2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Safety Report

2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz: Excellent Crash Ratings, but Concerning Power Train and Steering Reliability Issues Reported

30Complaints
1Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
55/100Reliability Score
3Crash Reports
3Injuries
Most reported components: Power Train (6)Unknown Or Other (3)Fuel/Propulsion System (2)Back Over Prevention,Forward Collision Avoidance (1)Power Train,Engine (1)Suspension (1)Steering (1)Vehicle Speed Control,Unknown Or Other,Engine (1)Equipment (1)Power Train,Back Over Prevention (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz presents a mixed safety picture. While it boasts excellent crash test performance with a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating, including 5 stars for frontal and side impacts and 4 stars for rollover, there are notable concerns regarding its reliability and potential for critical component failures. With only 30 total complaints, 3 crashes, and 3 injuries reported, the sheer volume of complaints is low, but the nature of these complaints is concerning for a brand-new model year. A significant pattern of complaints revolves around the power train, specifically the transmission and engine. Multiple reports describe sudden loss of power, stalling, and the vehicle feeling like it's in neutral while in gear, often occurring at critical moments like accelerating from a stop or at highway speeds. This issue is directly linked to several injury reports and poses a substantial crash risk. Additionally, there's a single recall for the steering system, specifically the electric power assist, which could lead to a loss of power steering and increase crash risk. This recall affects certain 2024 Tucson and Santa Cruz vehicles due to a circuit board short circuit. Beyond the power train, other issues include fuel system odors, suspension noises, and even a report of a sunroof exploding. The low mileage on many of these reported incidents (e.g., 33,000 miles for a transmission issue, 776 miles for a fuel issue) suggests potential manufacturing defects rather than wear and tear. While the crash test ratings are reassuring for occupant protection in an impact, the recurring power loss issues indicate a significant safety hazard that could lead to an accident in the first place. The recall for power steering further underscores potential manufacturing quality control issues.

Reliability Score

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz receives a reliability score of 55 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 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Sudden Loss Of Power/Transmission Failure
Multiple reports of the vehicle losing power, stalling, or feeling like it shifts into neutral while in gear, often at low speeds or during acceleration. This has led to several injury reports and near-misses.		 High Common 0-33000 miles
Electric Power Steering Loss
A recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 24V-200) addresses a potential short circuit in the motor-driven power steering assembly, leading to a loss of power steering assist and increased crash risk.		 High Occasional 0-unknown miles
Fuel System Odor/Malfunction
Reports of strong fuel smells from parked vehicles after filling the tank, and one instance of the car not running with a half tank of gas.		 Medium Occasional 0-776 miles
Suspension Noise/Malfunction
Abnormal creaking sounds reported from the suspension.		 Low Rare unknown miles
Sunroof Explosion
One report of the sunroof exploding while driving at highway speeds, causing minor injuries from glass slivers.		 Medium Rare unknown miles
Tailgate Malfunction
Reports of the tailgate falling off or lowering by itself while driving.		 Low Rare unknown 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:

Power Train 20% of complaints

Frequent complaints about the transmission and engine, including sudden loss of power, stalling, and the vehicle feeling like it's in neutral while in gear. This is the most reported issue with 6 complaints specifically under POWER TRAIN and additional related complaints under POWER TRAIN,ENGINE.

Steering 3% of complaints

One complaint directly about steering and a recall for loss of electric power steering assist.

Fuel/Propulsion System 6% of complaints

Complaints related to strong fuel odors and the vehicle not running due to fuel system issues.

Suspension 3% of complaints

One complaint regarding abnormal creaking sounds from the suspension.

Equipment 3% of complaints

Includes issues like the sunroof exploding and tailgate malfunctions.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz

Is the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz received excellent crash test ratings, achieving a 5-star overall safety rating. However, there are significant concerns regarding its operational reliability, particularly with multiple reports of sudden power loss and a recall for potential loss of power steering assist, which could increase the risk of a crash.

What are common problems with the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz?

The most reported issues for the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz revolve around the POWER TRAIN (6 complaints), including sudden loss of power, stalling, and transmission malfunctions. Other problems include fuel system odors, suspension noises, and a recall for potential loss of electric power steering.

Has the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz been recalled?

Yes, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz has one recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 24V-200) concerning the STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM. The circuit board in the motor-driven power steering assembly may short circuit, leading to a loss of power steering assist.

Are there any issues with the transmission or engine?

Yes, there are multiple complaints regarding the transmission and engine, falling under the POWER TRAIN category. Owners report the vehicle losing power, stalling, or feeling like it's in neutral while in gear, often at low mileage (e.g., 33,000 miles). These issues have been linked to injuries.

How does the 2024 Santa Cruz perform in crash tests?

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz performs very well in crash tests, earning a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. It received 5 stars for both frontal and side crash tests, and 4 stars for rollover resistance.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: While the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz offers strong crash protection, potential buyers should be aware of the recurring power train issues and the steering recall; thoroughly investigate these concerns and ensure all recall work is completed before purchase.

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.