2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Safety Report
2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Moderate (1) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (30) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 3 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Power Train | Compare power train issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2026 | Compare against the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz with 0 complaints and 2 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2022 | Check the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz before buying across this generation. |
Hyundai Santa Cruz Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Hyundai Santa Cruz years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz | 15 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz | 73 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz | 0 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz | 170 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Power Train
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Hyundai onlyUnknown Or Other
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Hyundai onlyFuel/Propulsion System
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Fuel/Propulsion System issues Hyundai onlyBack Over Prevention,Forward Collision Avoidance
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Back Over Prevention,Forward Collision Avoidance issues Hyundai onlyPower Train,Engine
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Engine issues Hyundai onlySuspension
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Suspension issues Hyundai onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Reliability Score
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz receives a reliability score of 5 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates below-average reliability. Significant issues have been reported by owners and should be carefully evaluated before purchase.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train Issues Multiple reports of stalling and loss of power when shifting gears, causing a loss of control and potential safety hazards. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Fuel Smell Strong fuel smell from the vehicle, indicating possible issues with the fuel tank or system, which could lead to a fire hazard. |
Medium | Common | 0-100k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz:
Issues with the power train, including stalling and loss of power when shifting gears, are the most common problems reported.
Recall Details for the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The following 1 recall has been issued for the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz by NHTSA:
Summary: 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.
Consequence: A loss of power steering assist can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 3 complaints involved crashes. 2 reported injuries or fatalities.
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 miles
I purchased the vehicle in September of 2025 I called and sent text message to Palmer Hyundai of Mobile to report an issue with forward Collision System (please note Photos and document would not attach so i sent an email to VSH@DOT.GOV. 02/08/2025. The issue was reported at the 1st oil change with Palmer Hyundai (8000 miles oil change) I have been dealing with this issue for a year, I wanted to ...
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 ge...
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.
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 vehi...
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 cont...
As I was attempting to accelerate at a stop light, once I got to 10mph I lost all power and the vehicle appeared to be in neutral, even though it was in gear. The engine just revved and would not go any faster. It appeared that the transmission just completely slipped out of gear. I had to figure out a way to exit the road as I was in full rush hour traffic. When I re-entered traffic to try again...
The contact owns a 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz. The contact stated that while in the process of towing the vehicle on a tow dolly, the contact attempted to steer the steering wheel to verify that the steering wheel was locked, but the steering wheel was not locked and could be turned. The contact stated that the Owner's Manual stated that the steering wheel would lock while the vehicle was turned off....
Vehicle seems to not go into park at times and then coasts forward.
We purchased our 2024 Santa Cruz [XXX]. On [XXX] the Santa Cruz we purchased from Korum Hyundai Dealership died on the highway as my husband and I were heading to town through the mountains. We had to roll to the side of the road as the Santa Cruz just lost all power and would not accelerate, it just died and lost power. I thought it was a fluke. My husband was driving. I asked if he had hit ...
On [XXX] my car would not run with a half a tank of gas and 776 miles ,I allied Hyundai towing and had it towed to the nearest dealer in Springfield pa and it sat down a week or more before they looked at it ,after that they finally called and stated there was sugar in my tank ,I explained that was impossible because I have a 175 foot private drive and a dog that barks at anything I explained th...
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.
See attached document for complaint.
On one occasion on interstate at highway speed during summer, dry conditions I was driving at approximately 60 mph and was not accelerating while maintaining average pace in traffic. For no apparent reason the engine lost all power. I was forced to drift over in a hazardous manner to reach the right shoulder. When the power was lost the engine was still on and operating, multiple presses on the ...
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 ther...
Driver 1 will be the Hyundai Santa Cruz traveling northbound on [XXX] at [XXX] . Driver 2 crossed [XXX] 1 directly in front of my vehicle causing extensive damage to the vehicle as well as injuries to the occupants. Vehicle 1 was [XXX] months old at the time. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED! All airbags of the #2 vehicle deployed, ALL. Driver 1, was driving 45 mph northbound and never had a chance to slow...
