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Hyundai · Known Issues

2022-2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Problems & Issues

2022-2026 model years · 1,270+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 1,270+ owner reports, the 2022-2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz has 17 documented known issues, with 8 rated critical. The most serious are Forward Collision Avoidance Phantom / Unexpected Braking (Recall 26V316), Roof Side Molding Detachment While Driving (Recall 23V-038), Tow Hitch Harness Water Intrusion Causing Fire Risk (Recall 23V-181), Transmission Electric Oil Pump Fault Causing Loss of Drive Power (Recall 22V-746), Improperly Installed Side Curtain Airbags That May Not Deploy in a Crash (Recall 25V809) ($0-$0 repair), Turbocharger Oil Supply Pipe Cracking at the Eye Joint Causing Engine Bay Oil Leak and Fire Risk (Recall 22V197) ($0-$0 repair), Motor-Driven Power Steering Electric Power Pack Circuit Board Short Causing Sudden Loss of Steering Assist (Recall 24V412) ($0-$0 repair) and Misrouted Console Extension Wiring Contacting Shift Lock Release, Allowing Shift Out of Park Without the Brake (Recall 24V877) ($0-$0 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Infotainment Screen Freezing / Black Screen with 420 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $10 to $4,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Santa Cruz Safety/Recalls3
  • Santa Cruz Electrical4
  • Santa Cruz Exterior3
  • Santa Cruz Transmission3
  • Santa Cruz Engine1
  • Santa Cruz Steering1
  • Santa Cruz Interior1
  • Santa Cruz Body/Panels1
  • Recalls9
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Safety/Recalls3
  • Electrical4
  • Exterior3
  • Transmission3
  • Engine1
  • Steering1
  • Interior1
  • Body/Panels1
  • Recalls9
  • FAQ

All 17 Known Issues

NHTSA Recalls9 recalls

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.

Campaign #24V41200005/06/2024

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN

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.

Campaign #25V80900021/11/2025

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Tucson Hybrid, Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 IONIQ 5, Santa Cruz, Kona, Palisade, Palisade Hybrid, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Hybrid, Sonata, Sonata Hybrid, and Tucson vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays."

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Other Hyundai Models

Hyundai Elantra40Hyundai Sonata30Hyundai Tucson23Hyundai Veloster21Hyundai Palisade19Hyundai Santa Fe17

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Hyundai Santa Cruz problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 1,270+ owner reports, the 2022-2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz has 17 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Forward Collision Avoidance Phantom / Unexpected Braking (Recall 26V316), Roof Side Molding Detachment While Driving (Recall 23V-038), Tow Hitch Harness Water Intrusion Causing Fire Risk (Recall 23V-181). Of these, 8 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Hyundai Santa Cruz reliable?

The 2022-2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz has 17 known issues documented across 1,270+ owner reports. 8 issues are rated critical: Forward Collision Avoidance Phantom / Unexpected Braking (Recall 26V316) and Roof Side Molding Detachment While Driving (Recall 23V-038) and Tow Hitch Harness Water Intrusion Causing Fire Risk (Recall 23V-181) and Transmission Electric Oil Pump Fault Causing Loss of Drive Power (Recall 22V-746) and Improperly Installed Side Curtain Airbags That May Not Deploy in a Crash (Recall 25V809) and Turbocharger Oil Supply Pipe Cracking at the Eye Joint Causing Engine Bay Oil Leak and Fire Risk (Recall 22V197) and Motor-Driven Power Steering Electric Power Pack Circuit Board Short Causing Sudden Loss of Steering Assist (Recall 24V412) and Misrouted Console Extension Wiring Contacting Shift Lock Release, Allowing Shift Out of Park Without the Brake (Recall 24V877). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Hyundai Santa Cruz problems?

Repair costs for known Hyundai Santa Cruz issues range from $0 to $4,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What year Hyundai Santa Cruz is the most reliable?

Reliability varies across model years of the Hyundai Santa Cruz. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2022-2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz with 17 documented issues documented across 1,270+ owner reports.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data sourced from 1,270+ owner reports, NHTSA recalls, TSBs, and automotive forums.

