NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz Safety Ratings
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz scores 82 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 74 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
Two active recalls, including one mandating that owners park their vehicles outside, define the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz's safety profile. This urgent safety advisory aside, the Santa Cruz earned a "Strong" rating on the NHTSA Safety Index with a score of 82 out of 100. Its NHTSA crash scores are otherwise excellent across most dimensions.
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz received a 5-out-of-5-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA and a NHTSA Safety Index of 82/100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 92 Sedans from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz ranks 74 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 82 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.4% |
| Recalls on file | 2 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 74 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 74 of 92 Sedans tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz presents a mixed safety profile, achieving a Safety Index of 82/100, placing it in the Strong band. Its crash protection is notable, with a sub-score of 66 out of 70. This reflects the near-perfect NHTSA star ratings awarded for the vehicle's ability to protect occupants in a collision. However, its avoidance technology sub-score is significantly lower at 5 out of 10. This occurs despite forward collision warning and lane departure warning being standard features. The scoring model likely reflects the absence of more advanced active-safety systems. The defect record sub-score of 10.75 out of 20 is a key detractor. Two recall campaigns impact this score. One recall involves trailer hitches and carries the serious park-outside designation. A separate recall addresses roof molding, a structural issue that warrants attention from prospective owners. Furthermore, 74 owner complaints have been filed, some including unverified allegations of fire and crash incidents. These factors collectively prevent the Santa Cruz from achieving a top-tier overall safety standing.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz achieved a 5 out of 5 stars overall safety rating from NHTSA, demonstrating strong performance in crash protection. This included perfect 5-star scores for both frontal and side impact scenarios. The vehicle's rollover performance steps back slightly, earning 4 out of 5 stars, with a 16 percent rollover risk measured and a "No Tip" outcome in the dynamic tip test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 17100
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz have any recalls?
Yes. Two recall campaigns cover this model year. First, a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign addresses trailer hitches on certain 2019-2023 Santa Fe and 2021-2023 Santa Cruz vehicles. Second, a structural recall covers roof moldings on certain 2022-2023 Santa Cruz vehicles, citing a risk of detachment. Both campaigns demand prompt VIN verification.
TRAILER HITCHES23V181000
Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is completed. Dealers will install a new fuse and wire extension kit as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed starting May 16, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 244. This recall is an expansion of previous rec
Reported 2023-03-17
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS23V038000
Risk: A detached roof molding could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace, or secure the roof moldings, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 30, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 241.
Reported 2023-01-31
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
Owners have filed 74 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the powertrain (25 reports), engine (19), and electrical system (11). Consumers have also alleged 2 crashes, 3 fire-related incidents, and 1 injury. All figures represent unverified consumer allegations, not established findings.
74 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
The 2023 Santa Cruz faces two open recall campaigns, a critical factor for any prospective owner. Of particular concern is the "park-outside" directive for models equipped with a trailer hitch, underscoring the importance of verifying recall remedy status through NHTSA's VIN lookup tool. It is imperative that buyers do not assume prior owners completed necessary repairs.
- The 2023 Santa Cruz carries an active park-outside or do-not-drive recall tied to trailer hitches, the most serious recall classification NHTSA issues, affecting certain 2021-2023 Santa Cruz units.
- A separate 2023 structural recall targets roof moldings on certain 2022-2023 Santa Cruz vehicles for potential detachment, a distinct campaign requiring independent VIN verification.
- NHTSA's rollover rating for this model year is 4 out of 5 stars with a 16 percent rollover risk, the one crash-test dimension that falls short of the otherwise perfect frontal and side scores.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score of 5 out of 10 is the single largest drag on the 82/100 Safety Index, despite standard forward collision warning and lane departure warning being present on this model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz places
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz safety questions
Was the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 16.4%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz, including a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which is the most serious class of recall. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 74 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Santa Cruz years
Rivals in Sedan (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Audi S4 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model S Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 17100), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Hyundai Santa Cruz 2023.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 74 of 92 in the Sedan class for 2023.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.