2023 HYUNDAI SANTA CRUZ Problems & Recalls
Detailed safety information and owner complaints
Problem Breakdown
Compare to Other Years
Common Problems
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 in...
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2022 Tucson and 2022-2023 Santa Cruz vehicles. The roof moldings may detach.
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.
Transmission does not advance through its ranges fails to shift leaving stranded middle of intersection. Misses a whole range looses excelleration. You
Transmission does not advance through its ranges fails to shift leaving stranded middle of intersection. Misses a whole range looses excelleration. You
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-sp...
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 th...
Mileage: 7,000
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 co...
Mileage: 18,000
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 acce...
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 acce...
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 acce...
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 p...
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 l...
Received error code P030300 and the third cylinder fuel injector had to be replaced. There is approximately 36000 miles on the vehicle.
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 o...
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. The car caught fire in the back of the vehicle while parked in Owner's driveway and engine off. Neighbor pounded on Owner's door at 6:...
The emergency brake system comes on while driving 60 - 70 miles an hour on freeway. It has happened twice. It does not happen every time I drive 60 - 70. The light comes on stating Emergency Braking and my vehicle slows down. It does not last for very long then goes away. I took it to the deale...
The emergency brake system comes on while driving 60 - 70 miles an hour on freeway. It has happened twice. It does not happen every time I drive 60 - 70. The light comes on stating Emergency Braking and my vehicle slows down. It does not last for very long then goes away. I took it to the deale...
My coolant reservoir was so low that there was less than 8oz of coolant left in the tank. I contacted my local Hyundai dealership and had them service my Santa Cruz. The service techs at the dealership told me that there was a known issue with some of the factory coolant reservoir caps and the seal ...
Vehice experienced FULL power loss several times. Truck taken to dealership and stated no problem found. Incident happened again a week later. Determined wires can become lose from battery terminals for no reason.
Vehice experienced FULL power loss several times. Truck taken to dealership and stated no problem found. Incident happened again a week later. Determined wires can become lose from battery terminals for no reason.
I am experiencing shuddering when accelerating from stop.
Lower Average Fuel Consumption than advertised. 10mpg
Electric parking brake, driving at 70mph on freeway and Electric parking brake engaged. Almost lost control of vehicle and crashed. Stopped vehicle and turned ignition off let sit for 3 minutes and restarted. Problem cleared able to drive home with out issues. Called dealership to get vehicle in for...
This has happened twice in the last 3 months of owning this vehicle. Both times were luckily in uncrowded slow speed areas, and I had nothing in the bed. First time was in a parking lot (without my tonneau installed), the Most recent incident happened as I was reversing out of my driveway and as I ...
My 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz, which I bought new, has gone into limp mode twice in 8 months, losing power while I was driving and letting me go no faster than 25 MPH. The first time, in April 2024, I was on [XXX] in Hartford CT. I called 911 because I was certain I would be hit by a car. There was no ...
My 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz, which I bought new, has gone into limp mode twice in 8 months, losing power while I was driving and letting me go no faster than 25 MPH. The first time, in April 2024, I was on [XXX] in Hartford CT. I called 911 because I was certain I would be hit by a car. There was no ...
My 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz, which I bought new, has gone into limp mode twice in 8 months, losing power while I was driving and letting me go no faster than 25 MPH. The first time, in April 2024, I was on [XXX] in Hartford CT. I called 911 because I was certain I would be hit by a car. There was no ...
This is my 2nd complaint re: the same issue. Loss of power during driving. Unable to accelerate. I need to pull over shut off the engine and turn it back on.
This is my 2nd complaint re: the same issue. Loss of power during driving. Unable to accelerate. I need to pull over shut off the engine and turn it back on.
Transmission failed to transfer adequate power to the wheels when the accelerator was pressed from a full stop at the entry point of an intersection. This led to the the vehicle slowly entering the intersection for 2 feet over w seconds. Transmission then transferred full power to wheels. Vehicle wa...
Lack of power upon accelerating. I could slowly get car up to 40 MPH however when trying to accelerate it would lose power. I had to pull over for faster traffic to pass.