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ALL YEARS20262025202420232022

NHTSA recall 26V-316 (Hyundai recall 302) covers certain model-year 2025-2026 Santa Cruz vehicles. Front-camera software can cause the Forward Collision Avoidance system to exhibit increased sensitivity to forward-object proximity in certain driving scenarios. The system may engage earlier than the driver expects and cause sudden braking, increasing the risk of a rear-end crash from a closely following vehicle.

Common Symptoms

  • Unexpected early Forward Collision Avoidance engagement
  • Sudden braking

How to Fix

Check the VIN for NHTSA recall 26V-316. Hyundai dealers update the front-camera software free of charge. The remedy software is tuned to better align activation timing and distance to the leading vehicle with operator expectations.

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Manually Verified
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

A small number of Santa Cruz trucks left the assembly line with side curtain airbags that were not installed correctly, so the curtain may fail to deploy or may deploy out of position in a side impact or rollover. NHTSA campaign 25V809000 covers 258 vehicles across 2025 Tucson, 2025-2026 Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Hybrid and 2026 Genesis GV70 - and the Santa Cruz is the bulk of it at 207 of the 258 units. VINs became searchable on nhtsa.gov November 22, 2025.

Common Symptoms

  • No symptom is visible to the owner - defect is only identifiable by VIN
  • Airbag warning lamp in a minority of cases
  • Side curtain airbag fails to deploy or deploys out of position in a crash

How to Fix

Free recall remedy: dealers remove and correctly reinstall the side curtain airbags at no charge under campaign 25V809000. Owner notification letters were scheduled to mail January 19, 2026. The population is tiny and cannot be identified visually, so a VIN check at nhtsa.gov is the only way to confirm scope. There is no owner-side workaround - an incorrectly installed curtain gives no warning light in most cases.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

The console extension wiring assembly that runs near the shift lever can be routed incorrectly during assembly so that the harness presses on the mechanical release for the shift lever lock. With the lock defeated, the transmission can be moved out of Park without the brake pedal depressed, creating a rollaway risk when the truck is parked on a grade. NHTSA campaign 24V877000 covers 42,465 vehicles: 2025 Santa Cruz built July 22 to November 7, 2024, plus 2025 Tucson. Hyundai's internal number is Recall 273.

Common Symptoms

  • Shift lever moves out of Park without pressing the brake pedal
  • Shifter feels loose or unlocked at rest
  • Vehicle rolls after being left in Park on an incline

How to Fix

Free recall remedy: dealers reroute the console extension wiring assembly away from the shift lock release - a job Hyundai documents as taking under 30 minutes. Until the remedy is performed, Hyundai advises always setting the parking brake when parking. Campaign 24V877000 / Hyundai Recall 273.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

NHTSA recall 23V-181 (Hyundai recall 244) covers model-year 2022-2023 Santa Cruz vehicles that may have a Hyundai accessory tow-hitch harness. The harness module printed circuit board can be susceptible to water entering through the 4-pin tow-hitch harness connector. An electrical short can cause a trailer-harness-module fire while driving or while parked with the ignition off.

Common Symptoms

  • No advance warning identified in the Part 573 report

How to Fix

Check the VIN for NHTSA recall 23V-181 and park the vehicle outside and away from structures until the remedy is complete. Hyundai dealers verify whether the accessory tow hitch is installed and fit a 15-ampere fuse and new wire-extension kit as necessary, free of charge. The filing also describes fuse removal as interim protection until the final remedy is completed.

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Manually Verified
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

Santa Cruz owners report the 12V battery going dead after the vehicle sits only a few days, attributed to parasitic draw from the Bluelink telematics modem and constant key-fob pinging. Owners receive Bluelink low-battery alerts on nearly-new trucks, and some have had batteries discharge and require replacement under warranty at low mileage. This overlaps a broader Hyundai Bluelink standby-draw issue.

Common Symptoms

  • Dead or weak 12V battery after sitting a few days
  • Bluelink low-battery email/app notifications
  • Slow crank or no-start
  • Battery replacement at low mileage

How to Fix

Have the dealer perform a parasitic-draw test and replace a weak battery under warranty. Mitigate by using a battery maintainer when parked, avoiding the accessory/power-on setting, locking the vehicle to stop fob pinging, and changing the Bluelink password; Hyundai limited Bluelink server traffic (about 20 transactions/day) to reduce standby draw.

