Hyundai Santa Cruz Recalls

The Hyundai Santa Cruz has 11 recalls covering 2022 through 2026 model years, with the most serious recent issue being a software defect on 2025-2026 vehicles where the automatic emergency braking system can activate without warning, applying the brakes unexpectedly and raising the risk of a rear-end collision.

Two separate wiring routing problems on 2025 models allow the transmission to shift out of Park without the brake pedal being pressed, which can cause the vehicle to roll away unexpectedly. On 2025-2026 models, side curtain airbags were not installed correctly and may not deploy in a crash, reducing occupant protection. The 2024 model year has a circuit board in the electric power steering assembly that can short, causing the steering to suddenly require much more effort to turn. A 2026-specific software error can cause the instrument panel display to go blank, taking the speedometer and warning lights with it.

Going back to 2022-2023 production, vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed at the factory or through a dealership can develop an electrical fault in that harness that leads to a fire while parked or driving. On 2022 models, the turbocharger oil supply pipe can crack and leak oil onto hot engine components, also creating a fire risk. A separate 2022 transmission issue means the fail-safe mode that normally keeps the vehicle moving at reduced speed during a transmission oil pump malfunction may not engage, resulting in a complete loss of drive power. The 2022-2023 model years also have roof moldings that can detach while driving and become a road hazard.