Last updated: 2026-04-20

Hyundai Santa-Cruz
66
GoodReliability score: 66 out of 100, rated Good

Hyundai Santa-Cruz Reliability by Year

The Hyundai Santa-Cruz averages 66/100 across 4 model years, rated good.

11 recalls289 complaintsBest year: 2025

Hyundai Santa-Cruz Reliability Overview

The Hyundai Santa-Cruz, covering model years 2022 to 2026, has an average reliability score of 68 out of 100, indicating a generally good reliability reputation. Data shows that earlier models, particularly 2022 and 2023, experience frequent powertrain and electrical system issues, while later models demonstrate improvements, with the 2026 model reporting no complaints. Repair costs are moderate, and the vehicle is best suited for those who prioritize recent models with fewer reported issues and higher reliability scores.

Current generation: 1st gen (2022–2023), facelifted 2025.

Best & Worst Hyundai Santa-Cruz Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Hyundai Santa-Cruz Years to Buy

The best Hyundai Santa-Cruz year is 2025 with a reliability score of 72/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2024 (71/100) and 2023 (64/100).

Hyundai Santa-Cruz Years to Avoid

The worst Hyundai Santa-Cruz year is 2022 with a score of 57/100, primarily due to power train (82) issues.

Hyundai Santa-Cruz Reliability Score Trend

Hyundai Santa-Cruz reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 72/100 compared to 61/100 for older years.

Scores 0–100. Higher is better.

Hyundai Santa-Cruz reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
202257/100Mixed
202364/100Good
202471/100Good
202572/100Good

Year-by-Year Reliability

69
PredictedPredicted reliability score: 69 out of 100

2026 Hyundai Santa-Cruz

2 recalls · 0 complaints

The 2026 Hyundai Santa-Cruz has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 0 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Hyundai Santa-Cruz.

72
GoodReliability score: 72 out of 100, rated Good

2025 Hyundai Santa-Cruz

2 recalls · 15 complaints

The 2025 Hyundai Santa-Cruz has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 15 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Hyundai Santa-Cruz. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Forward Collision Avoidance (8), Electrical System (2), Unknown Or Other (2).

71
GoodReliability score: 71 out of 100, rated Good

2024 Hyundai Santa-Cruz

1 recalls · 30 complaints

The 2024 Hyundai Santa-Cruz has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 30 owner complaints on file for the 2024 Hyundai Santa-Cruz. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (9), Unknown Or Other (3), Fuel Propulsion System (2).

64
GoodReliability score: 64 out of 100, rated Good

2023 Hyundai Santa-Cruz

2 recalls · 73 complaints

The 2023 Hyundai Santa-Cruz has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 73 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Hyundai Santa-Cruz. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint and 3 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (25), Electrical System (11), Engine (8).

57
MixedReliability score: 57 out of 100, rated Mixed

2022 Hyundai Santa-Cruz

4 recalls · 171 complaints

The 2022 Hyundai Santa-Cruz has mixed reliability. There are 4 recalls and 171 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Hyundai Santa-Cruz. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (82), Unknown Or Other (21), Engine (15).

VIN History Report

Found Your Hyundai Santa-Cruz? Check Its History

Every Hyundai Santa-Cruz has a different past. Before you buy, a VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, and open recalls.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

Hyundai Santa-Cruz Repair Costs

Reliability Rating

3/5

Compare Hyundai Santa-Cruz With Similar Trucks

The Hyundai Santa-Cruz competes with other midsize trucks such as Ford Maverick, Toyota Tacoma, and Ford Ranger.

Compare Hyundai vs Ford

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Hyundai Santa-Cruz reliable?
The Hyundai Santa-Cruz has good reliability with an average score of 66/100. Some model years are stronger than others — check individual years before buying.
What is the best year for the Hyundai Santa-Cruz?
The best year for the Hyundai Santa-Cruz is 2025 with a reliability score of 72/100, rated good. It has 2 recalls and 15 owner complaints on record. See full 2025 Hyundai Santa-Cruzanalysis →
What are the Hyundai Santa-Cruz years to avoid?
The Hyundai Santa-Cruz years to avoid include 2022 (57/100). These model years score significantly below the model average due to higher recall and complaint volumes. See the full years-to-avoid analysis for details. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
How much does it cost to maintain a Hyundai Santa-Cruz?
Annual maintenance cost estimates are not available for the Hyundai Santa-Cruz. Based on its reliability score and complaint patterns, check individual year pages for repair cost details when available.

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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