MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

1Recalls
34Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE HYUNDAI SANTA CRUZ

The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a compact sport adventure truck, not a sedan, built on a car-based unibody platform and aimed at active buyers who want pickup-truck utility without the bulk of a traditional truck. Sitting in the emerging lifestyle truck segment, it targets younger households and outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize versatility and a more car-like driving experience alongside an open bed.

VERDICT

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100, a strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. Both frontal and side crash protection reached the full 5 stars. It has 1 recall on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally praise the Santa Cruz for its clever blend of car-like ride comfort and genuine truck practicality, calling it a well-executed entry in the lifestyle truck category. Most find the driving dynamics a clear strength, though some note the bed size limits heavy hauling ambitions. Overall professional reception has been broadly positive.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 16.4%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20055

Index breakdown

Crash protection66/70
Avoidance tech5/10
Defect record16.75/20
Forward collision warning: Standard & OptionalLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM24V412000

Risk: A loss of power steering assist can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the motor-driven power steering electric power pack, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 261.

Reported 2024-06-05

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

34 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

3reported crash
0reported fire
3reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsPower Train 11Engine 6Vehicle Speed Control 5Fuel/Propulsion System 4Unknown Or Other 4Service Brakes 2

Other Santa Cruz years

Rivals in Sedan (2024)

Last verified 2026-08-17. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 20055), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Hyundai Santa Cruz 2024. Class rank 60 of 91 in Sedan 2024. Methodology · Disclosure