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2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz: problems, recalls and reliability

1 recall and 35 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (22% of complaints); the 2026 model year looks more trouble-free.

Data updated weekly · 1 new complaint in the last 90 days · latest recall Jun 2024

1
recalls
35
owner complaints
0
fire reports
-
typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

NHTSA crash testOverall ★★★★★Front ★★★★★Side ★★★★★Rollover ★★★★
5-star NHTSA overall safety ratingNo fire reportsWeak spot: power train (22%)

Common problems

Computed from 35 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)22% · 11 complaints
Engine (engine mechanics)12% · 6 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control (unintended acceleration, cruise control)10% · 5 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System (fuel pump, tank, lines)8% · 4 complaints
Service Brakes (brakes)6% · 3 complaints
Lane Departure (lane keeping assist)6% · 3 complaints
I was at a stop sign leave a store and I started going again and when I got to 15 mph it like it went into neutral and I thought maybe I hit shifter in neutral but didn't and I went to go again did same thing but then jump into next gear got cat home I bought this car brand new I only got 33000 milesOwner report · Power Train · Jan 2026
Very strong fuel smell coming from parked vehicle after filling the Gas Tank. After driving 40 miles to remove approximately 1/4 of a the Tank, fumes are gone. 1/06/2026: Took Truck to closest Dealership. Burlington Hyundai Nj and they had it for 3 days. (The Tank was not Full) and they didn't find anything wrong. They still have not given me any documents on what the checked. They said I would get it by E-Mail. I purchased the vehicle from Hyundai of Trenton Nj and they are not getting back to me on when I can bring it in. I can not park in or even near my garage.Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Dec 2025
Upon starting the vehicle is doesn't act normal and when placed In drive it feels like brakes are applied and it doesn't want to hardly move even when pressing the throttle all the way down. This has also happens a couple times when at a stop and have to pull over and turn the vehicle off and restart. My so. Drives this vehicle and I feel this is a huge safety concern if he is able to get the vehicle moving and can get to a safe spot to shutdown and restart.Owner report · Power Train,Engine · Nov 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
Contact owns 2024 Honda Santa Cruz. The contact stated while driving 45 mph on the highway vehicle wasn't responding while accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact stated there was no warning lights on vehicle before incident happen and that contact had to turn off and on the vehicle to make it function. correctly. The contact was able to contact dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated this has been a recurring event on vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Oct 2025
The sun roof exploded in an upward projection while traveling 65mph with driver window slightly open. Glass everywhere with tiny glass slivers inbedded in my right hand and cheeck. Heard slight popping noise just prior to glass failure. Headed to dealership on 3/3/2025. Found other reports online from 2024 Santa Cruz owners.Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Feb 2025
Sporadically, when shifting from first to second gear, the engine/transmission will stall, causing a loss of power for several seconds. This is generally when pulling away from a stop sign/light into traffic. I picked a single date below, but this continually happens from time to time.Owner report · Power Train · Feb 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz. The contact stated that after coming to a complete stop and then accelerating, there was an abnormal, creaking sound coming from the suspension. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the contact was informed that the failure was related to an aftermarket lift kit that was installed on the vehicle prior to the contact owning the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer for weeks. The contact was provided a loaner vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 600.Owner report · Suspension · Dec 2024
On 2 separate occasions on the highway at 55+ miles per hour during daylight dry conditions summer temperature the following safety hazard occurred; A car approached the rear of my 2024 hyundai santa crux night 2.5L. while on the highway. The approaching car likely at 25’ and closing when the santa cruz engaged the Rear Collision Emergency Brake system. It engaged for only a few seconds, but there was a noticeable brake check event, a severe grinding noise and the red rear collision warning system flashed on the driver instrument panel. I am asking my dealer to check system codes and software when taken Dec. 9 at dean hyundai ballwin mo.Owner report · Power Train,Back Over Prevention · Oct 2024
Another driver ran a red light and hit a vehicle in front of me, which spun and impacted the right front corner of my truck. Impact did not seem that severe, my air bags did not deploy but both front seat belts were locked up after the accident. My damage seemed just cosmetic, grill, bumper, hood and right front fender & headlight were damaged. At repair shop, they determined that the right front frame rail was damaged and the vehicle is totaled, almost $19,000 to repair which is above Geicos’ 75% limit. If the impact was enough to damage the frame rail, why didn’t the air bags deploy?? I do not have an electronic copy of police report or damage assessment, only paper copy.Owner report · Air Bags,Seat Belts · Aug 2024
When the lane keeping assistant is operating, a constant, fairly loud buzzing sound emanates from the steering column, accompanied by a slight vibration on the steering wheel. When driving at low speeds and in traffic jams, this makes you nervous and distracts you from driving. The dealership cannot identify the problem and determine the cause. This sound has not been noticed on other cars of this brandOwner report · Steering,Lane Departure · Jul 2024

When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 1 campaign

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM24V412000 · Jun 2024

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024 Tucson and Santa Cruz vehicles. The circuit board in the motor-driven power steering assembly may short circuit, resulting in a loss of power steering assist.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the motor-driven power steering electric power pack, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 261.

How other years compare

Check your exact Santa Cruz by VIN

Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz reliable?

NHTSA has 35 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz. The most complained-about area is power train (22% of complaints).

Does the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz have open recalls?

1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning steering:electric power assist system. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.