Find a nearby Hyundai dealer in Google Maps ↗

Call to confirm they can assess your vehicle and perform the stated work. Search results do not confirm qualification, eligibility or coverage.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

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Community Reported
Low ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

Electrical noise generated inside the Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC) of the instrument panel cluster can cause the cluster to reboot intermittently while the vehicle is being driven, leaving the display blank for several seconds. During the blank period the speedometer, fuel gauge and telltale warning lamps are all unavailable. NHTSA campaign 26V047000 covers 41,651 Hyundai vehicles including the Santa Cruz. This is the driver's instrument cluster, which is a different module from the center infotainment head unit.

This issue also affects: Hyundai Tucson, Kia Carnival, Kia Seltos

Common Symptoms

  • Digital instrument cluster goes blank while driving
  • Cluster restarts itself and shows the startup animation mid-drive
  • Speedometer and gauges disappear for several seconds
  • Warning telltales unavailable during the reboot

How to Fix

Free recall remedy: dealers verify the cluster software level and flash updated IP cluster software under campaign 26V047000. Hyundai is also pushing the fix over the air through Bluelink for owners who have opted into OTA updates, so eligible trucks may be remedied without a dealer visit. Dealer and customer notification was set for March 27, 2026.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026
Community reported
420 owners

The 10.25-inch infotainment system in the Santa Cruz is prone to freezing, going black, or rebooting randomly. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connections can trigger the freezes. The backup camera feed may also be lost during a freeze. Hyundai has released multiple software updates to improve stability.

This issue also affects: Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia K5

Common Symptoms

  • Screen goes black while driving
  • Touchscreen unresponsive
  • System reboots randomly
  • Backup camera shows black screen
  • CarPlay/Android Auto disconnects frequently

How to Fix

Request the latest navigation/infotainment software update from the dealer (free). A hard reset can be performed by pressing and holding the power/volume knob for 10+ seconds. If issues persist, the head unit may need replacement ($1,000-2,000 at dealer). Switching from wireless to wired CarPlay/Android Auto reduces freezes.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipUse a wired connection for CarPlay/Android Auto instead of wireless - wireless triggers most of the freezing issues
  • TipHard reset by holding the power knob for 10 seconds fixes most temporary freezes without needing a dealer visit
Typical repair cost:$0 - $2,000

Research This Issue

Based on 420 owner reports

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerified420 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2025Reviewed Feb 2026

NHTSA recall 23V-038 (Hyundai recall 241) covers certain model-year 2022-2023 Santa Cruz vehicles. Insufficient retention between the roof flange and mounting clips can allow a roof molding to detach while the vehicle is moving. A detached molding can become a road hazard and increase crash risk for other vehicles.

Common Symptoms

  • Visible lifting or misalignment of a roof molding
  • Wind noise or other noise from the roof area

How to Fix

Check the VIN for NHTSA recall 23V-038. Hyundai dealers inspect and secure or replace the roof moldings as necessary, free of charge.

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Manually Verified
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026
Community reported
280 owners

The factory-applied composite bed liner on the Santa Cruz peels, chips, and delaminates prematurely, often within the first year. The issue begins at the edges and tailgate area. UV exposure and temperature cycling cause the liner adhesion to fail. This is a widespread cosmetic issue that affects bed usability.

