Years to avoid
Hyundai Santa Cruz Years to Avoid
The 2022, 2023 model years stand out as the weakest in this Hyundai Santa Cruz dataset. We only publish this page when at least four years are available and the score spread is large enough to make the comparison meaningful.
Data updated April 2026
- Weakest year
- 2022
- Model average
- 68/100
- Complaints, weakest year
- 171
- Recalls, weakest year
- 4
57/100 reliability
17-point range
4 crash · 1 fire reports
NHTSA campaigns on file
Bottom line
Why the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz ranks last
The 2022 scores 57/100, rated mixed, versus a model average of 68/100. NHTSA data contains 171 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns for this model year.
Its most-reported problem areas are Power Train (82), Unknown Or Other (21), Engine (15), Electrical System (14). Those counts are investigation leads, not proof that every vehicle has the problem.
Inspect the full 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz record →Evidence by year
The weakest Hyundai Santa Cruz model years compared
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz
- Complaints
- 171
- Recalls
- 4
- Crash reports
- 4
- Fire reports
- 1
Top issues: Power Train (82), Unknown Or Other (21), Engine (15)
View 2022 details →2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz
- Complaints
- 73
- Recalls
- 2
- Crash reports
- 1
- Fire reports
- 3
Top issues: Power Train (25), Electrical System (11), Engine (8)
View 2023 details →Better alternatives
Stronger Hyundai Santa Cruz years to put on your shortlist
Read this carefully
“Avoid” is a comparison signal, not a verdict on one VIN
A year qualifies here only when it trails the model average by at least five points, trails the best year by at least ten points, or falls below 60/100. The model also needs at least four scored years and a six-point spread. Age, sales volume and time on the road can affect raw complaint totals, so use the score and severity mix together.
Source trail
Where this Hyundai Santa Cruz data comes from
VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's Hyundai Santa Cruz research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.
Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.
Buyer questions
Hyundai Santa Cruz research FAQ
Which Hyundai Santa Cruz years should I avoid?
2022, 2023 score materially below the strongest Hyundai Santa Cruz years in this dataset. The 2022 is the weakest at 57/100, with 171 owner complaints and 4 recalls on file.
Does a low-scoring Hyundai Santa Cruz year mean every car is bad?
No. Model-year data describes population-level patterns. A well-maintained vehicle with a clean title and completed recall work can be a better purchase than a neglected example from a higher-scoring year.
What should I buy instead of the worst Hyundai Santa Cruz year?
The strongest alternatives in this dataset are 2026 (74/100), 2025 (72/100), 2024 (71/100). Compare price, mileage, equipment and the individual VIN before deciding.
Check the actual car
Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.
Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific Hyundai Santa Cruz you are considering.