Last updated: 2026-10-10

RELIABILITY SCORE: 71/100 (GOOD)

2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Reliability Report

The 2024 Hyundai Santa-Cruz rates good for reliability, but owners report the transmission slipping into neutral when pulling away.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

9.4per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

N/A

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,600–$2,700

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity66/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs60/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact88/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity83/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Middle of the pack for the Santa-Cruz, with fewer complaints than 2023 and a transmission that can slip into neutral at low speed.

Top Issues to Watch

POWER TRAIN (9)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2)
STEERING (2)

Should You Buy the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz?

Reliability is good for this model year, and it runs close to average among 2024 trucks. Within the Santa-Cruz lineup it sits in the middle of five scored years. The 2023 rates worse, with 73 complaints and 2 recalls. The 2025 rates about the same, with 15 complaints and 2 recalls.

Power train trouble leads the complaints. Owners describe the transmission slipping into neutral when pulling away at 10 to 15 mph, then lurching into gear. Others report sudden power loss at highway speed, which starts between 300 and 2,500 miles. One truck would not stay in park and rolled into a crash. Two owners say no airbags fired in front-corner crashes. The one recall covers steering.

Ask for transmission and power loss repair records, and confirm the steering recall was done. On a test drive, pull away from a stop several times.

Compared to the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz, which scored 1 points higher. See also the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz for an earlier comparison.

Pros

+Acceptable reliability score
+Low recall count
+5-star NHTSA crash rating

Cons

−Above-average complaint rate for Truck
−POWER TRAIN: Transmission seems to slip into neutral while pulling away from a stop, usually... (9 complaints)
−UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Three unrelated problems show up here (3 complaints)

Compare 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz With

2024 Ford Maverick

Reliability: 71/100

Good

2024 Toyota Tacoma

Reliability: 55/100

Mixed

2024 Chevrolet Colorado

Reliability: 76/100

Good

2024 Nissan Frontier

Reliability: 77/100

Good

2024 Ford Ranger

Reliability: 72/100

Good

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK

1 manufacturer recall issued

Other

HIGH RISK

POWER TRAIN (9)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recall on record

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz carries 1 recall — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

9.4

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 3.7

LowAvgHigh

Low

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

★★★★★

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Recall Details

1 recall has been issued for the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

24V4120002024-06-05

STEERING

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.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz? Check its history first

Power train problems lead owner complaints about the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz, and 1 recall was issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.

Accidents
Open Recalls
Title History
Odometer Rollback

2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 16.4%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Not Available)Seat Belt Pretensioners (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Torso and/or Pelvis Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (None)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (No)LATCH Locations (2nd row)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Optional)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Roof)

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Hyundai Santa CruzRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Example Repair Prices

National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.

Common repair costs and price estimates
Repair	Estimated Cost
Tire Pressure Monitor Lamp Diagnosis	$98 – $143
General Diagnosis	$122 – $179
Noise Diagnosis	$122 – $179
Vibration Diagnosis	$122 – $179
No Start Diagnosis	$122 – $179
Pre-Purchase Car Inspection	$183 – $269
Engine Oil Light Diagnosis	$122 – $179
Check Engine Light Diagnosis & Testing	$122 – $179
AC Diagnosis	$122 – $179
Air Conditioning System Leak Inspection	$122 – $179

Estimates based on national average repair costs. Actual costs may vary by location and shop.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

22–23 MPG

Fuel cost: $2,600–$2,700/yr

Fuel only

19–22 city / 25–27 hwy MPG

Based on EPA fuel-cost estimates. Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2024 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims

Trim	Drive	Trans.	City	Hwy	Comb	Fuel Cost
Santa Cruz AWD 2.5L 4-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S8)	21	25	23	$2,600
Santa Cruz FWD 2.5L 4-cyl	Front-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S8)	22	26	23	$2,600
Santa Cruz AWD 2.5L 4-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (AM-S8)	19	27	22	$2,700

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz.

Pull away from a full stop several times and feel for a neutral-like flare or stall between 10 and 15 mph.
Drive a long highway stretch and watch for sudden power loss, warning lights, or an infotainment error message.
Shift into park on a slight slope and confirm the truck stays put before releasing the brake.
Inspect the sunroof glass for chips or cracks and ask whether it has ever been replaced.
Drive with the key fob inside and confirm the tailgate stays latched the whole time.
Turn on lane keeping assist and listen for buzzing or vibration from the steering column.
Sniff around the fuel filler and under the truck after a fill-up for strong gas fumes.
Ask for dealer records of power-loss, fuel system, or fuel injection wiring harness repairs.

2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Common Problems by Component

30 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

POWER TRAIN (9)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3)FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2)STEERING (2)VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2)AIR BAGS (2)ENGINE (2)BACK OVER PREVENTION (1)Other (7)

POWER TRAIN

9 complaintsSafety-related

The transmission seems to slip into neutral while pulling away from a stop, usually around 10 to 15 mph. The engine revs, the truck won't speed up, and then it lurches into gear or shifts roughly. Other reports describe sudden power loss at highway speed with warning lights that needs a restart, a sluggish launch that feels like the brakes are on, and the truck failing to stay in park and rolling forward, which led to one crash. Most reports involve nearly new trucks. One also describes false rear emergency braking at highway speed.

