VehicleVerdict

2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 106 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.1 times the median Santa Cruz year — the 2023 model ranks #2 of 5 Santa Cruz years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (25), engine (19), and electrical system (11), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

106

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2023 compare to other Santa Cruz years?

Santa Cruz NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted269 complaints2022: 269 complaints2023: 106 complaints2024: 51 complaints2025: 25 complaints2026: 6 complaints
Santa Cruz NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Santa Cruz years to avoid →

What are the most common 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission2524%
Engine1918%
Electrical System1110%
Other98%
Driver Assistance88%
Fuel System77%
Speed Control66%
Brakes55%
Lighting44%
Trailer Hitch33%
Airbags22%
Body & Structure22%
Visibility & Wipers22%
Suspension11%
Seats11%
Tires & Wheels11%

Does the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V181000Trailer HitchMarch 17, 2023 · 584,784 units

Defect

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.

23V038000Body & StructureJanuary 31, 2023 · 16,104 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 17, 2025

“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 is…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 12, 2024

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 1, 2023 · fire

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 23, 2024

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · March 4, 2025

2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz — common questions

Is the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 106 complaints put the 2023 model at #2 of 5 Santa Cruz years. It is one of the Santa Cruz years to avoid.

What are the most common 2023 Santa Cruz problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (25 complaints), engine (19 complaints), electrical system (11 complaints).

Does the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Hyundai Santa Cruz years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Santa Cruz years to avoid are 2022, 2023. The cleanest record among Santa Cruz years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.