My truck lost power climbing a pass. My speed dropped from 60 mph to 20 mph while on a state highway outside Yellowstone NP where traffic can be heavy. My error codes have indicated that it is a problem in the fuel injection system. I have had electrical harness on that system replaced 4 times in 6 weeks, 2 of the times took place at the dealership during repair. My truck is still not operable.
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 ...
- Incident occurred on the interstate about a mile from the exit - Was in the right hand lane preparing to exit - Started raining very heavily, could barely see the lane lines - Continued to slow down coming to a momentary stop - When beginning to go again, experienced the drive/tires or something started Shuttering/vibrating-like riding over very rough gravel - At this time the car began spee...
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...
Showing 20 of 30 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Has the 2024 HYUNDAI SANTA CRUZ been recalled?
Yes, the 2024 HYUNDAI SANTA CRUZ has 1 recall on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2024 HYUNDAI SANTA CRUZ have?
The 2024 HYUNDAI SANTA CRUZ has 30 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 3 involved crashes. 3 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2024 HYUNDAI SANTA CRUZ?
The 2024 HYUNDAI SANTA CRUZ received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2024 HYUNDAI SANTA CRUZ?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2024 HYUNDAI SANTA CRUZ involve power train (6 complaints), unknown or other (3 complaints), fuel/propulsion system (2 complaints). Other affected components include back over prevention,forward collision avoidance, power train,engine, suspension.
How many crash reports does the 2024 HYUNDAI SANTA CRUZ have?
There are 3 crash reports associated with the 2024 HYUNDAI SANTA CRUZ out of 30 total complaints (10.0% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2024 HYUNDAI SANTA CRUZ have?
There are no fire reports for the 2024 HYUNDAI SANTA CRUZ in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2024 HYUNDAI SANTA CRUZ?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2024 HYUNDAI SANTA CRUZ.
How many injuries are reported for the 2024 HYUNDAI SANTA CRUZ?
3 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2024 HYUNDAI SANTA CRUZ. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2024 HYUNDAI SANTA CRUZ?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2024 HYUNDAI SANTA CRUZ is generally recommended. It has 30 complaints, 1 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2024 HYUNDAI SANTA CRUZ?
The components with the most failures on the 2024 HYUNDAI SANTA CRUZ are: 1. POWER TRAIN (6 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3 complaints), 3. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2 complaints), 4. BACK OVER PREVENTION,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints), 5. POWER TRAIN,ENGINE (1 complaints). POWER TRAIN is the single most-reported problem area with 6 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2024 HYUNDAI SANTA CRUZ?
Be cautious of power train issues and strong fuel smells, as these can pose safety hazards. Consider a thorough inspection before purchasing. The 2024 HYUNDAI SANTA CRUZ has 30 NHTSA complaints and 1 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2024 HYUNDAI SANTA CRUZ?
The 2024 HYUNDAI SANTA CRUZ receives a reliability score of 5/100, indicating below-average reliability. This is based on 30 owner complaints, 1 recalls, and 3 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Power Train Issues and Fuel Smell.
What are the known issues with the 2024 HYUNDAI SANTA CRUZ?
Known issues with the 2024 HYUNDAI SANTA CRUZ include: Power Train Issues, Fuel Smell. These are based on patterns found across 30 NHTSA complaints. 1 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common issues reported for the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
The most common issues are power train problems, including stalling and loss of power when shifting gears, and strong fuel smells.
Are there any recalls for the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
Yes, Hyundai is recalling certain 2024 Tucson and Santa Cruz vehicles due to an issue with the steering system.
What should I do if I smell fuel in my 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
Stop driving immediately, turn off the engine, and have the vehicle inspected for potential fuel system issues.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of power train issues and strong fuel smells, as these can pose safety hazards. Consider a thorough inspection before purchasing.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz. The data includes 30 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 3 reported crashes, 3 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
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.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16