MotorDeets

2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz: 2 recalls, 79 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.

2vehicle recalls
79owner complaints
2mention a crash
23best combined mpg
2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Photo: Charles from Port Chester, New York · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Body & structure, Body & structure Vehicle recall #23V038000 · 2023 · 16,104 vehicles

What's wrong: The roof moldings May detach.

Why it matters: A detached roof molding could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace, or secure the roof moldings, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 30, 2023.

Trailer hitch Vehicle recall #23V181000 · 2023 · 584,784 vehicles

What's wrong: Water accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (pcb) May cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.

Why it matters: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

The 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.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Transmission & drivetrain25
Engine20
Electrical14
Other / unknown10
Speed control / throttle6
Forward collision avoidance6
Fuel & propulsion6
Brakes5

What owners describe

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz has 79 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 5 Santa Cruz model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 65). Complaints peaked in 2023 (33 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 1 year old, at a median of 5,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2022 (185 complaints, 4 recalls), 2024 (35 complaints, 1 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
2.5 L 4-cylAutomatic (S8)Front-Wheel Drive222623Regular
2.5 L 4-cylAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive212523Regular
2.5 L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)All-Wheel Drive192722Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz manual

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FAQ

Does the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz problems?

Owners have filed 79 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (25), engine (20), electrical (14).

What gas mileage does the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz get?

EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (2.5 L, Automatic (S8)), across 3 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Santa Cruz years

20222023202420252026