On 3 separate occasions this has occurred . When accelerating, the engine or power train completely loses all propulsion. Twice I was starting a left hand turn and crossing oncoming traffic. On one occasion I was turning right onto a 50 MPH highway and quickly veered off the road onto the berm. Th...
On 3 separate occasions this has occurred . When accelerating, the engine or power train completely loses all propulsion. Twice I was starting a left hand turn and crossing oncoming traffic. On one occasion I was turning right onto a 50 MPH highway and quickly veered off the road onto the berm. Th...
On 3 separate occasions this has occurred . When accelerating, the engine or power train completely loses all propulsion. Twice I was starting a left hand turn and crossing oncoming traffic. On one occasion I was turning right onto a 50 MPH highway and quickly veered off the road onto the berm. Th...
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH with the cruise control engaged, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle slowed to approximat...
Mileage: 13,803
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH with the cruise control engaged, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle slowed to approximat...
Mileage: 13,803
Loss of power during driving No warning or warning lights vehicle would not accelerate engine speed increased only to 3k rpm’s but vehicle would not accelerate This could have been life threatening if I was in traffic Shut vehicle off and restarted problem when away From looking on forums this...
Loss of power during driving No warning or warning lights vehicle would not accelerate engine speed increased only to 3k rpm’s but vehicle would not accelerate This could have been life threatening if I was in traffic Shut vehicle off and restarted problem when away From looking on forums this...
This vehicle has a design flaw with the grill opening. I had a whole in radiator that cost $1700 from road debris hitting it. Now 3 months later I am putting out $1400 to replace air conditioning condenser for the same reason. The openings for the grill that is supposed to protect these components a...
For the entire day (XXX) my car would go limp when trying to shift gears with an automatic transmission. At least 3-5 second delays when pressing on gas and NOTHING happens. Very dangerous when driving in traffic as you cannot get out of the way of oncoming traffic! It finally moves very slowly a...
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH with the cruise control feature activated, the braking system erroneously activated causing the vehicle to abruptly decelerate. After parking and restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated normally, and the fa...
Mileage: 1,000
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH with the cruise control feature activated, the braking system erroneously activated causing the vehicle to abruptly decelerate. After parking and restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated normally, and the fa...
Mileage: 1,000
Truck stopped shifting corrrectly with 11550 miles. Would get stuck in 8th gear or 2nd gear. Shifting into manual mode produced no response. I brought it to the dealer 6/12 and upon receiving the P1c2d03 code, they told me it would be a hp oil pump. Looking the issue up, it seems the 2022's had ...
so it seems that recall NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V746000 also effects 2023 santa cruz with the dct. While driving got transmission error on gauge once slowed by traffic vehicle would not shift and would just rev, after almost being hit by another car. figure out if you let it rev and then let off ...
On 3/22/2024 I was driving my 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz with 19k miles about 30 mph. My transmission suddenly became jerky without warning and acted liked it did not want to downshift, staying in higher RPMs. When it did decide to downshift, it lurched the vehicle badly. There were no warning lamps o...
Vehicle goes into limp mode not allowing you to go over 25 miles per hour. Happens randomly and unexpectedly causing you to about be rear ended. Once you pull over and shut vehicle off and restart it is normally ok for an unknown period of time
Driving through my neighborhood. Went to enter a Hwy and tried to accelerate. Could only go about 25 mph. with engine speed fluctuating. Checked to see if I had hit paddles by mistake. That is what it felt like. Pulled over put in park. checked for dash notifications none. Got up to about 45, speed ...
While driving the vehicle during winter the temperature of the engine dropped due to thermostat failure leading to no heat in the cabin and a check engine light. Vehicle was towed to the dealer as this failure can cause both engine damage and is unsafe for the occupants in freezing temperatures.
11/14, 2023 Drove about 2-3 miles when all warning lights on the dash came on like a Christmas tree. I was coming to a 4 way stop, both roads were 55 mph speed limits. There was a car behind me and another coming to a stop from the left. I wanted to get across the intersection to pull over and asses...
