2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Safety Report

2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz: Significant Powertrain Issues and Recalls, Unrated Crash Performance

170Complaints
4Recalls
45/100Reliability Score
4Crash Reports
1Fire Reports
4Injuries
Most reported components: Power Train (45)Unknown Or Other (18)Power Train,Engine (14)Engine (12)Exterior Lighting (7)Electrical System (6)Fuel/Propulsion System (5)Power Train,Vehicle Speed Control,Engine (4)Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System (3)Power Train,Vehicle Speed Control,Unknown Or Other (3)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz presents a mixed safety picture, with significant concerns regarding powertrain reliability and a notable recall history, despite a lack of comprehensive NHTSA crash test ratings. With 170 total complaints, 4 crashes, 1 fire, and 4 injuries reported, the vehicle has demonstrated several critical safety issues. The most frequent complaint component is 'POWER TRAIN' with 45 reports, often detailing sudden loss of motive power, transmission failures (including DCT), and inability to accelerate, which poses a high risk of crashes, as evidenced by multiple sample complaints. The 'ENGINE' component also accounts for 12 complaints, with specific issues like misfires and fuel injector failures being common. Recall history further underscores these concerns. Four recalls have been issued, directly addressing fire risks from tow hitch harnesses and turbocharger oil supply pipes, and a critical 'POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION' recall for a 'fail-safe' limited-mobility drive mode that can lead to loss of drive power. Another recall addresses detaching roof moldings, which can become road hazards. These recalls align with the high volume of powertrain and engine-related complaints, suggesting systemic issues rather than isolated incidents. The single reported fire and multiple injury reports, including instances where airbags failed to deploy in collisions, highlight the severity of some of these malfunctions. Despite the concerning complaint and recall data, NHTSA has not published overall, frontal, side, or rollover crash test ratings for the 2022 Santa Cruz, making it difficult to assess its passive safety performance through official channels. However, the complaints detailing airbag non-deployment in crashes are particularly alarming. The combination of frequent powertrain failures, fire risks, and unconfirmed crashworthiness due to missing ratings suggests that while the vehicle has potential, its early production years are plagued with significant reliability and safety challenges that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Reliability Score

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Dct Transmission Failure / Loss Of Motive Power
Numerous complaints describe the vehicle losing power, failing to shift, or getting stuck in gear, often at highway speeds, due to transmission malfunctions, including DCT failures. This is supported by 45 'POWER TRAIN' complaints and a specific recall for 'fail-safe' mode leading to loss of drive power.		 High Common 0-30000 miles
Engine Misfires / Fuel Injector Failures
Several reports indicate engine running roughly, misfires, and check engine lights due to faulty fuel injectors, sometimes requiring multiple replacements. This contributes to the 12 'ENGINE' complaints.		 Medium Occasional 10000-30000 miles
Airbag Non-Deployment In Collisions
At least two complaints detail severe collisions where airbags failed to deploy, resulting in occupant injuries, raising serious concerns about the vehicle's passive safety systems.		 High Rare 0-20000 miles
Fire Risk From Tow Hitch Harness / Turbocharger Oil Pipe
Two separate recalls address fire hazards: one for tow hitch harness corrosion leading to electrical shorts, and another for cracking turbocharger oil supply pipes causing oil leaks, increasing fire risk in the engine compartment. One fire incident is reported.		 High Rare 0-30000 miles
Detaching Roof Moldings
A recall indicates that roof moldings may detach, potentially becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.		 Medium Rare 0-20000 miles
Erroneous Forward Collision Avoidance System Engagement
One complaint describes the Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking system erroneously engaging while driving at highway speeds, creating a dangerous situation.		 Medium Rare 0-15000 miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz:

Power Train 26% of complaints

The most common issue, accounting for 45 complaints, involves the transmission and overall powertrain, with reports of sudden loss of power, inability to accelerate, and rough shifting, often linked to DCT failures.

Engine 7% of complaints

Engine-related problems, with 12 complaints, frequently involve misfires, rough running, and fuel injector failures, sometimes leading to reduced power or stalling.

Exterior Lighting 4% of complaints

7 complaints are related to exterior lighting, though specific patterns are not detailed in the provided sample.

Electrical System 4% of complaints

6 complaints are for the electrical system, including issues like backup camera malfunctions and safety feature warning alerts not working.

Fuel/Propulsion System 3% of complaints

5 complaints are directly related to the fuel/propulsion system, often intertwined with engine performance issues like fuel injector failures.

Structure:Body:Roof And Pillars 1% of complaints

At least one complaint and a recall point to issues with roof moldings detaching.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz

Is the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz has significant safety concerns, particularly regarding its powertrain reliability and fire risks, evidenced by 170 complaints, 4 recalls, and reports of loss of motive power and airbag non-deployment. NHTSA has not provided official crash test ratings, making a full assessment of its crashworthiness difficult.

What are common problems with the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz?

The most reported issues for the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz are related to the POWER TRAIN (45 complaints), including sudden loss of power and transmission failures. ENGINE problems (12 complaints) like misfires and fuel injector failures are also common. Other issues include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM malfunctions (6 complaints) and EXTERIOR LIGHTING problems (7 complaints).

Are there any recalls for the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz?

Yes, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz has 4 recalls. These include recalls for fire risks related to trailer hitch harnesses and turbocharger oil supply pipes, potential loss of drive power due to a 'fail-safe' transmission mode, and detaching roof moldings.

Does the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz have issues with its transmission?

Yes, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz has significant and common issues with its transmission, falling under the 'POWER TRAIN' category with 45 complaints. Owners report sudden loss of power, inability to accelerate, rough shifting, and complete transmission failures, including DCT issues. There is also a recall specifically addressing loss of drive power due to a transmission 'fail-safe' mode.

What are the fire risks associated with the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz?

There are two distinct fire risks identified by recalls for the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz. One recall addresses a potential fire hazard from the tow hitch harness due to corrosion, and another concerns a cracking oil supply pipe to the turbocharger, which could lead to an oil leak and fire in the engine compartment. One fire incident has been reported.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the numerous powertrain complaints, multiple safety recalls including fire risks, and unrated crash test performance, exercise caution. Thoroughly inspect service records, ensure all recalls have been addressed, and consider an extended warranty if purchasing a 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz. The data includes 170 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 4 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 4 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.