repaired · 2026 Q3
Forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking
NewRisk. Unexpected braking increases the risk of a crash.
2025 Hyundai Santa CruzProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 23 owner complaints about the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz, most often about the forward collision avoidance. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-877 the manufacturer reports only 97% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 11, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz has problems
23 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
10Forward collision avoidance1 crash/fire/injury
4Electrical system
4Exterior lighting
3Service brakes1 crash/fire/injury
2Lane departure
2Engine1 crash/fire/injury
1Steering
1Fuel/propulsion system
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Forward collision avoidance | 10 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 4 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 4 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 1 |
| Lane departure | 2 | 0 |
| Engine | 2 | 1 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Side/window: curtain
NewRisk. Side curtain air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Electrical system: wiring
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.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Hyundai.
Best & worst years
2025 vs. every other Santa Cruz year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Santa Cruz median. How we score
'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz safety ratings
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz PU/CC AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (16.4% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard & Optional
- Lane departure warning: Standard
In owners' words
What Santa Cruz owners report
Recent forward collision avoidance complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Making a left turn against oncoming traffic into a convenience store parking lot. There was a car in the driveway waiting to exit the convenience store parking lot. As I crossed the oncoming traffic lane the crash avoidance light on the dash came on and the brakes locked up nearly causing me to be…
The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz. The contact stated that after a month of owning the vehicle, while attempting to start the vehicle, the Forward Collision Avoidance warning light and other unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the Forward Collision Avoidance warning…
This is an ongoing safety issue with a 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited. The forward collision-avoidance system activates frequently and without cause during normal driving. The system will engage when another vehicle is simply turning, merging, or slowing down at a traffic light—normal, predictable…
Own a 2025 Santa Cruz?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.