Rough Idle, Loss of engine power, and cylinder misfire on 2023 Santa Cruize Limited approx. 26,700 miles(currently) purchased new 04-28-2023 at Hyundai in North Knoxville, TN. Vehicle is stored in insulated garage at all times when not in use. 1) Approx. 2k-4k mi vehicle was having rough idling upo...
Rough Idle, Loss of engine power, and cylinder misfire on 2023 Santa Cruize Limited approx. 26,700 miles(currently) purchased new 04-28-2023 at Hyundai in North Knoxville, TN. Vehicle is stored in insulated garage at all times when not in use. 1) Approx. 2k-4k mi vehicle was having rough idling upo...
Rough Idle, Loss of engine power, and cylinder misfire on 2023 Santa Cruize Limited approx. 26,700 miles(currently) purchased new 04-28-2023 at Hyundai in North Knoxville, TN. Vehicle is stored in insulated garage at all times when not in use. 1) Approx. 2k-4k mi vehicle was having rough idling upo...
Tire size Michelin 245/50. R20. Multiple tire flats right rear vehicle has 8368 miles. Last flat was puncture in sidewall requiring replacement of tire. Suspect tire rubber faulty as appears odd color and extremely difficult to clean also has odor or odd smell when cleaning. All flats were display...
Vehicle has multiple engine misfires, resulting from faulty fuel injectors. Unable to maintain speed, vehicle controls become hard to control due to vehicles engine misfires. Vehicle has less ten 20,000 miles. Dealership unable to obtain new fuel injectors due to manufacture not having supply. Vehic...
Vehicle has multiple engine misfires, resulting from faulty fuel injectors. Unable to maintain speed, vehicle controls become hard to control due to vehicles engine misfires. Vehicle has less ten 20,000 miles. Dealership unable to obtain new fuel injectors due to manufacture not having supply. Vehic...
The Highway Drive Assist (HDA) designed to auto change cruise speed according to posted speed limit signs - at 80mph limit will auto change to 83mph and 85mph limit will auto change to 95mph. Hyundai has said this is not available to inspect.
The Highway Drive Assist (HDA) designed to auto change cruise speed according to posted speed limit signs - at 80mph limit will auto change to 83mph and 85mph limit will auto change to 95mph. Hyundai has said this is not available to inspect.
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V181000 (Trailer Hitches) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The conta...
On 04/26/23 a lamp assy-rear comb outside Qty: 1 installed 92402-K5000, was replaced due to condensation inside the taillight. On 09/22/23 both taillights, lamp assy-rear comb outside Qty: 1 installed 92401-K5000, was replaced and lamp assy-rear comb outside Qty: 1 installed 92402-K5000, were repla...
On 04/26/23 a lamp assy-rear comb outside Qty: 1 installed 92402-K5000, was replaced due to condensation inside the taillight. On 09/22/23 both taillights, lamp assy-rear comb outside Qty: 1 installed 92401-K5000, was replaced and lamp assy-rear comb outside Qty: 1 installed 92402-K5000, were repla...
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V181000 (Trailer Hitches) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The conta...
Vehicle has 2k miles on it and it experiences a loss of power from a stop when accelerating. The vehicle shakes as if it is not getting enough gas similar to a manual transmission if you took your foot off the clutch when the vehicle was in 1st gear. It happens about once a week at random times, n...
Rain sensor wiper function. On this setting, even in consistent rain, the system will jump to slow wiper intervals all the way to the fastest setting...with no change in the amount or rain hitting the windshield. It seems confused and searching for the proper speed. It becomes dangerous when it a...
Car will not start properly and shuts itself off after which a strong odor of burning plastic is present in the vehicle. It will periodically do this almost once a day if not every other day. I have taken it in to the dealer 4 times last time they had my car for two weeks and could not replicate por...
Car will not start properly and shuts itself off after which a strong odor of burning plastic is present in the vehicle. It will periodically do this almost once a day if not every other day. I have taken it in to the dealer 4 times last time they had my car for two weeks and could not replicate por...
I went to my Hyundai dealer because the tunneau cover is taking in a lot of water when it rains. All sides are taking in the water. This even occurs when I go to the car wash. The whole person of the cover is to keep things dry and from things flying out of the bed of the truck. The dealer spent fou...