9 complaints total1 crash

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 complaints

Three unrelated problems show up here. The first is power loss while driving, with the truck slowing from turnpike speed until it picks up again. It also happens at school-zone and city speeds, starting in the first few hundred miles, and the dealer found no codes. The second is a sunroof that shatters at highway speed after a faint pop, spraying glass that cut the driver. The third is a tailgate that lowers on its own while driving, reported twice on a Limited with the key fob inside.

3 complaints total

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 complaints

After a fill-up, a strong gas smell comes from the parked truck and fades only after some driving. The dealer kept the truck for 3 days and found nothing wrong. In another case, the engine would not run at 776 miles with half a tank of gas. The dealer blamed contaminated fuel, which the owner disputes, and replaced the fuel system from the filter to the injectors. The owner waited six weeks for the repair.

2 complaints total

STEERING (2 complaints)

STEERING

2 complaints

With lane keeping assist on, the steering column gives off a steady, loud buzz and the wheel vibrates slightly. Drivers find it distracting in slow traffic, and the dealer could not find a cause. A separate report says the steering wheel does not lock with the engine off, though the owner's manual says it should. The dealer confirmed that fault. It matters to owners who tow the truck on a tow dolly.

2 complaints total

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 complaints

At highway speed, the engine suddenly loses all power and won't respond to the gas pedal. The truck coasts down while traffic closes in from behind. Reports describe it at about 60 and 76 mph, in one case with a jerk and a check engine light, on a Turbo with 12,000 miles. Restarting brought power back for one owner, but the problem returned. Both reports describe near misses as the driver struggled to get off the road.

2 complaints total

AIR BAGS (2 complaints)

AIR BAGS

2 complaintsSafety-related

In front-corner crashes, the airbags fail to deploy. Two crashes with three injuries are reported. In one, a 45 mph impact lifted the truck onto two wheels and threw it into the median, and none of its airbags went off. In the other, the damage looked cosmetic but the front frame rail was bent badly enough to total the truck. The front seat belts locked, but no airbag fired.

2 complaints total2 crashes3 injuries

ENGINE (2 complaints)

ENGINE

2 complaints

Accelerating away from a stop, the engine can hang at idle for about 15 seconds before power returns, much like limp mode. One owner reports this four times, with no codes or warning lights. Another reports power loss on a mountain grade, falling from 60 to 20 mph. Fault codes pointed to the fuel injection system. The wiring harness for that system was replaced 4 times in 6 weeks, and the truck still would not run.

2 complaints total

BACK OVER PREVENTION (1 complaints)

BACK OVER PREVENTION

1 complaint

2025-02-08

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 provide Hyundai an opportunity to correct the front collision warning system it is still inoperable. 1.What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Front Collision System. Vehicle is available for inspection; YES 2.How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Reduced effectiveness of other safety features: Potential for serious injury or death 3.Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? YES, Palmer Hyundai of Mobile Ala and Hallmark Hyundai of Flowood Ms. 4.Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Technician from the dealerships 5.Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? September of 2025, I notified the Dealership there was an Issue.

SUSPENSION (1 complaints)

SUSPENSION

1 complaint

2024-12-01

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 contact owning the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer for weeks. The contact was provided a loaner vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 600.

EQUIPMENT (1 complaints)

EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

2024-09-06

See attached document for complaint.

When Do 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

300–2,500 milesSudden loss of power

Best & Worst Hyundai Santa Cruz Years

Best Hyundai Santa Cruz Years to Buy

Based on reliability index score

Top Pick

Good

2024

(Current Model)

1Recalls

30Complaints

Good

Hyundai Santa Cruz Reliability Score Trend

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Hyundai Santa Cruz reliability scores by year
Year	Score	Rating
2022	57/100	Mixed
2023	64/100	Good
2024	71/100	Good
2025	72/100	Good
2026	74/100	Good

Hyundai Santa Cruz Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2026	74/100	+2	Good	2	0
2025	72/100	+1	Good	2	15
2024(selected)	71/100	+7	Good	1	30
2023	64/100	+7	Good	2	73
2022	57/100	—	Mixed	4	171

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2024 Hyundai Santa-Cruz reliable?

Yes, reliability is rated good, and it is close to average against other 2024 trucks. Owners filed 30 complaints, about 9.4 per 10,000 sold. It also earned 5 of 5 stars in federal crash testing. The main concern is the power train, so check its repair history before buying.

What are the most common problems with the 2024 Hyundai Santa-Cruz?

Power train problems lead, with 9 of 30 complaints. They include the transmission slipping into neutral at low speed, sudden power loss, and a sluggish launch. Airbags, steering, and fuel system issues each draw 2 complaints. Steering reports cover a loud buzz with lane keeping assist and a wheel that does not lock.

Does the 2024 Hyundai Santa-Cruz have transmission problems?

Some owners report them. The transmission seems to slip into neutral when pulling away from a stop, usually around 10 to 15 mph. The engine revs, the truck will not accelerate, and then it lurches into gear or shifts roughly. Most of these reports involve nearly new trucks.

Has the 2024 Hyundai Santa-Cruz been recalled?

Federal recall records show 1 recall for this model year, in the steering area. Before buying, run the VIN to see whether that repair was completed. The 2023 and 2025 model years each have 2 recalls.

Is the 2024 Hyundai Santa-Cruz better than the 2023 or 2025?

It rates better than the 2023, which has 73 complaints and 2 recalls. The 2025 rates about the same, with 15 complaints and 2 recalls. Complaints build up over time, so the 2025 having fewer says little on its own.

Don’t buy a 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Look Up a VIN →

How we score the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz

Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz does best on recall impact (88/100) and worst on repair costs (60/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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