Common Symptoms

  • Bed liner peeling at edges
  • Bubbling under bed liner surface
  • Chips appearing with light use
  • Liner separating from tailgate
  • White spots showing through liner

How to Fix

File a warranty claim for bed liner delamination - Hyundai has been replacing liners under warranty. For a permanent fix, owners recommend having the factory liner removed and replaced with a LINE-X or Rhino Liner spray-in bed liner ($450-650). The factory liner replacement is free under warranty but the issue may recur.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipRemove the factory liner completely before applying aftermarket liner - applying over the factory liner causes adhesion issues
Typical repair cost:$0 - $650

Research This Issue

Based on 280 owner reports

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerified280 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2025Reviewed Feb 2026

The roll-up tonneau cover fitted to SEL Premium and Limited trucks develops two related faults that Hyundai acknowledged in service bulletins issued March 2024. The cover binds in its rails and becomes hard or impossible to open and close (TSB 24-BD-003H), and it retracts incompletely, leaving a gap of roughly a quarter to a half inch at the front where the cover rolls into the canister (TSB 24-BD-004H). Owners report water entering the bed through that front gap and at the seam where the cover meets the rear window on every rainfall or car wash. Hyundai has told some owners the water intrusion is working as designed and the owner's manual does state the cover is not watertight - so the leak claim is worth separating from the mechanical binding and gap defects, which the TSBs do cover.

Common Symptoms

  • Tonneau cover hard to pull closed or will not retract fully
  • Cover binds or catches in the side rails
  • Quarter to half inch gap at the front of the cover where it enters the canister
  • Water pooling in the bed after rain or a car wash
  • Water running down the driver-side rear corner from the back-window seam

How to Fix

For binding and hard operation, and for the front gap, have the dealer perform the repair in TSB 24-BD-003H and TSB 24-BD-004H, which covers rail and canister adjustment and component replacement under the 5yr/60k basic warranty. Keep the four bed drains clear - two rail drains plus the canister drains, all located under the composite bed sides near the tailgate - since blocked drains put standing water back into the bed. Owners who want a genuinely dry bed generally replace the factory cover with a sealed aftermarket unit; that is an owner-paid upgrade, not a warranty remedy.

Find a nearby Hyundai dealer in Google Maps ↗

Call to confirm they can assess your vehicle and perform the stated work. Search results do not confirm qualification, eligibility or coverage.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $900

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

NHTSA recall 22V-746 (Hyundai recall 236) covers certain model-year 2022 Santa Cruz vehicles. An internal fault in the transmission high-pressure electric oil pump can trigger diagnostic codes and warning lamps. Improper software logic for the fail-safe condition can allow about 20-30 seconds of motive power before the transmission clutches and drive gears disengage, causing a complete loss of motive power and increasing crash risk.

Common Symptoms

  • Malfunction Indicator Lamp illumination
  • Instrument-cluster warning message
  • Audio-video-navigation display warning message
  • Complete loss of motive power after a brief limited-mobility period

How to Fix

Check the VIN for NHTSA recall 22V-746. Hyundai dealers inspect the transmission and replace it if necessary, then reprogram the transmission control unit with software that provides proper fail-safe driving capability, free of charge.

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Manually Verified
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026
Community reported
310 owners

The 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT) on the 2.5L turbo Santa Cruz can overheat when towing near its 5,000 lb capacity or during spirited driving in warm weather. The transmission overheating warning forces the vehicle into limp mode. The DCT cooling system is undersized for heavy-duty use.

This issue also affects: Hyundai Accent, Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Hyundai Kona

Common Symptoms

  • Transmission overheating warning on dash
  • Vehicle enters limp mode while towing
  • Harsh shifts when transmission is hot
  • Reduced power output warning
  • Burning smell from under vehicle

How to Fix

Avoid towing above 4,000 lbs in hot weather. Use tow/haul mode which adjusts shift patterns to reduce heat. An aftermarket transmission cooler ($200-400 installed) significantly helps. If overheating occurs, pull over and let the transmission cool for 15-20 minutes. Hyundai software update improves thermal management.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipAlways use Tow/Haul mode when towing - it prevents the transmission from hunting gears and reduces heat buildup
  • WarningDo not ignore the transmission overheat warning - continued driving can cause permanent clutch damage costing $3,000+
Typical repair cost:$0 - $400

Research This Issue

Based on 310 owner reports

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerified310 owner reportsLast reported by owners Jan 2025Reviewed Feb 2026

Trucks with the 2.5L turbocharged engine use an 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (8WDCT); the naturally aspirated 2.5 uses a conventional 8-speed torque converter automatic and does not share this behavior. On the DCT, variation in clutch touch-point learning produces a shudder or judder as the clutch engages from a standstill, along with a lag between throttle input and the truck actually moving. Owners report it is worst on an incline, when turning from a stop, and in stop-and-go traffic. Hyundai has addressed it through a sequence of TCU software updates - TSB 22-AT-011H (Service Campaign T8N), TSB 23-AT-012H (August 2023, touch-point learning variation), and TSB 24-AT-001H-1 - and a revised clutch spring in later production.