My new 2023 Santa Cruz lost power on freeway. The dealer performed a transmission software update; however, the issue was significantly worse after the upgrade, causing me to lose power again on a busy freeway. The vehicle was towed back to dealer. Today I was told the transmission needs replacement...
The dual clutch transmission frequently, though not consistently, malfunctions under acceleration. Typically, when accelerating from a stop, when the transmission shifts from 1st to 2nd gear, the clutch will slip causing a sudden loss of acceleration and shaking of the vehicle. Hyundai calls this ...
Upon pulling onto a street, the vehicle lost power. Pressing on the gas pedal provided no power or faster RPM's. No warning lights were activated. I pulled in and out of two different side streets with very little power. Parked and shut off the vehicle. Restarted and the power returned. This is very...
My issue was that I would press the gas pedal, but once I got to 20 mph the engine would stop giving power and I couldn’t get up to speed. My top speed was 30 mph, even though I would give it gas to speed up. This was the worst after I would come to a stop at a traffic light. As I pressed the gas ...
My issue was that I would press the gas pedal, but once I got to 20 mph the engine would stop giving power and I couldn’t get up to speed. My top speed was 30 mph, even though I would give it gas to speed up. This was the worst after I would come to a stop at a traffic light. As I pressed the gas ...
The most major problem that occurred on 2-3 different occasions is that the emergency braking system activated for no reason on one occasion, almost causing a Rear end collision with a person behind me. No one to my sides, and in front of me on all of the occasions. Headlights on the automatic, sett...
The most major problem that occurred on 2-3 different occasions is that the emergency braking system activated for no reason on one occasion, almost causing a Rear end collision with a person behind me. No one to my sides, and in front of me on all of the occasions. Headlights on the automatic, sett...
The most major problem that occurred on 2-3 different occasions is that the emergency braking system activated for no reason on one occasion, almost causing a Rear end collision with a person behind me. No one to my sides, and in front of me on all of the occasions. Headlights on the automatic, sett...
As I was driving the call 4 times has turned off in the middle of the road. An error message pops up and stays to put the car in neutral and to push the start button to start it. This has nearly caused an accident because it happens when I am driving . The vehicle also threw out error code P023600...
coolant temperature gauge keeps fluctuating between midpoint and cold. engine light is on. dealership has no remedy.
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V181000 (Trailer Hitches) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amou...
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. I looked out the back door and saw that the whole garage was completely engulfed in flames....
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz. The contact stated that while pulling into a parking space, the contact crashed into a pole; however, the air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained injuries and received medical attention. No police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a colli...
Mileage: 1,200
*Headlights are not shining correctly. Traveling on a two lane highway, a big black spot covers the whole left lane, about 75 yards. No black spot on traveling lane Driving on a curve road in a subdivision, your eyes follows the black spot , instead of paying attention the road. This is a bad s...
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz. The contact stated while slowing down at approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle downshifted roughly and would jolt while shifting into gear. The contact stated that the failure had been occurring intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that the RPMs wo...
Mileage: 4,000
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz. The contact stated while slowing down at approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle downshifted roughly and would jolt while shifting into gear. The contact stated that the failure had been occurring intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that the RPMs wo...
Mileage: 4,000
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz. The contact stated while slowing down at approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle downshifted roughly and would jolt while shifting into gear. The contact stated that the failure had been occurring intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that the RPMs wo...
Mileage: 4,000
Discovery on vehicle from Crown dealership, as formal QM from automaker, this particular vehicle could no pass safety and quality inspection due to missing parts in interior. Charging USB port is missing and uninsulated electric cables visibly not connected properly due to missing part can cause sho...
Discovery on vehicle from Crown dealership, as formal QM from automaker, this particular vehicle could no pass safety and quality inspection due to missing parts in interior. Charging USB port is missing and uninsulated electric cables visibly not connected properly due to missing part can cause sho...
Coolant leaking onto engine shield and ground from front a small rock that hit of vehicle radiator. The radiator is not nearly shielded well enough to protect it from rocks and other debris. A 1/4 inch diameter rock struck the front of radiator through grill opening resulting in a leak and pos...
