2022 HYUNDAI Santa Cruz

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

Expert Verdict
โš ๏ธElevated Concerns

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz shows a concerning reliability profile with multiple recalls primarily affecting its engine, powertrain, and structural integrity. With a peak failure range between 20k-40k miles, owners should be cautious about these potential issues and take them seriously.

Key Factor:Multiple critical recalls

๐Ÿ“‹Why This Matters

The recalls for the Santa Cruz are particularly alarming as they involve significant components like the engine and transmission, which directly impact safety and drivability. For instance, a failing turbocharger oil supply pipe can lead to oil leaks that may cause severe engine damage or even stalling. Such failures not only bring about costly repairs but also pose risks of being stranded on the road due to loss of drive power from transmission issues.

Focus Area:Safety Profile
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Expert Analysis

In terms of safety trends, the Santa Cruz's multiple recalls mark it as less favorable compared to other models in its class. The presence of numerous complaints indicates that owners are experiencing consistent issues that could affect reliability and safety over time, making it an uphill battle for new buyers looking for long-term dependability.

Safety & Reliability Score

58/100

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-32
Complaint Impact-5
Investigation Impact-5

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2022 HYUNDAI Santa Cruz

Model Year2022
MakeHYUNDAI
ModelSanta Cruz
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Scroll for more โ†’
Jan22
NEWProduction
Jan22
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan22
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan22
RECALLRecall Issued
Jun22
RECALLRecall Issued
Dec22
ISSUEFirst Report
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened

Consumer Complaint Analysis

โš ๏ธ

Most Reported Issue

34 complaints (34% of total)
โžก๏ธ

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data
โœ…

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 100 consumer complaints by severity level.

๐ŸŸ High
12(12%)
๐ŸŸกMedium
23(23%)
๐ŸŸขLow
65(65%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

โš™๏ธEngineering Insight

With peak failures occurring between 20k-40k miles, current owners should be particularly vigilant as they approach this mileage threshold. This is when problems related to the recalls may surface more frequently, suggesting that routine checks and preventive maintenance could be crucial in avoiding major breakdowns.

๐Ÿ“Š Mileage data extracted from 31 of 100 complaints (31% coverage)
0-20k
11 reports (35%)
20k-40k
13 reports (42%)
40k-60k
3 reports (10%)
60k-80k
3 reports (10%)
80k-100k
1 reports (3%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

๐Ÿ› ๏ธ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGPOWER TRAINSTRUCTURETRAILER HITCHES

๐ŸŽฏRisk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Turbocharger Oil Supply Pipe

Issue: Potential cracking leading to oil leaks

โœ…

Monitor for oil leaks and service immediately if detected.

๐Ÿ”

Ask if any recall work has been completed regarding the turbocharger.

Campaigns:21V-13022V-11022V-150
2

Transmission Oil Pump

Issue: Loss of drive power due to malfunction

โœ…

Check transmission fluid levels regularly; be alert for shifting issues.

๐Ÿ”

Verify recent maintenance records related to transmission services.

Campaigns:21V-130-
3

'Roof Moldings'

Issue: 'Detachment could impact structural integrity.'

โœ…

๐Ÿ”

Campaigns:22V-222-
๐Ÿ’กVisit NHTSA.gov or contact your HYUNDAI dealer to verify recall completion status.

Official Safety Recalls (4)

Campaign: 22V197000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

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.

Consequence

An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.

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.

Additional Notes

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.

Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America

Campaign: 22V746000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

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.

Consequence

Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

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. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 236.

Additional Notes

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.

Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America

Campaign: 23V038000

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

Summary

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.

Additional Notes

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.

Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America

Campaign: 23V181000

TRAILER HITCHES

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.

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 at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 244. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 22V-633.

Additional Notes

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.

Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America

NHTSA Investigations

1 investigation

Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2022 Santa Cruz.

INV-2022-1000๐ŸŸข Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Santa Cruz performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 22,008

Consumer Complaints

100 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2022 Santa Cruz.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Warning34%
Acceleration Issues31%
Check Engine Light12%
Power Loss10%
Fire8%
Accident8%
Stall7%
Warning Lights6%
Crash/Accident5%
Stuck5%
Safety Systems๐Ÿ”ถ Medium
AIR BAGS

The vehicle was involved in a collision in which the airbags failed to deploy. Despite the severity of the impact, no airbags deployed. As a result, both adult occupants (my daughters) were injured. The failure of the airbag system to deploy raises serious safety concerns regarding the vehicleโ€™s restraint system and crash sensors.