Common Symptoms

  • Shudder or vibration through the floor when accelerating gently from a stop
  • Hesitation or dead spot between pressing the throttle and the truck moving
  • Worse pulling away uphill or while turning
  • Harsh clunk or feeling of dropping out of gear when coming to a stop
  • Rollback on inclines before engagement

How to Fix

First step is the current Transmission Control Unit software update at a Hyundai dealer per TSB 23-AT-012H / 24-AT-001H-1, followed by the clutch touch-point relearn procedure - this resolves a large share of cases and is covered under the 10yr/100k powertrain warranty for original owners. If judder persists after the latest calibration, the documented escalation is clutch pack or full 8WDCT replacement per TSB 23-AT-011H. Owners report mixed results from the software flash, with some describing different shift behavior rather than a cure, so document the complaint with the dealer at each visit to preserve warranty and lemon-law standing.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $4,500

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Community Reported
Low ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On early-build 2022 Santa Cruz trucks fitted with the 2.5L turbocharged Smartstream engine, the oil supply line feeding the turbocharger can crack at the eye joint. Pressurized oil then sprays or weeps into the engine compartment onto hot turbo and exhaust components. NHTSA campaign 22V197000 covers 2022 Santa Cruz and 2022 Santa Fe vehicles; Hyundai's internal number is Recall 222. This is turbo-only hardware - the naturally aspirated 2.5 has no turbo oil feed line and is not part of this campaign.

Common Symptoms

  • Burning oil smell from the engine bay, strongest after highway driving
  • Visible oil residue or wet film around the turbocharger and oil feed line
  • Smoke from under the hood
  • Dropping engine oil level between changes with no visible drip on the driveway
  • Low oil pressure warning in severe cases

How to Fix

Free recall remedy: Hyundai dealers replace the turbocharger oil supply pipe at no charge under campaign 22V197000 / Hyundai Recall 222. Owner letters were mailed May 26, 2022. Check the VIN on nhtsa.gov if the truck was bought used and the remedy status is unknown. If oil starvation already damaged the turbocharger before the pipe was replaced, turbo replacement is a separate repair not covered by the recall.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

A narrow production window of 2024 Santa Cruz trucks left the plant with a motor-driven power steering (MDPS) assembly whose Electric Power Pack printed circuit board was built with contaminated solder flux at the supplier. The contamination can cause an electrical short inside the power pack, which shuts down assist while driving. NHTSA campaign 24V412000 covers 795 vehicles total, 679 of them 2024 Santa Cruz built April 29 to May 21, 2024 - the Santa Cruz is the majority of the population, not an incidental add-on. Hyundai's internal number is Recall 261.

Common Symptoms

  • Steering suddenly becomes very heavy while driving
  • EPS or power steering warning lamp illuminates
  • Steering assist cuts out and returns intermittently
  • Increased effort at parking-lot speeds

How to Fix

Free recall remedy: dealers replace the entire motor-driven power steering electric power pack under campaign 24V412000 / Hyundai Recall 261. Owner notification letters were mailed July 11, 2024. Because the affected build window is only a few weeks, a VIN lookup on nhtsa.gov is the only reliable way to tell whether a given 2024 truck is in scope.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

Santa Cruz owners report water leaking into the cabin, frequently onto the front passenger floorboard, traced to clogged, crimped, or disconnected sunroof drain hoses. In several documented cases dealers found multiple drain slots blocked or a factory drain hole that was never fully punched, so water backs up out of the sunroof pan and into the interior.

Common Symptoms

  • Water pooling on front passenger floorboard
  • Damp carpet or headliner after rain or car wash
  • Dripping or trickling sounds inside the cabin
  • Interior condensation / musty smell

How to Fix

Clear and re-route the sunroof drain hoses; verify all drain slots are open and the factory drain holes are fully formed. Owners report success vacuuming debris and blowing compressed air through the drains; dealers should inspect for crimped or disconnected hoses and confirm proper drainage during a water test.

