2023 HYUNDAI Santa Cruz

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

2RecallsNHTSA Verified71ComplaintsNHTSA Data0InvestigationsNHTSA Data
Expert Verdict
⚠️Elevated Concerns

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz presents a moderate reliability risk due to notable structural and electrical issues. With a peak failure mileage range of 0-20k miles, potential owners should be vigilant about these defects early on.

Key Factor:Notable structural issues

πŸ“‹Why This Matters

The presence of two recalls related to structure and trailer hitch components in the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz raises significant concerns about its engineering integrity and overall safety. Detaching roof moldings not only compromise aesthetic appeal but could also impact vehicle durability under stress. More alarming is the recall regarding water accumulation in the trailer hitch harness, which poses a fire riskβ€”an unacceptable scenario for any modern vehicle, particularly in this segment where reliability is paramount. A total of 71 complaints underscores that these issues are not isolated incidents but rather part of a broader pattern that could affect ownership experience for many buyers. In an era when consumers expect vehicles to deliver not just performance but also safety and reliability, Hyundai’s recent recalls challenge its reputation as a manufacturer committed to quality. While the brand has made strides in delivering attractive designs and advanced technology, these recent setbacks may overshadow progress and lead potential buyers to reconsider their options in this competitive market segment.

Focus Area:Safety Profile
πŸ“Š

Expert Analysis

  • πŸ“ˆ
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • ⚠️
    Primary Risk Area:Acceleration Issues
  • βš–οΈ
    Vs Brand: Worse than avg (1.7)
    πŸ“
    Summary: Hyundai's trend for the Santa Cruz shows an increase in attention needed for certain components, with multiple recalls and complaints surfacing within the short lifespan of this model. Compared to segment expectations, which typically favor dependability alongside innovation, this trajectory is concerning as it may deter prospective buyers who prioritize long-term reliability.
Critical Component: Acceleration Issues

Safety & Reliability Score

80/100
Very Good

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-16
Complaint Impact-3.55
Investigation Impact-0

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2023 HYUNDAI Santa Cruz

Model Year2023
MakeHYUNDAI
ModelSanta Cruz
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Oct22
ISSUEFirst Report
Jan23
NEWProduction
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

21 complaints (30% of total)
➑️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data
βœ…

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 71 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟠High
11(15%)
🟑Medium
13(18%)
🟒Low
47(66%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

βš™οΈEngineering Insight

With peak failure occurring between 0-20k miles and an average failure mileage of approximately 13,646 miles, current owners should remain alert for early signs of trouble, especially given the reported recall issues. This early window signifies that problems may manifest soon after purchase; thus regular inspections are advisable.

πŸ“Š Mileage data extracted from 17 of 71 complaints (24% coverage)
0-20k
12 reports (71%)
20k-40k
5 reports (29%)
40k-60k
0 reports (0%)
60k-80k
0 reports (0%)
80k-100k
0 reports (0%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

πŸ› οΈ DIY Diagnosis Center

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

Primary Risk Areas

STRUCTURETRAILER HITCHES

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Trailer Hitch

Issue: Potential electrical short leading to fire risk due to water accumulation.

βœ…

Inspect hitch wiring carefully; consider moisture barriers if towing frequently.

πŸ”

Inquire about any completed recall repairs regarding the trailer hitch before purchasing.

Campaigns:22V10523V152
2

Roof Moldings

Issue: 'Roof moldings may detach' affects structural integrity.

βœ…

'Verify condition periodically; report any detachment immediately.'

πŸ”

'Check service history for resolved roof molding issues before buying.'

Campaign:23V173
πŸ’‘Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your HYUNDAI dealer to verify recall completion status.

Official Safety Recalls (2)

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

0 investigations
βœ“

No active investigations for this vehicle.

Consumer Complaints

71 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2023 Santa Cruz.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Acceleration Issues30%
Warning21%
Fire11%
Check Engine Light10%
Power Loss8%
Crash/Accident6%
Accident6%
Safety SystemsπŸ”΅ Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

While driving on the highway at a speed of approx 35 mph, no traffic in front of me, I got an audile warning and the car started slowing down, and the message on the dash said EMERGENCY BRAKING, this has happened twice in the last month.

Nov 2, 2025Open
Safety SystemsπŸ”΅ Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

Transmission does not advance through its ranges fails to shift leaving stranded middle of intersection. Misses a whole range looses excelleration. You

Oct 12, 2025Open
Engine/PowertrainπŸ”Ά Medium
POWER TRAIN

Hyundai Santa Cruz with transmission problems. 5 attempts to repair and manufacture failed to. Last time, vehicle had a sudden transmission failure while driving. Car stop responding to acceleration and transmission was not switching gears, that could had cause loss of control, especially in high-speed or high-traffic situations. Luckily it was very early in the morning, not much traffic and before (0.3 miles) from taking a high-speed interstate. Vehicle is not safe to drive and according to a research I made, other vehicles of same brand, model and year are facing same issues.

