2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Safety Report

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz presents a mixed safety picture. While it boasts excellent crash test performance with a 5-star overall NHTSA rating, including 5 stars for frontal and side impacts and 4 stars for rollover, there are notable concerns regarding its advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and a couple of significant recalls. With only 15 total complaints, 1 crash, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported to NHTSA, the vehicle's incident rate appears low for its age. However, a disproportionate number of these complaints, 6 out of 15, are directly related to the 'FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE' system, indicating a pattern of false activations and over-sensitivity. Other complaints highlight issues with exterior lighting and the electrical system, including instances of headlights and instrumentation going out while driving. The recall history, though limited to two recalls, addresses critical safety components. One recall (NHTSA ID: 24V-XXX, specific ID not provided in prompt) concerns the potential improper installation of side curtain airbags, which could increase injury risk in a crash. The second recall (NHTSA ID: 24V-XXX, specific ID not provided in prompt) addresses an improperly routed console extension wiring assembly that could allow the transmission to be shifted out of Park without applying the brake pedal, leading to a vehicle roll-away risk. These recalls are serious and require immediate attention from owners. In summary, the 2025 Santa Cruz performs exceptionally well in traditional crash tests. However, the high number of complaints regarding the Forward Collision Avoidance system's erratic behavior, coupled with recalls for critical safety features like airbags and transmission shift interlock, suggest that while the vehicle is structurally sound, its electronic safety aids and certain manufacturing processes have room for improvement. Buyers should be aware of these ADAS issues and ensure all recall remedies have been performed.

Our recommendation: While the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz has strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should prioritize ensuring all recall remedies have been performed and be prepared for possible erratic behavior from the advanced driver-assistance systems, particularly the Forward Collision Avoidance feature.