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Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026
Community reported
260 owners

The rear sliding window and tailgate area of the Santa Cruz develops rattles and wind noise, particularly at highway speeds. The rear window weatherstripping and tailgate seal are inadequate, allowing air intrusion and vibration. Some owners also report water leaks around the rear window seal.

Common Symptoms

  • Rattle from rear of cabin at highway speed
  • Wind noise from tailgate area
  • Water drips near rear window
  • Buzz/vibration on rough roads
  • Noise worsens with temperature changes

How to Fix

Apply adhesive-backed foam weatherstripping tape to the rear window frame to reduce rattling. The dealer can adjust tailgate alignment and replace weatherstripping under warranty. Hyundai updated the rear window seal in later production (part 87160-K4000). DIY foam tape fix costs $10-20; dealer seal replacement is $100-300.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipCheck if the rear window is fully closed by running your finger along the seal - a gap as small as 1mm causes significant rattle
Typical repair cost:$10 - $300

Research This Issue

Based on 260 owner reports

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerified260 owner reportsLast reported by owners Jan 2025Reviewed Feb 2026
Campaign #26V04700027/01/2026

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Santa Cruz, Tucson, Tucson Hybrid, and Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles. Software in the front cameras may cause the forward collision avoidance system to activate prematurely and unexpectedly apply the brakes.

Campaign #26V31600019/05/2026

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

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.

Campaign #24V87700020/11/2024

+ 4 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

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What is the 2025-2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Forward Collision Avoidance Phantom / Unexpected Braking (Recall 26V316)?

NHTSA recall 26V-316 (Hyundai recall 302) covers certain model-year 2025-2026 Santa Cruz vehicles. Front-camera software can cause the Forward Collision Avoidance system to exhibit increased sensitivity to forward-object proximity in certain driving scenarios. The system may enga… Severity: high.

What is the 2022-2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz Roof Side Molding Detachment While Driving (Recall 23V-038)?

NHTSA recall 23V-038 (Hyundai recall 241) covers certain model-year 2022-2023 Santa Cruz vehicles. Insufficient retention between the roof flange and mounting clips can allow a roof molding to detach while the vehicle is moving. A detached molding can become a road hazard and inc… Severity: high.

What is the 2022-2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz Tow Hitch Harness Water Intrusion Causing Fire Risk (Recall 23V-181)?

NHTSA recall 23V-181 (Hyundai recall 244) covers model-year 2022-2023 Santa Cruz vehicles that may have a Hyundai accessory tow-hitch harness. The harness module printed circuit board can be susceptible to water entering through the 4-pin tow-hitch harness connector. An electrica… Severity: high.

What is the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Transmission Electric Oil Pump Fault Causing Loss of Drive Power (Recall 22V-746)?

NHTSA recall 22V-746 (Hyundai recall 236) covers certain model-year 2022 Santa Cruz vehicles. An internal fault in the transmission high-pressure electric oil pump can trigger diagnostic codes and warning lamps. Improper software logic for the fail-safe condition can allow about… Severity: high.

What is the 2025-2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Improperly Installed Side Curtain Airbags That May Not Deploy in a Crash (Recall 25V809)?

A small number of Santa Cruz trucks left the assembly line with side curtain airbags that were not installed correctly, so the curtain may fail to deploy or may deploy out of position in a side impact or rollover. NHTSA campaign 25V809000 covers 258 vehicles across 2025 Tucson, 2… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Turbocharger Oil Supply Pipe Cracking at the Eye Joint Causing Engine Bay Oil Leak and Fire Risk (Recall 22V197)?

On early-build 2022 Santa Cruz trucks fitted with the 2.5L turbocharged Smartstream engine, the oil supply line feeding the turbocharger can crack at the eye joint. Pressurized oil then sprays or weeps into the engine compartment onto hot turbo and exhaust components. NHTSA campa… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Motor-Driven Power Steering Electric Power Pack Circuit Board Short Causing Sudden Loss of Steering Assist (Recall 24V412)?

