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, an 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 2026-07-03. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 20055), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Hyundai Santa Cruz 2024. Class rank 60 of 91 in Sedan 2024. Methodology · Disclosure