On February 10, 2023, I was driving my 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz on Interstate 10 near Gautier, Mississippi. My cruise control was activated and I was cruising at a speed of about 76mph. Suddenly the vehicle began to rev up to 7,000 RPMs and decelerate. The vehicle then began to coast at around 45mph ...
The car has 1,360 miles and is only a month old since I bought it. Car sat for 8 hours at my work parking lot. When I went to start it it ran rough like an engine misfire for about 10 seconds then normal. When I drove off with engine cold... the transmission would not shift up and was at 4,000...
The car has 1,360 miles and is only a month old since I bought it. Car sat for 8 hours at my work parking lot. When I went to start it it ran rough like an engine misfire for about 10 seconds then normal. When I drove off with engine cold... the transmission would not shift up and was at 4,000...
Sat Feb 4 2023 .There is a safety issue I have .with fact I left walmart pulled out into traffic went to 20 miles hour would not go any faster let off gas 3 times pushed and it finally took off this car has less than 3,000 Miles on it the only gd thing was I was on side street could only imagine. P...
The windshield washer spray nozzles do not provide proper coverage to clean the windshield. They spray almost directly at the very bottom of the windshield while at rest, and it's even worse when at speed. I had the dealer check it out. They originally told me they adjusted the spray nozzles, but wh...
On this new Hyundai design the headlights and bright lights are put low, into the area where the bumper and turn signals normally are. They put halogen bulbs in 3 versions (including the version we own). We are older and don't have perfect vision. The lights in this location are unusually dim and c...
Hyundai manual requires 0w20 oil (which is synthetic) in this engine, to avoid engine failure. Hyundai promises 3 years of free maintenance. BUT, all local Hyundai dealers tell us that Hyundai Corporate won't pay for the recommended oil when servicing our vehicles. SO, they will do the free maintena...
Brand new. I hit the gas trying to pull out onto a busy road and I couldn't go above 30-40Mph. The RPMs went up but the car would not accelerate. I pulled onto a slower road and tried changing gears manually, and different drive modes such as sport or snow. The problem persisted. I shut the vehicle/...
Brand new. I hit the gas trying to pull out onto a busy road and I couldn't go above 30-40Mph. The RPMs went up but the car would not accelerate. I pulled onto a slower road and tried changing gears manually, and different drive modes such as sport or snow. The problem persisted. I shut the vehicle/...
Joined a Santa Cruz Owners blog immediately after purchase. This safety defect involves BOTH the 2022 and 2023 - ALL models. The front grill (especially the lower section) has no mesh and the openings are too big. Road debris entering this area can disable the Engine Cooling System and/or the vehi...
On 11/6/2022, while driving the vehicle, it suffered a loss of power and would not accelerate. I was in the vehicle with my wife and 2 young children who felt the vehicle shudder. I was able to drive the vehicle to my home. On 11/7/2022, upon starting the vehicle, I received an error notice from the...
Less than a week after purchasing the vehicle, the audio stopped working. All warnings had no audible indication, including lane departure, rear collision, front collision, blind spot, and back seat. Looking up the issue online, it seems this is common on the trim of my vehicle (Limited). I brought ...
Less than a week after purchasing the vehicle, the audio stopped working. All warnings had no audible indication, including lane departure, rear collision, front collision, blind spot, and back seat. Looking up the issue online, it seems this is common on the trim of my vehicle (Limited). I brought ...
Less than a week after purchasing the vehicle, the audio stopped working. All warnings had no audible indication, including lane departure, rear collision, front collision, blind spot, and back seat. Looking up the issue online, it seems this is common on the trim of my vehicle (Limited). I brought ...
Driver's seat power height adjustment does not work. Brought it to the dealership and they claimed they verified the issue and it was because of something I had under the seat. They claimed to have corrected it, and verified operation, but it still doesn't work. When confronted about it, the service...
Driver's seat power height adjustment does not work. Brought it to the dealership and they claimed they verified the issue and it was because of something I had under the seat. They claimed to have corrected it, and verified operation, but it still doesn't work. When confronted about it, the service...