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2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Report

Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Updated May 30, 2026·Ryan Davis·2 Critical Recalls

Overall Score

6.7/ 10
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution

Key Takeaways

  • Significant powertrain and engine failures are the primary concern for owners, often reported at low mileage.
  • A high volume of complaints centers on loss of power and transmission issues.
  • Multiple safety-critical recalls have been issued, including for the transmission and engine oil supply.
  • Despite its unique styling, the Santa Cruz's reliability verdict is 'Below Average', demanding thorough pre-purchase inspection.
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OverviewWho This Car Is ForReliability & ProblemsVehicle SpecsUnlock Full ReportFAQ
Overview

2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz offers a unique blend of SUV comfort and truck utility, but used buyers should proceed with caution. Its distinctive design appeals to those seeking something different, but a substantial number of owner complaints and recalls, particularly concerning the powertrain and engine, cast a shadow over its long-term dependability. Fuel economy is respectable for its class, but potential buyers must weigh this against the documented mechanical vulnerabilities.

Critical Failure Risk

A significant number of complaints point to powertrain and transmission issues, often manifesting as a loss of power or hesitation during acceleration, particularly from a standstill. Some failures are reported at very low mileage, suggesting potential manufacturing defects.

Early detection can help you avoid a $2,500-$5,000 repair.

Open Maintenance Analysis →

Safety & Bulletins

Open Recalls11
Service Bulletins0
Full Recall History →

Owner Complaints

259
Power Train82
Detailed Issue Breakdown →

Performance & Efficiency

Fuel Efficiency
Combined
22
MPG
City
19
MPG
Highway
27
MPG
Full Vehicle Specifications ↓

Reliability

6.0/ 10

Practicality

5.0/ 10

The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption.

Buyer Fit

Who This Car Is For

Best for

Drivers seeking a distinctive vehicle that bridges the gap between SUV and truck.

+2 more buyer-fit notes in the full report

Avoid if

Risk-averse buyers prioritizing bulletproof reliability and low-cost ownership.

+2 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report

2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Reliability Analysis

Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz.

  • Recall TimelineOfficial safety notices
  • Owner ComplaintsReal driver reports
  • Failure AnalysisKnown part defects
Specs

Vehicle Specs

Fuel Type
Regular
Transmission
Automatic (AM-S8)
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Body Style
Pickup
EPA Combined MPG
22

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See the full 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz buyer report before you decide

Unlock the complete checklist, maintenance outlook, and buyer verdict in one place.

Most Common Issues

1. Powertrain

Most reported

Usage: 82 reports

2. ENGINE

Usage: 46 reports

See all common issues in the maintenance guide

First Service Interval

- Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation - Inspect Brakes

Est. shop cost: $100 - $200

7,500 mi

Unlock the full maintenance guide for every scheduled service interval and cost forecast.

Full pre-purchase inspection checklist
Complete maintenance schedule (4 service intervals)
Repair forecasts with mileage and cost context
Full buyer-fit guidance and who should avoid it
Full specs and trim-level context
11 recall campaign details & remedy notes
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FAQ

FAQ

Is the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz reliable?▾

The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is 6.0/10. Reliability score is 6.0/10. NHTSA recalls: 11. Owner complaints: 259.

How practical is the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz for daily use?▾

Practicality score is 5.0/10. The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption. EPA combined economy is 22 MPG.

What is the overall score for the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz?▾

The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is 6.7/10. Overall score is 6.7/10 (Good). Confidence 55%. Maintenance 8.9/10. Practicality 5.0/10.

What does it cost to own and maintain a 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz?▾

Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation - Inspect Brakes at 7,500 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $400 - $700. Repair prediction highlight: Automatic Transmission (typical at 25,000 miles, estimated cost Min: $2,500 • Max: $5,000+).

What engine is in the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz?▾

Engine specs list 4 • 2.5.

What transmission does the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz, transmission is Automatic (AM-S8). The paired drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive.

What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz?▾

EPA combined estimate is 22 MPG.

What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz?▾

14 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control.

What body style is the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz, body style is pickup.

What drivetrain does the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz, drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic (AM-S8).

What are the most common power train problems on the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz?▾

Top complaint category: power train (82 reports, 31.7% of complaints).

Are there open safety recalls on the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz?▾

This model year has 11 official safety campaigns listed.

Should buyers consider alternatives to the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz?▾

Alternatives listed in this guide: 2022 Ford Maverick and 2022 Honda Ridgeline.

Start Here

Maintenance guide

Costs + intervals

Recall report

Campaigns + remedy notes

Owner complaints

Issue volume + categories

In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Who This Car Is For
  3. 03Reliability & Problems
  4. 04Vehicle Specs
  5. 05Unlock Full Report
  6. 06FAQ

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