2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
33/100
#3 most-complained of 4 Santa Cruz years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz has 35 NHTSA complaints and a Complaint Index of 33, ranking 3rd worst of 4 model years — a "Good" result. It has one recall, for a steering circuit board that can cause loss of power steering assist.
- Complaints
- 35
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 3 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 3 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 23
- 21 city / 26 hwy
Top 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain11 (31%)
- Engine9 (26%)
- Other5 (14%)
- Fuel System4 (11%)
- Brakes3 (9%)
- Electrical System3 (9%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras3 (9%)
- Lane Departure3 (9%)
- Airbags2 (6%)
- Steering2 (6%)
What owners report
- Engine loses power and drops from highway speed while accelerating or merging, sometimes with dashboard warning codes and an infotainment error.
- Vehicle fails to respond to the accelerator at a stop while check engine and immobilizer warning lights illuminate, requiring a restart.
- Front brake rotors wear down close to their minimum thickness early on, causing steering wheel shake under braking.
- Headlights fail to adequately light the road on hills or inclines, requiring a dealer adjustment.
- Airbags did not deploy in some reported crashes despite notable vehicle damage.
- Tailgate has fallen open unexpectedly after being latched, in one case damaging the tailgate itself.
2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 24V412000Jun 5, 2024Steering795 vehicles
Steering:electric power assist system
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.
Risk: 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.
2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 21 MPG
- Highway
- 26 MPG
- Combined
- 23 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,800
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2024 compared with other Santa Cruz years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2024 Santa Cruz has a Complaint Index of 33 and ranks 3rd worst out of 4 model years, earning a "Good" verdict relative to other Santa Cruz years.
- What is the top problem area for the 2024 Santa Cruz?
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints lead with 11 complaints, 31% of the total, including one crash, at a median mileage of 1,000... actually 220 miles.
- Does the 2024 Santa Cruz have a recall?
- Yes, one recall (24V412000) covers a motor-driven power steering circuit board that may short circuit and cause loss of power steering assist. It is not a do-not-drive recall.
- How does 2024 compare to other Santa Cruz years?
- The 2024 model (index 33) ranks better than 2022 (index 100, Avoid) and 2023 (index 67, Caution), but not as good as 2025 (index 0, Best).