Transmission Minor
Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.
Reliability
Overall Reliability
The 2025 Santa Cruz is more reliable than other cars from the same model year.
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
Owner Reported Trouble Spots
The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.
Electrical Accessories
Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.
What Owners Say
""Keyless entry works inconsistently. Sometimes I have to reposition the key in my pocket so that it will work. Repositioning makes keyless entry less useful. Keyless entry also sometimes requires that I reposition my hand multiple times, which is annoying and reduces the usefulness of this feature. There is also no keyless entry sensor on either of the rear doors, so if I want to load something in the back seat while using keyless entry, I first have to touch the front door handle before I attempt to open the back door. This is an annoyance and not something that I would expect from a top trim level vehicle.""
Anonymous, WA (2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)Engine Major
Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.
Exhaust
Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.
Noises/Leaks
Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.
In-car Electronics
Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.
Body Hardware
Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.
Engine Cooling
Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.
Paint/Trim
Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.
Engine Minor
Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.
Transmission Major
Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.
Engine Electrical
Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.
Climate System
AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.
Suspension/Steering
Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.
Brakes
Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.
Drive System
Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.
Fuel System/Emissions
Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.
2025 Pickup Trucks Reliability
This Car
0
100
Hyundai Santa Cruz
vs. Similar Cars
Ford Maverick
Ford Maverick Hybrid
Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability
Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting
how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability
information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for
about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give
you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential
trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes,
to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
May 18, 2026
Unexpected braking increases the risk of a crash.
Summary:
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Santa Cruz, Tucson, Tucson Hybrid, and Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles. Software in the front cameras may cause the forward collision avoidance system to activate prematurely and unexpectedly apply the brakes.
What should you do:
Dealers will update the front camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 17, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 302. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 20, 2026.
For more information:
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
26V316000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
423062
AIR BAGS
Nov 20, 2025
Side curtain air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Summary:
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025 Tucson, 2025-2026 Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Hybrid, and 2026 Genesis GV70 vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not have been installed properly, which can cause the air bags not to deploy as intended.
What should you do:
Dealers will reinstall the side curtain air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning December 29, 2025. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's numbers for this recall are 289 and 029G. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on November 22, 2025.
For more information:
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
25V809000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
258
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Nov 20, 2024
A transmission that can shift out of Park without applying the brake pedal can result in a vehicle roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
Summary:
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025 Tucson and Santa Cruz vehicles. The console extension wiring assembly may be routed improperly, allowing the transmission to be shifted out of Park without applying the brake pedal.
What should you do:
Owners are advised to use the parking brake when parking the vehicle. Dealers will reroute the console extension wiring assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 17, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 273.
For more information:
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 nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
24V877000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
42465
Check Vehicle for Unrepaired Recalls
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""DCT transmission is jerky upon start up. Happens about 8 out of ten times, has been occuring since day two of ownership... Previous vehicle experienced exact same issues, that is why I purchased new year upgrade vehicle..""
Anonymous, TN (2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT 2.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)