2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2025 model year · 1,010+ owner reports · Updated April 2026

According to Au7o's analysis of 1,010+ owner reports, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz has 3 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. The most commonly reported issue is Infotainment Screen Freezing / Black Screen with 420 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $0 to $2,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 3 Known Issues

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Community Reported

310 owners

On the 2022-2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz 2.5L Turbo, 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: Acura TL, Mitsubishi Outlander, Acura ILX

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.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 310+ owners who fixed this issue

UpgradeMishimoto universal transmission cooler provides excellent additional cooling capacity (Mishimoto #MMTC-U)
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TipAlways use Tow/Haul mode when towing - it prevents the transmission from hunting gears and reduces heat buildup
NoteDo not ignore the transmission overheat warning - continued driving can cause permanent clutch damage costing $3,000+

Typical repair cost:$0 - $400

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310+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High ConfidenceVerified310 reportsLast reported by owners Jan 2025Reviewed Feb 2026

Community Reported

420 owners

On the 2022-2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz, 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.

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.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 420+ owners who fixed this issue

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
UpgradeProfessional OBD-II diagnostic scanner for reading infotainment and body module codes (BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBD2 Scan Tool)
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UpgradeOEM-quality replacement sensor for accurate readings and proper system function (Bosch Replacement Sensor)
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Typical repair cost:$0 - $2,000

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420+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High ConfidenceVerified420 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2025Reviewed Feb 2026

Community Reported

280 owners

On the 2022-2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz, 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.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 280+ owners who fixed this issue

UpgradeLINE-X spray-in bed liner is the most popular upgrade replacing the factory liner (LINE-X Premium Spray-In Bed Liner)
View on Amazon
TipRemove the factory liner completely before applying aftermarket liner - applying over the factory liner causes adhesion issues

Typical repair cost:$0 - $650

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280+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High ConfidenceVerified280 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2025Reviewed Feb 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Hyundai Santa Cruz problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 1,010+ owner reports, the 2025-2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 8-Speed DCT Overheating Under Load / Towing, Infotainment Screen Freezing / Black Screen, Factory Bed Liner Peeling / Delaminating. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.

Is the Hyundai Santa Cruz reliable?

The 2025-2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz has 3 known issues documented across 1,010+ owner reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. 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 $2,000, 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 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 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.

2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 3 Known Issues

2022-2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz: 8-Speed DCT Overheating Under Load / Towing#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2022-2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz: Infotainment Screen Freezing / Black Screen#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2022-2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz: Factory Bed Liner Peeling / Delaminating#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

Other Hyundai Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Hyundai Santa Cruz problems?

Is the Hyundai Santa Cruz reliable?

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

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

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

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