Last updated: 2026-04-20

RELIABILITY SCORE: 71/100 (GOOD)

2024 Hyundai Santa-Cruz Reliability Report

Name: 2024 Hyundai Santa-Cruz
Brand: Hyundai

The 2024 Hyundai Santa-Cruz scores 71/100 ("Good"). With 1 recall and 30 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

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

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues to Watch

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

Should You Buy the 2024 Hyundai Santa-Cruz?

At 71/100, the 2024 Hyundai Santa-Cruz lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading.

Its complaint rate of 9.4 per 10,000 vehicles sold runs above the Truck segment average of 4.1. The most common reports involve power train (9).

Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to power train (9). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

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: Sudden loss of power and gear disengagement (9 complaints)
−UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Owners of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz report several distinct issues (3 complaints)

Compare 2024 Hyundai Santa-Cruz With

2024 Ford Maverick

Reliability: 71/100

Good

2024 Toyota Tacoma

Reliability: 55/100

Mixed

2024 Ford Ranger

Reliability: 72/100

Good

2024 Chevrolet Colorado

Reliability: 76/100

Good

2024 Nissan Frontier

Reliability: 77/100

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: 4.1

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

Every 2024 Hyundai Santa-Cruz has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

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.

Test drive to check for power loss or stalling during acceleration
Inspect for strong fuel smell after refueling
Verify airbag deployment history if involved in any accidents
Check for unexpected tailgate operation while driving
Ensure steering wheel locks when vehicle is off
Test lane keeping assistant for buzzing sound and vibration

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

Owners report multiple power train issues with the 2024 Hyundai Santa-Cruz, often involving sudden loss of power and gear disengagement. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle slipping into neutral or stalling during acceleration, particularly around 10-15 mph, and sometimes requiring a restart to resume normal operation. Some incidents occur at highway speeds, leading to hazardous situations as drivers must maneuver to safety without power. One report includes a crash due to the vehicle not engaging park and coasting forward. These issues are reported at varying mileages, with some occurring as early as 2,500 miles, indicating potential early onset of power train problems.

9 complaints total1 crash

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 complaints

Owners of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz report several distinct issues. One common problem involves the sunroof, with an owner describing an incident where it exploded while driving at highway speeds, resulting in glass injuries. Another issue is the tailgate lowering unexpectedly while driving, even when the key fob is not being used, as reported by an owner experiencing this twice. Additionally, some owners report power loss while driving at various speeds, including at 70 mph on the turnpike and within a school zone, with no diagnostic codes identified by dealerships. These issues occur at low mileages, such as 300 to 1,375 miles, and could pose safety risks, including potential loss of control or injury from shattered glass.

3 complaints total

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 complaints

Owners report issues with the fuel/propulsion system of the 2024 Hyundai Santa-Cruz, primarily involving a strong fuel smell after refueling and problems with vehicle operation at half a tank of gas. The fuel odor is noted to dissipate after driving approximately 40 miles, while another owner describes the vehicle becoming inoperative, allegedly due to sugar contamination, requiring extensive fuel system repairs. Complaints frequently mention mileage around 776 miles and 800 miles when these issues occur. No direct safety incidents such as crashes or fires are reported, but the inability to park near a garage due to fumes and the need for significant repairs suggest potential inconvenience and cost considerations for prospective buyers.

2 complaints total

STEERING (2 complaints)

STEERING

2 complaints

Owners of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz report issues related to the steering system, particularly when using the lane keeping assistant. Complaints frequently mention a loud buzzing sound and slight vibration from the steering wheel, which is noted to be distracting, especially at low speeds or in traffic. Another reported issue is the failure of the steering wheel to lock when the vehicle is turned off, contrary to the guidance in the Owner's Manual. This issue arises when the vehicle is used with a tow dolly, as the steering wheel remains movable, posing potential safety risks. These issues are observed at low mileages, around 1,000 miles, and are noted to impact the usability of the vehicle in specific scenarios.

2 complaints total

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 complaints

Owners report that the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz experiences sudden loss of power while driving, with no prior warning lights or messages on the dashboard. Typical symptoms include the vehicle dying and failing to accelerate, requiring drivers to coast to the roadside. These incidents occur at various speeds, including highway conditions, and have been noted at mileages as low as 4,522 miles and up to 12,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with owners describing near-collisions due to sudden deceleration in high-speed traffic. Some owners suggest that similar issues have been discussed in online forums, possibly linked to the fuel injectors, although dealerships reportedly have difficulty replicating the problem.

2 complaints total

AIR BAGS (2 complaints)

AIR BAGS

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report issues with the airbag system in the 2024 Hyundai Santa-Cruz, specifically citing instances where airbags failed to deploy during accidents. Complaints frequently mention that despite significant impacts, including damage to the frame rail and vehicle rollovers, the airbags did not activate. In one case, the vehicle was only a few months old when the incident occurred. These reports involve crashes leading to injuries, with one complaint noting two occupants were injured due to the lack of airbag deployment. Potential buyers should be aware of these reports, especially if considering a vehicle that has been involved in an accident.

2 complaints total2 crashes3 injuries

ENGINE (2 complaints)

ENGINE

2 complaints

Owners of the 2024 Hyundai Santa-Cruz report issues with engine power loss, particularly during acceleration or while climbing inclines. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle dropping to low speeds unexpectedly, with one owner noting a decrease from 60 mph to 20 mph on a highway, and another describing the engine not exceeding idle speed for about 15 seconds. These issues appear to occur shortly after purchase, with one report indicating problems within weeks and another since November 2023. Safety implications are evident, as the sudden loss of power can lead to hazardous situations in traffic. Additionally, one owner reports a malfunctioning backup camera that stays on while driving forward.

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.

2,500–33,000 milesPower train failures

776–800 milesFuel system issues

4,522–12,000 milesVehicle speed control loss

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

Based on reliability index score

The best Hyundai Santa-Cruz year is 2026 with a reliability score of 74/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2025 (72/100) and 2024 (71/100).

Top Pick

Good

2026

2Recalls

0Complaints

Good

2025

2Recalls

15Complaints

Good

2024

(Current Model)

1Recalls

30Complaints

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.

Mixed

2022

4Recalls

171Complaints

See full Hyundai Santa-Cruz years-to-avoid analysis

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. 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?

The 2024 Hyundai Santa-Cruz has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 71/100. It is reasonably reliable with 1 recall and 30 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.

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

The most commonly reported problems with the 2024 Hyundai Santa-Cruz include: POWER TRAIN (9 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3 complaints), FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2 complaints), STEERING (2 complaints), VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.

How many recalls does the 2024 Hyundai Santa-Cruz have?

The 2024 Hyundai Santa-Cruz has 1 recall on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.

Is the 2024 Hyundai Santa-Cruz expensive to maintain?

The 2024 Hyundai Santa-Cruz should have average maintenance costs for its class. With a reliability score of 71/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

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

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Look Up a VIN →

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

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.

Repair Costs

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

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.

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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