Last updated: 2026-04-20

RELIABILITY SCORE: 72/100 (GOOD)

2025 Hyundai Santa-Cruz Reliability Report

Name: 2025 Hyundai Santa-Cruz
Brand: Hyundai

The 2025 Hyundai Santa-Cruz scores 72/100 ("Good"). With 2 recalls and 15 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

6.3per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

N/A

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,400–$2,850

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity73/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs60/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact80/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity80/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

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

Top Issues to Watch

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (8)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)
SERVICE BRAKES (2)

Should You Buy the 2025 Hyundai Santa-Cruz?

At 72/100, the 2025 Hyundai Santa-Cruz lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading.

Its complaint rate of 6.3 per 10,000 vehicles sold runs above the Truck segment average of 1.4. The most common reports involve forward collision avoidance and forward collision avoidance (8).

Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to forward collision avoidance and forward collision avoidance (8). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

Compared to the 2026 Hyundai Santa-Cruz. See also the 2024 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
−FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE complaints dominate (53%)
−FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: Multiple issues with the Forward Collision Avoidance systems on the 2025... (8 complaints)

Compare 2025 Hyundai Santa-Cruz With

2025 Ford Maverick

Reliability: 77/100

Good

2025 Toyota Tacoma

Reliability: 70/100

Good

2025 Ford Ranger

Reliability: 74/100

Good

2025 Chevrolet Colorado

Reliability: 83/100

Excellent

2025 Nissan Frontier

Reliability: 84/100

Excellent

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK

2 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (8)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recalls on record

The 2025 Hyundai Santa-Cruz carries 2 recalls — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

6.3

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 1.4

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.

2025 Hyundai Santa-Cruz Recall Details

2 recalls have been issued for the 2025 Hyundai Santa-Cruz. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

25V8090002025-11-21

AIR BAGS

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025 Tucson, 2025-2026 Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Hybrid, and 2026 Genesis GV70 vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not have been installed properly, which can cause the air bags not to deploy as intended.

Consequence

Side curtain air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will reinstall the side curtain air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning December 29, 2025. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's numbers for this recall are 289 and 029G. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on November 22, 2025.

24V8770002024-11-20

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025 Tucson and Santa Cruz vehicles. The console extension wiring assembly may be routed improperly, allowing the transmission to be shifted out of Park without applying the brake pedal.

Consequence

A transmission that can shift out of Park without applying the brake pedal can result in a vehicle roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Owners are advised to use the parking brake when parking the vehicle. Dealers will reroute the console extension wiring assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 17, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 273.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2025 Hyundai Santa-Cruz? Check its history first

Every 2025 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

2025 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, 2nd row)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)Unattended Child Reminder Direct Sensing System (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.

2025 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

21–25 MPG

Fuel cost: $2,400–$2,850/yr

Fuel only

18–22 city / 26–30 hwy MPG

Based on EPA fuel-cost estimates. Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2025 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims

Trim	Drive	Trans.	City	Hwy	Comb	Fuel Cost
Santa Cruz FWD 2.5L 4-cyl	Front-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S8)	22	30	25	$2,400
Santa Cruz AWD 2.5L 4-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S8)	21	29	24	$2,500
Santa Cruz AWD 2.5L 4-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (AM-S8)	19	27	22	$2,700
Santa Cruz XRT AWD 2.5L 4-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (AM-S8)	18	26	21	$2,850

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2025 Hyundai Santa-Cruz.

Test Forward Collision Avoidance for false activations
Check if Smart Cruise Control deactivates with sunglasses
Inspect headlights for inadequate illumination at night
Verify fuel gauge accuracy after refueling
Listen for brake pedal noise in temperatures below 70°F
Test Driver Attention Warning for frequent false alerts

2025 Hyundai Santa-Cruz Common Problems by Component

15 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (8)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2)SERVICE BRAKES (2)EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

8 complaints

Owners report multiple issues with the Forward Collision Avoidance systems on the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz. A common complaint is that the Driver Forward Attention Warning system frequently disables Smart Cruise Control when drivers wear sunglasses, causing abrupt speed changes and potential safety hazards, especially at highway speeds. This issue often occurs within the first few thousand miles, with many owners noting that attempts to disable the feature are ineffective. Additionally, several owners describe the Automatic Emergency Braking system engaging unexpectedly, which can lead to sudden stops and increase the risk of rear-end collisions. These problems are noted from the initial purchase and continue despite dealer consultations, with no available software fixes reported.

