2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz Problems: 7 Known Issues
2023 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated November 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz has 7 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Roof moldings can come loose and fly off while driving — recall 23V038 and Accessory tow hitch harness module can short and catch fire — recall 23V181. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
2023 · All trims · 2.5T 8-speed wet DCT
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All 7 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls8 recalls
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
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.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025 Tucson, 2025-2026 Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Hybrid, and 2026 Genesis GV70 vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not have been installed properly, which can cause the air bags not to deploy as intended.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Santa Cruz, Tucson, Tucson Hybrid, and Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles. Software in the front cameras may cause the forward collision avoidance system to activate prematurely and unexpectedly apply the brakes.
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2022 Tucson and 2022-2023 Santa Cruz vehicles. The roof moldings may detach.
TRAILER HITCHES
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Santa Fe, 2021-2023 Santa Fe HEV, 2022-2023 Santa Fe Plug-in HEV and Santa Cruz vehicles potentially equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Hyundai dealership. Water accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Hyundai Santa Cruz problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz has 7 documented issues. Documented issues include: Roof moldings can come loose and fly off while driving — recall 23V038, Accessory tow hitch harness module can short and catch fire — recall 23V181, 12V battery runs low after the truck sits for days (owner reports). Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Hyundai Santa Cruz reliable?
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz has 7 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Roof moldings can come loose and fly off while driving — recall 23V038 and Accessory tow hitch harness module can short and catch fire — recall 23V181. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
What is the 2022-2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz Roof moldings can come loose and fly off while driving — recall 23V038?
The roof moldings may detach while driving because of insufficient retention between the roof flange and the molding mounting clips. A detached molding could become a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash. Warning signs are visible lifting or misalignment… Severity: high.
What is the 2022-2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz Accessory tow hitch harness module can short and catch fire — recall 23V181?
Water can get into the tow hitch harness module through the 4-pin tow hitch harness connector and cause an electrical short in its circuit board. That could increase the risk of a trailer tow hitch harness module fire while driving or while parked with the ignition off. The repor… Severity: high.
What is the 2022-2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz 12V battery runs low after the truck sits for days (owner reports)?
Owners report Bluelink "battery level is below normal" alerts and a low 12V battery after the truck sits for about a week. Owners point to standby draw from keyless entry and the Bluelink cellular modem, and to plug-in OBD-II devices left connected while parked. Applies to: Santa… Severity: medium.
What is the 2022-2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Water on the passenger floor traced to sunroof drains (owner reports)?
Owners report water leaking into the cabin, including onto the front passenger floor. In the reports, a dealer found 3 of the 6 sunroof drain slots clogged, and other dealers found a crimped sunroof drain hose; on one 2022 truck the leak continued after the hose repair and Hyunda… Severity: medium.
What is the 2022-2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Dual-clutch transmission judder and hesitation pulling away on the 2.5T — bulletin 26-AT-005H?
Hyundai's bulletin says the 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (8WDCT) on 2.5T trucks can show drivability and judder symptoms from variation in clutch touch-point learning. The bulletin's road check looks for delayed acceleration, jerking or shift shock, and for the truck fail… Severity: medium.
What is the 2022-2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Roll-up tonneau cover will not latch, retract fully or close without a gap — bulletin 26-BD-003H?
Hyundai's bulletin says the factory tonneau cover may not latch or unlatch, may not retract properly, and may leave a v-gap when closed. The bulletin says this may be due to a broken or missing clip on the underside of the cover. Applies to: All Santa Cruz (NXT) model years equip… Severity: low.
What is the 2022-2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Rattle and headliner gap at the rear window traced to the rear glass (owner reports)?
Owners report a rattle and a gap in the headliner above the rear seat at the back window. In the reports, dealers traced it to the rear glass not being installed correctly and reinstalled or replaced the window. Applies to: Santa Cruz trucks per owner reports. Summarized from the… Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.