A narrow production window of 2024 Santa Cruz trucks left the plant with a motor-driven power steering (MDPS) assembly whose Electric Power Pack printed circuit board was built with contaminated solder flux at the supplier. The contamination can cause an electrical short inside t… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Misrouted Console Extension Wiring Contacting Shift Lock Release, Allowing Shift Out of Park Without the Brake (Recall 24V877)?

The console extension wiring assembly that runs near the shift lever can be routed incorrectly during assembly so that the harness presses on the mechanical release for the shift lever lock. With the lock defeated, the transmission can be moved out of Park without the brake pedal… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2022-2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz 8-Speed DCT Overheating Under Load / Towing?

The 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT) on the 2.5L turbo Santa Cruz can overheat when towing near its 5,000 lb capacity or during spirited driving in warm weather. The transmission overheating warning forces the vehicle into limp mode. The DCT cooling system is undersized… Repairs typically run $0-$400. Severity: medium.

What is the 2022-2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz 12V Battery Parasitic Drain and Premature Failure?

Santa Cruz owners report the 12V battery going dead after the vehicle sits only a few days, attributed to parasitic draw from the Bluelink telematics modem and constant key-fob pinging. Owners receive Bluelink low-battery alerts on nearly-new trucks, and some have had batteries d… Severity: medium.

What is the 2022-2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz 8-Speed Wet Dual-Clutch Judder and Hesitation Pulling Away from a Stop (TSB 23-AT-012H / 24-AT-001H-1)?

Trucks with the 2.5L turbocharged engine use an 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (8WDCT); the naturally aspirated 2.5 uses a conventional 8-speed torque converter automatic and does not share this behavior. On the DCT, variation in clutch touch-point learning produces a shudd… Repairs typically run $0-$4,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2022-2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Sunroof Drain Clogging Causing Interior Water Leaks?

Santa Cruz owners report water leaking into the cabin, frequently onto the front passenger floorboard, traced to clogged, crimped, or disconnected sunroof drain hoses. In several documented cases dealers found multiple drain slots blocked or a factory drain hole that was never fu… Severity: medium.

What is the 2025-2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Instrument Cluster Rebooting to a Blank Screen from Power Management IC Electrical Noise (Recall 26V047)?

Electrical noise generated inside the Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC) of the instrument panel cluster can cause the cluster to reboot intermittently while the vehicle is being driven, leaving the display blank for several seconds. During the blank period the speedomete… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: medium.

What is the 2022-2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Infotainment Screen Freezing / Black Screen?

The 10.25-inch infotainment system in the Santa Cruz is prone to freezing, going black, or rebooting randomly. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connections can trigger the freezes. The backup camera feed may also be lost during a freeze. Hyundai has released multiple softw… Repairs typically run $0-$2,000. Severity: low.

What is the 2022-2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Factory Bed Liner Peeling / Delaminating?

The factory-applied composite bed liner on the Santa Cruz peels, chips, and delaminates prematurely, often within the first year. The issue begins at the edges and tailgate area. UV exposure and temperature cycling cause the liner adhesion to fail. This is a widespread cosmetic i… Repairs typically run $0-$650. Severity: low.

What is the 2022-2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Rear Window and Tailgate Rattle / Wind Noise?

The rear sliding window and tailgate area of the Santa Cruz develops rattles and wind noise, particularly at highway speeds. The rear window weatherstripping and tailgate seal are inadequate, allowing air intrusion and vibration. Some owners also report water leaks around the rea… Repairs typically run $10-$300. Severity: low.

What is the 2022-2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Factory Retractable Tonneau Cover Binding, Failing to Retract, and Leaving a Front Gap That Lets Water Into the Bed (TSB 24-BD-003H / 24-BD-004H)?

The roll-up tonneau cover fitted to SEL Premium and Limited trucks develops two related faults that Hyundai acknowledged in service bulletins issued March 2024. The cover binds in its rails and becomes hard or impossible to open and close (TSB 24-BD-003H), and it retracts incompl… Repairs typically run $0-$900. Severity: low.