Last updated: 2026-04-20

Hyundai Santa-Cruz

1 Hyundai Santa-Cruz Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Hyundai Santa-Cruz average of 68/100

The Hyundai Santa-Cruz years to avoid are 2022 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2022 with a reliability score of 57/100. The best Hyundai Santa-Cruz year to buy is 2026 74/100.

Verdict

The 2022 Hyundai Santa-Cruz scores significantly below the model average of 68/100. The weakest year is 2022 with a score of 57/100 due to power train (82) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2024 71/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Hyundai Santa-Cruz Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Hyundai Santa-Cruz average of 68/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202257/100Mixed4171Power Train (82)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

57
MixedReliability score: 57 out of 100, rated Mixed

2022 Hyundai Santa-Cruz

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).

4 recalls171 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Power Train (82), Unknown Or Other (21), Engine (15), Electrical System (14), Exterior Lighting (8), Vehicle Speed Control (6)

View full 2022reliability report →

What Are Common Hyundai Santa-Cruz Problems?

Top reported issues across all Hyundai Santa-Cruz model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

POWER TRAIN

116 complaints

Most reported in 2022, 2023, 2024

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

32 complaints

Most reported in 2022, 2023, 2024

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

27 complaints

Most reported in 2022, 2023, 2025

ENGINE

25 complaints

Most reported in 2022, 2023, 2024

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

11 complaints

Most reported in 2022, 2025

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

11 complaints

Most reported in 2022, 2023

Best Hyundai Santa-Cruz Year to Buy Instead

71
GoodReliability score: 71 out of 100, rated Good

2024 Hyundai Santa-Cruz

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).

Score: 71/100 (Good)1 recalls30 complaints
View full 2024reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the best Hyundai Santa-Cruz year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.

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  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Hyundai Santa-Cruz Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Hyundai Santa-Cruz Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2022–2026 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Hyundai Santa-Cruz years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Hyundai Santa-Cruz years: 2022 (score: 57/100). These model years score significantly below the Hyundai Santa-Cruz average of 68/100.
What is the best year for the Hyundai Santa-Cruz?
The best year for the Hyundai Santa-Cruz is 2026, with a reliability score of 74/100 ("Good"). It has 2 recalls and 0 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Hyundai Santa-Cruz have?
Across all years in our database, the Hyundai Santa-Cruz has a total of 11 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Hyundai Santa-Cruz worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2026 model year, which scores 74/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 68/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Hyundai Santa-Cruz problems?
The most common Hyundai Santa-Cruz problems are power train (116 complaints), unknown or other (32 complaints), electrical system (27 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Hyundai Santa-Cruz reliable long-term?
The Hyundai Santa-Cruz has an average reliability score of 68/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Is the 2026 Hyundai Santa-Cruz a good used buy?
Yes, the 2026 Hyundai Santa-Cruz is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 74/100 ("Good"). It has 2 recalls and 0 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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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