Engine/Powertrain๐Ÿ”ต Low
POWER TRAIN

My 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz has an ongoing powertrain/transmission malfunction that occurs during cold starts. The vehicle will not upshift out of 1st gear and becomes stuck around 25 mph with the accelerator fully pressed. There are no warning lights or messages. The only way to temporarily fix the issue is to pull over, turn the vehicle off, and restart it. This creates a serious safety risk because I am unable to accelerate to normal traffic speeds when merging or crossing intersections. The vehicle and components are available for inspection upon request. The issue has been brought to two Hyundai dealerships multiple times. One dealership replaced the entire transmission, and on a later visit they topped off the transmission fluid. Despite these repairs, the problem continues to occur. Hyundai corporate is involved and has an active case open, but the defect remains unresolved. The problem has not been consistently replicated by the dealers because it only occurs on cold starts, but it happens repeatedly in daily use.

Safety Systems๐Ÿ”ถ Medium
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,BACK OVER PREVENTION,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

ALL SAFETY FEATURE WARNING ALERTS (3) OF THEM, SINCE IT WILL NOT ALLOW ME TO CHECK ALL THAT APPLY THEY ARE THE FOLLOWING ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL NOT WORKING, BLIND SPOT WARNING NOT WORKING, FORWARD COLLISON DETECTION NOT WORKING, LANE DEPARTURE WARNING NOT WORKING, LANE KEEPING ASSISTANCE NOT WORKING, PARKING COLLISION WARNING NOT WORKING REAR CROSS TRAFFIC WARNING NOT WORKING.

Engine/Powertrain๐Ÿ”ต Low
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Cruz. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power but was unable to accelerate above 30 MPH. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V760000 (Power Train); the VIN was included, but the vehicle was already repaired in 2022. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 63,000.

Safety Systems๐Ÿ”ถ Medium
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS

when pulling out on a intersection I was hit by a large box truck on the front and side drivers side at aprox. 20 to 25 mph. my air bags did not go off and my seat belt did not hold me from hitting the steering wheel Hyundai is saying the impact was not enough to force either one to help in this situation

Engine/Powertrain๐Ÿ”ต Low
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2nd replacement DCT transmission failed Loss of power while driving on the interstate , upon acceleration no increase in speed, went from 65mph to 38mph before able to pull off the highway. Intermittently it is not shifting, shuttering, hard reverse shift, hesitation from park into drive

Safety Systems๐Ÿ”ถ Medium
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz. The contact stated that while driving 62 MPH, the Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking system erroneously engaged. The Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking warning light illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but offered no assistance and informed the contact that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The failure mileage was 30,000.

Engine/Powertrainโš ๏ธ High
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Vehicle began running roughly. CEL came on. Began to misfire. Limped it off the FWY under limited power. Had vehicle towed to dealership. Was diagnosed as having bad fuel injectors. Was told by service writer that Hyundai Santa Cruz trucks have been experiencing a lot of injector failures. Looking at the various Hyundai Santa Cruz forums, it appears that this has been a very common issue and has occurred in 2022 through 2025 model year vehicles

Engine/Powertrain๐Ÿ”ต Low
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed to pass another vehicle however, the vehicle started to lose motive power. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stopped the vehicle but did not turn off the vehicle. The contact stated that after shifting to drive(D) the vehicle failed to accelerate above 15 MPH. The contact stopped the vehicle and had the vehicle towed to the local dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that a fuel injector had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

Engine/Powertrain๐Ÿ”ถ Medium
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

My 2022 Santa Cruz Limited Edition keeps losing power intermittently. No accident yet but very risky to drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

'What are the most common issues reported by owners of the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz?'

Common issues include engine oil leaks from the turbocharger supply pipe and concerns about transmission power losses due to oil pump malfunctions. These problems have led many owners to file complaints with NHTSA.

How do I know if my 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is affected by any recalls?

You can check your vehicle's VIN on the NHTSA website or contact your local Hyundai dealer. They can provide information on any active recalls and whether necessary repairs have been made.

๐ŸงญWhat This Means for You

This information is especially relevant for drivers who rely on stop-and-go traffic or frequently use auto start-stop systems.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

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If You Own This Vehicle

  • Verify all 4 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your HYUNDAI dealer.
  • Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
  • Proactive tip: Enroll in HYUNDAI's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
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If You're Buying Used

  • Obtain proof of recall completion for all 4 campaigns before purchase.
  • Account for potential service downtime when calculating your initial ownership budget.

This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.

Compare with Similar Vehicles

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: February 23, 2026.