025: 21 complaints 2025 2026: 4 complaints 2026
2022: 185 complaints 2022 2023: 79 complaints 2023 79 2024: 36 complaints 2024 2025: 21 complaints 2025 2026: 4 complaints 2026

2023: 79 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
2022185
202379
202436
202521
20264

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Power train

32% · 25 reports

Engine

25% · 20 reports
Show complaint excerpts

driving/pulling on interstate speed only went to 20 miles per hour, no more. Pulled off and turned truck off, waited and restarted. all fine. No warning was given. Short time later engine light came on. Called and got appointment at dealers.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-10

Electrical system

18% · 14 reports
FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

The system that failed was electrical near or in the Tow Hitch which caused the vehicle fire. Vehicle is available for inspection at Auto Body Evolution Essex MD.

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-03-30

On May 1, 2023 I pulled my 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz into my garage at about 5pm and fyi It was blustery outside and had been raining & snowing all day. At about 5:15 pm I heard a loud bang followed by another.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-05-26

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-09

Fuel/propulsion system

8% · 6 reports
CRASH

Vehicle speed control

8% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing throttle.

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2023-03-30Structure23V038000 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.

  2. R
    2023-05-16Trailer hitches23V181000 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.

Buy-smart checklist

2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Power train: 25 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 20 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 14 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 23V038000 · Structure
  • Recall 23V181000 · Trailer hitches

FAQ

Is the 2023 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 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.