Santa Cruz (1st)
Engine Reliability Ratings
GDI THETA III
2.5L 4-cyl / 191 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
T-GDI THETA III
2.5L 4-cyl Turbo / 281 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Hyundai Santa Cruz regardless of engine variant.
Alternatives in Compact Truck
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2022-2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz problems?
The 2022-2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz has accumulated 289 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Transmission, Engine, Electrical System. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Hyundai Santa Cruz engine is most reliable?
The 2022-2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz was offered with 2 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.5L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2022-2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz a good used car?
The 2022-2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 289 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2022-2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz have?
The 2022-2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz has 289 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2022-2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
There are 0 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2022-2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Hyundai Santa Cruz?
Before buying a used Hyundai Santa Cruz, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Transmission, Engine, Electrical System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
Does the Santa Cruz have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2022-2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 289 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.