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2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Buyable, but go in with open eyes: this car has specific known issues to check before money changes hands.
74 owner complaints · 2 recalls · data verified July 10, 2026 · source: NHTSA
Why caution?
Has a "park it / park outside" recall — the most serious kind. Verify the fix was done before buying.
Transmission & drivetrain problems dominate (34% of complaints, typically reported near 16k miles).
The math, shown
Full methodology →Complaints filed per year
Fading = early teething worked out. Climbing = problems aging in.
The road ahead
What breaks on a 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz, plotted where owners report it happening.
Also reported (mileage varies): Electrical system (11) · Fuel system (7) · Driver assistance (6) · Speed control (6)
Mileage medians come from owners who mentioned an odometer reading in their NHTSA complaint — a rough guide, not a schedule.
Transmission & drivetrain
34%25 complaints · typically near 16k mi · 10 in the last 2 years
“car flashes transmission low fluid and gives a code of p193b-79. when trans downshifts upshifts will not happened. to clear the problem you have to turn car off and on…”
Engine
26%19 complaints · typically near 20k mi · 9 in the last 2 years
“Received error code P030300 and the third cylinder fuel injector had to be replaced. There is approximately 36000 miles on the vehicle.”
Electrical system
15%11 complaints · 2 in the last 2 years
“11/14, 2023 Drove about 2-3 miles when all warning lights on the dash came on like a Christmas tree. I was coming to a 4 way stop, both roads were 55 mph speed limits.…”
Fuel system
9%7 complaints · 6 in the last 2 years
“Lower Average Fuel Consumption than advertised. 10mpg”
Recalls (2)
Safety recall repairs are free at the brand’s franchised dealers. Before buying, run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and make the seller show the work was done.
Park itTrailer Hitches · 23V181000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Santa Fe, 2021-2023 Santa Fe HEV, 2022-2023 Santa Fe Plug-in HEV and Santa Cruz vehicles potentially equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Hyundai dealership. Water accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is completed. Dealers will install a new fuse and wire extension kit as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed starting May 16, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 244. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 22V-633.
Structure · 23V038000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2022 Tucson and 2022-2023 Santa Cruz vehicles. The roof moldings may detach.
Risk: A detached roof molding could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace, or secure the roof moldings, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 30, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 241.
Before you hand over money
Verify the recall work was done
NHTSA’s free lookup shows whether this exact car had its recall remedies completed.
Free NHTSA VIN check ↗Get a pre-purchase inspection
A $150–$250 independent inspection of this exact 2023 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ beats every score on the internet, including ours.
What to ask forNot set on the 2023? See how every Santa Cruz model year scores →
Cross-shopping? Compare the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz against another car →
What owners say
Real owners of this exact model-year, shown separately from the NHTSA score — if they disagree, that’s worth knowing.