8 complaints total

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 complaints

Owners of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz report issues with the electrical system, primarily involving sudden failures of headlights, instrumentation lights, and computer displays while driving at night. This issue occurs unexpectedly and resolves quickly, but it poses potential safety risks due to temporary loss of visibility and information. Additionally, some owners experience problems with the fuel gauge inaccurately displaying a full tank regardless of the actual fuel level, even after sensor replacement. These issues are reported at relatively low mileage, around 5,045 miles, indicating they may arise early in the vehicle's lifespan. Potential buyers should be aware of these electrical concerns, especially considering the safety implications of headlight failures.

2 complaints total

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

Owners report persistent issues with the Driver Attention Warning (DAW) system in the 2025 Hyundai Santa-Cruz. Complaints frequently mention the "Take a Break" alert activating at random and frequent intervals, sometimes as often as every other minute, leading to significant distraction while driving. These issues are noted to occur from the time of vehicle purchase, with no option to disable the feature. There are no reports of crashes, fires, or loss of control linked to this issue, but the frequent false alerts can be a distraction. Potential buyers should be aware of the inability to modify or disable this feature, which may impact driving focus.

2 complaints total

SERVICE BRAKES (2 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2025 Hyundai Santa-Cruz report issues with the service brakes, primarily involving the forward collision-avoidance system and brake pedal performance. A significant pattern involves the forward collision-avoidance system activating unexpectedly during normal driving conditions, leading to sudden braking, which has resulted in at least one rear-end collision. This issue is reported to occur frequently, over 50 times in about eight months. Additionally, some owners describe the brake pedal as feeling unsmooth and producing noisy squeaking or creaking sounds, particularly in temperatures below 70 degrees Fahrenheit. These symptoms appear shortly after purchase, with one owner experiencing them within two weeks and continuing over 1,500 miles. No safety risks are explicitly reported regarding the brake pedal noise, but the issue persists without a definitive resolution.

2 complaints total1 crash

EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1 complaints)

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

2026-03-09

While driving at night I happened to notice that the headlights failed to illuminate the road sufficiently. Specifically, the truck was going downhill. As it approached the bottom and soon to go uphill, I noticed that there was a strict delineation in what was lit up and what was not. Being on a country two lane with no ambient lights and travelling at the posted 55mph I realized that I did not have enough distance to stop safely in the event that something be on the road ahead, e.g., deer. So concentrated is the light that it does not create any vertical illumination. (Picture travelling toward the bottom of a parabola.) I visited the Hyundai dealership in my area the next day. I asked that the headlamps be adjusted (raised) to extend the field of vision. The Service manager told me that there is no adjustment for my headlights. I explained my experience driving without adequate illumination. He did not offer any recourse other than to slow down. I have never had a vehicle that did not have headlight adjustment capability.

When Do 2025 Hyundai Santa-Cruz Problems Start?

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

0–3,000 milesForward collision avoidance issues

0–5,000 milesElectrical system failures

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 2025 with a reliability score of 72/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2024 (71/100) and 2023 (64/100).

Top Pick

Good

2025

(Current Model)

2Recalls

15Complaints

Good

2024

1Recalls

30Complaints

Good

2023

2Recalls

73Complaints

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

Hyundai Santa-Cruz Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2026	69/100 (predicted)	—	Predicted	2	0
2025(selected)	72/100	+1	Good	2	15
2024	71/100	+7	Good	1	30
2023	64/100	+7	Good	2	73
2022	57/100	—	Mixed	4	171

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2025 Hyundai Santa-Cruz reliable?

The 2025 Hyundai Santa-Cruz has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 72/100. It is reasonably reliable with 2 recalls and 15 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.

What are the most common problems with the 2025 Hyundai Santa-Cruz?

The most commonly reported problems with the 2025 Hyundai Santa-Cruz include: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (8 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints), SERVICE BRAKES (2 complaints), EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.

How many recalls does the 2025 Hyundai Santa-Cruz have?

The 2025 Hyundai Santa-Cruz has 2 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.

Is the 2025 Hyundai Santa-Cruz expensive to maintain?

The 2025 Hyundai Santa-Cruz should have average maintenance costs for its class. With a reliability score of 72/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2025 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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