Is the 2025 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ reliable?

The 2025 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ has 25 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.2x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: excellent. Most common issue: DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS problems.

What are common problems with the 2025 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ?

Top problems: DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS (11 complaints, avg repair $500); SPEED CONTROL (4 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (3 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2025 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ?

Yes, there are 3 recall(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING, AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING. Contact any Hyundai dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2025 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ?

The 2025 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ gets 23 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2087. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2025 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2025 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ is approximately $1,900/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2025 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Excellent Reliability

Quick Summary

The 2025 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ has 25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.2x the segment average of 106. The most common issue is driver assist/cameras problems (44% of all complaints), specifically: while driving at highway speeds with smart cruise control set during the day i put on sunglasses and the driver attention system turned off the system 6 seconds later. i repeated this event set several times at various speeds and driving conditions with the same 6 second failure result. i made the d. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 1 fire report filed.

1 fire report 3 crash reports

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

0.2x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 7)

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS

11 complaints

44%

• While driving at highway speeds with Smart Cruise Control set during the day I put on sunglasses and the driver attention system turned off the system 6 seconds later. I repeated this event set several times at various speeds and driving conditions with the same 6 second failure result. I made the d
• The Hyundai Santa Cruz has a Driver Forward Attention Warning system. The steering column has a camera that monitors the driver's eyes and face to make sure the driver is watching the road while the cruise control is engaged. The feature shuts down the cruise control if it assesses the driver is n
• Vehicle is constantly slamming on the brakes when leaving a parking garage. Users have to turn the feature off every single time we enter our vehicle instead of it being saved to our profile. 2023 model allowed us to select warning sound only if we preferred. I'd hate to see this feature activate wh

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 2 crashes

“While driving at highway speeds with Smart Cruise Control set during the day I put on sunglasses and the driver attention system turned off the system 6 seconds later. I repeated this event set several times at various speeds and driving conditions with the same 6 second failure result. I made the d”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (3)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING20/11/2024

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025 Tucson and Santa Cruz vehicles. The console extension wiring assembly may be routed improperly, allowing the transmission to be shifted out of Park without applying the brake pedal.

Risk: A transmission that can shift out of Park without applying the brake pedal can result in a vehicle roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Owners are advised to use the parking brake when parking the vehicle. Dealers will reroute the console extension wiring assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 17, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 273.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2025 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,087

Per month

$174

Per mile

17.4¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,527/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,656/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2025 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,900

Full coverage / month

$158

Liability only / year

$600

vs US avg

+14%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.15x

= Full coverage estimate$1900

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Hyundai SANTA CRUZ Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

60K mi

Spark plugs

90K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

Turbo engines (1.6T, 2.0T) need premium fuel and more frequent oil (some owners service at 5,000 miles).

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Hyundai New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

5 yr / 60K mi

Powertrain

10 yr / 100K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

10 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

7 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / unlimited mi

10 years/100K powertrain warranty is transferable only to first purchaser after initial owner

Estimated Repair Costs

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

SPEED CONTROL(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 25 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: While driving at highway speeds with Smart Cruise Control set during the day I put on sunglasses and the driver attention system turned off the system 6 seconds later. I repeated this event set several times at various speeds and driving conditions with the same 6 second failure result. I made the d
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SPEED CONTROL: While driving at highway speeds with Smart Cruise Control set during the day I put on sunglasses and the driver attention system turned off the system 6 seconds later. I repeated this event set several times at various speeds and driving conditions with the same 6 second failure result. I made the d
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: While driving at highway speeds with Smart Cruise Control set during the day I put on sunglasses and the driver attention system turned off the system 6 seconds later. I repeated this event set several times at various speeds and driving conditions with the same 6 second failure result. I made the d
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: -Brake pedal feels unsmooth in temperatures below 75-80 (mainly below 70) degrees as well as extremely noisy squeaking / creaking sounds accompanied. Inspection is always available. -I currently don't believe there is any safety risk to the issue I'm experiencing, but rather that it's unknown if th
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Hyundai dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)