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2023 Hyundai

Santa Cruz AWD

Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L

Hyundai Santa Cruz: best and worst years
2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz AWD (photo 1 of 6)

Closest available photo (2022 model year); you're viewing the 2023.

2022 photoElise240SXCC BY-SA 4.0via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDEPA, from EPA, last updated 7/8/2026
Transmission
Automatic (S8)EPA, from EPA, last updated 7/8/2026

Engine & performance

HP
191
Power to weight
0.047 hp/lb
Axle ratio
4.08
Aspiration
Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 7/8/2026

Efficiency

Smog score
5/10
SmartWay certified
No

Dimensions & capacity

Cab
Extra/Super/Quad/Double/King/ExtendedNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 10/13/2026
GVWR class
Class 1D (5,001 to 6,000 lb)NHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 10/13/2026

Safety NHTSA record NHTSA, model year

⚠ This model year has a recall advising owners to park outside or away from structures (fire risk). Check with the manufacturer.

Overall crash rating
★★★★★
Rollover rating
★★★★★
Stability control (ESC)
Standard
Lane-departure warning
Standard
Recalls
2
Owner complaints
79 See on NHTSA
Reported injuries
1

Feature availability

Cameras & visibility

  • Backup camera
    Standard

Driver assist

Convenience

  • Push-button start
    Standard

Reported problems NHTSA record NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • POWER TRAIN23%
  • ENGINE18%
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM13%
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER9%
  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE5%
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM5%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 111 total.

Hyundai Santa Cruz: best and worst years

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

44 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • Jun 5, 2026POWER TRAIN26-AT-005H TSB

    This bulletin provides information related to a Transmission Control Unit (TCU) software update for some vehicles equipped with an 8-speed wet dual clutch transmission (8WDCT). The software update revises the touch point learning variation, improving drivability and judder symptoms. Some 8WDCTs (indicated by a new part number) received an updated clutch spring. The correct TCU software update must be matched with the correct corresponding 8WDCT hardware, otherwise, drivability concerns may occur

  • May 27, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEM26-GI-002H TSB

    This bulletin provides information related to the navigation and head unit software changes introduced in the 2026 1st Navigation Map and Software Update. The changes may vary depending on vehicle type, model, and navigation system. Refer to the 2026 1st Navigation Map and Software Update Key Improvements and Additional Improvements tables in this TSB for a list of specific changes. The software can be downloaded via Navigation Updater (NAU) and updated by USB.

  • Apr 10, 2026AIR BAGSDTN DL

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous driver’s-side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN). These inflators were not supplied, approved, or authorized by the vehicle manufacturers and have primarily been found in vehicles that previously experienced a crash and underwent airbag replacement using non-genuine parts. These dangerous inflators have ruptured during

  • Apr 10, 2026AIR BAGSDTN DCS

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent safety advisory regarding dangerous, counterfeit driver‑side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN), that have been identified in U.S. vehicles following prior crashes, theft, or non‑certified airbag replacements. These inflators are not approved for use, may rupture during deployment, and have caused serious injuries and fatalities. Please see attached anno

  • Mar 16, 2026POWER TRAIN26-01-028H

    Certain Santa Cruz (NXT) vehicles equipped with 8-speed dual clutch transmissions (8DCT) may set one of the high pressure electric oil pump (HP EOP) DTCs listed below. This bulletin provides the service procedure to update the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) with improved logic to address these DTCs and enhance operation of the 8DCT.

  • Mar 3, 2026POWER TRAIN26-AT-001H TSB

    Some Santa Cruz (NXT), Santa Fe (TMA, MX5A), and Sonata (DN8A) models may require replacement of the 8-speed wet dual clutch transmission (8WDCT) when the vehicle sets one of the high pressure electric oil pump (HP EOP) DTCs listed below. This bulletin provides instructions to replace the 8WDCT.

  • Feb 25, 2026FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS26-AD-001H TSB

    Some 2019MY and newer vehicles equipped with a front view camera may illuminate certain warning lights and trigger DTC C272246 fault code for the front camera. In the following cases, the front camera auto-calibration range may be exceeded while driving: • If the front camera is not properly installed and is completely or partially detached. • In case of excessive changes affecting the vehicle's balance (e.g., loading excessively heavy cargo in a specific location of the vehicle, or significant

  • Jan 24, 2026STRUCTURE:BODY25-BD-011H-1 TSB

    Some Santa Cruz (NXT) vehicles may have a tonneau cover that does not latch or unlatch, retract properly, and/or have a v-gap is present when closed. This may be due to a broken or missing clip on the underside of the tonneau cover. This bulletin provides instructions to inspect and, if necessary, repair the tonneau cover function using the Tonneau Cover Repair Kit or replacing the tonneau handle & latch assembly.

  • and 36 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
5 yr / 60k mi
Powertrain
10 yr / 100k mi
Roadside assistance
5 yr
Maintenance
3 yr / 36k mi
EV battery
10 yr / 100k mi

Source: www.cars.com as of 2026-06

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.