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.

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.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (25): the most common themes are warning light on (10), hard / delayed shifting (9), stalls / loses power (6).
- Engine (20): the most common themes are warning light on (10), leaks (3).
- Electrical (14): the most common themes are warning light on (4), fire / smoke (4), electrical failure (3).
- Other / unknown (10): the most common themes are electrical failure (2), warning light on (2).
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)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 26 | 23 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 25 | 23 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | Regular |
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.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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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.