Used Hyundai Santa Cruz: Inspection checklist
Pick the model year you are going to see. Each sheet lists the checks for the problems owners reported on that year, in the order you would do them at the car. Owners filed 289 complaints across these 4 years; the 2022 drew the most.
Choose a model year
2025
Most reported: automatic emergency braking
15 complaints2 recallsOpen checklist
2024
Fewest complaintsMost reported: transmission
30 complaints1 recallOpen checklist
2023
Most reported: transmission
73 complaints2 recallsOpen checklist
2022
Most complaintsMost reported: transmission
171 complaints4 recallsOpen checklist
Problems that follow the Santa Cruz from year to year
Each of these is a top-three complaint area in at least two model years. Darker cells mean more complaints that year. Whatever year you are looking at, give these extra time.
| Area | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 82 | 25 | 9 | 116 | |
| Electrical | 14 | 11 | 2 | 27 | |
| Engine | 15 | 8 | 2 | 25 |
Santa Cruz generations and updates
First years of a new generation and mid-cycle updates are marked. Each year links to its checklist.
First generation
2022–2023
2025 update: New headlights with redesigned LED daytime running lights; New front fascia; New grille; New exterior colors
Mileages where Santa Cruz problems start
From owner reports for each model year, lowest mileage first. Compare these with the odometer of the car you are seeing.
| Typical mileage | Problem | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 70–500 miles | Early sudden power loss | 2022 |
| 300–2,500 miles | Sudden loss of power | 2024 |
| 500–2,000 miles | Engine stalling or shutdown | 2022 |
| 1,360–3,000 miles | Sudden loss of acceleration | 2023 |
| 5,850–20,000 miles | Transmission failure and replacement | 2022 |
| 20,000–36,000 miles | Misfires from faulty fuel injectors | 2023 |
| 37,000–49,701 miles | Shuddering and highway power loss | 2022 |
Every Santa Cruz recall to confirm
7 recalls cover the Santa Cruzyears on this site. Open a campaign number for NHTSA's full notice. 2 campaigns span more than one model year. One told owners not to drive or to park outside until repaired.