Oct 6, 2025Under Review
Steering/SuspensionπŸ”΅ Low
SUSPENSION

The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz. The contact stated that while hauling a trailer and attempting to accelerate at various speeds, the vehicle was bouncing, and the tires was losing traction before being able to accelerate. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to raise and lower as the shock absorbers needed to perform. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the rear shocks had failed to allow the vehicle to self-level. The rear shocks were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact reported the persistence of the failure and was advised to go to another dealer, Greg Hubler Hyundai (6200 W Hometown Blvd, Muncie, IN 47304) who also replaced the rear struts. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.

Sep 30, 2025Under Review
Body/Interior⚠️ High
STRUCTURE

The contact owned a 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz. The contact stated that while exiting the vehicle to go into a store, he looked back and noticed the vehicle was on fire. No warning lights illuminated. The contact mentioned he noticed the fire was coming from the rear driver's side quarter panel. The contact called 911. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention was required. A police report was not filed. The fire department extinguished the fire. The vehicle was taken to a savage yard, and the insurance will then have the vehicle towed to a body shop. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and they informed the contact that they would inspect the vehicle, and they also offered to buy back the vehicle. Recently, he got an email informing him that they are not going to buy back the vehicle. The failure mileage was 18,000.

Sep 17, 2025Under Review
Engine/Powertrain⚠️ High
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

On [XXX], I went out to start my 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz (SC) to leave work to go home. It was difficult to start, however, it started. As I entered [XXX] , i was nearly rear ended by another car, because my SC lost all acceleration. I turned on my hazards for SAFETY and then began to try to accelerate again and was only able to get up to 45 MPH and then was turning 4,000 RPM. I limped my SC home where I had it towed to a local Hyundai dealer as it has roughly 38,000 miles. The dealership had it for 3 days, but couldn't duplicate the issue, so no repairs were done. The Hyundai Santa Cruz has KNOWN transmission issues and the fact I was nearly rear ended could've caused a nasty wreck, resulting in more damage or even a fatality. I reported the issue to Hyundai customer service on the 11th of September (Case #[XXX]). However, in the response from Hyundai, basically saying they "experiencing a high e-mail volume" and responses may be delayed. As of 9/13/2025, I have not received a call or email from Hyundai's customer service. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Sep 13, 2025Under Review
Engine/PowertrainπŸ”΅ Low
POWER TRAIN

car flashes transmission low fluid and gives a code of p193b-79. when trans downshifts upshifts will not happened. to clear the problem you have to turn car off and on , and then normal operation resumes, but shifting is now slower. and sluggish. this is the second transmission to have this problem. Seem hyundai has not fixed it from the 2022 recall.

Sep 5, 2025Under Review
Safety SystemsπŸ”΅ Low
AIR BAGS

1- Air bag light randomly comes on and off. 2- Today (5.20.25) I brought it to dealer. Dealer said they disconnected the sensor switch and cleaned it, then reconnected and light went off (covered under warranty). 3- I got in the truck, started it, and light was off. 4- I drove one block and airbag light came on again. 5- Returned to dealer, who asked me to leave the car with them. 6- Dealer called and said they will replace air bag (did not specify which one). I hope this solves the problem. 7- I checked a Santa Cruz forum: [XXX] and it looks like A LOT of people have the same problem. Some report it's the sensor assembly underneath the seat. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

May 20, 2025Under Review
Engine/PowertrainπŸ”΅ Low
ENGINE

Received error code P030300 and the third cylinder fuel injector had to be replaced. There is approximately 36000 miles on the vehicle.

May 7, 2025Under Review
Engine/PowertrainπŸ”΅ Low
ENGINE

Oil filter cap oil leak problem. Typical problem with this vehicles that require attention. These defective oil leak caps are a safety and environmental concern. The engine almost starved of oil while driving on the highway. Manufacturer has been contacted and are not proactive in taking care of this defect.

Apr 26, 2025Under Review

Frequently Asked Questions

'What are common problems reported with the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz?'

'Common issues include roof molding detachment and potential electrical shorts with trailer hitches due to water exposure. Owners report clunking noise from rear suspension as well.'

'How reliable is the Hyundai Santa Cruz compared to competitors?'

'While Hyundai has made strides in quality across its range, recent recalls suggest that the Santa Cruz struggles against competitors like Toyota Tacoma or Ford Maverick that have established stronger reliability records.'

πŸ“ŠYear-over-Year Context

πŸ“ˆImproving Trend

Compared to earlier years, the 2023 model shows improving reliability trends, largely due to manufacturing refinements addressing 2022 issues. Recall frequency decreased 50%.

🧭What This Means for You

Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.

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

πŸ”‘

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Safety Check: Cross-reference your VIN with official HYUNDAI records to ensure no 2 recalls remain open.
  • 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.
πŸ›’

If You're Buying Used

  • Obtain proof of recall completion for all 2 campaigns before purchase.
  • Account for potential service downtime when calculating your initial ownership budget.
βš–οΈ

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