NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Safety Ratings
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz scores 88 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 34 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz achieved a perfect 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's crash tests. This strong performance contributes to its NHTSA Safety Index of 88/100, placing it firmly in the Strong band. Its federal safety profile is further supported by only one recall on record.
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz received a 5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 88/100, based on NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 91 Sedans from 2024 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz ranks 60 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 88 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.4% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 34 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 60 of 91 Sedans tested for 2024 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
The 2024 Santa Cruz marks a meaningful step forward in the NHTSA Safety Index, climbing to 88/100 from the prior model year's 82/100, a six-point gain within the same Strong band. That movement is driven primarily by the crash-protection score of 66 out of 70, anchored by the rare achievement of 5 stars across both the frontal and side test disciplines from NHTSA. The avoidance-technology sub-score of 5 out of 10 reflects a mixed equipment picture: forward collision warning is listed as both standard and optional depending on configuration, while lane departure warning and electronic stability control are standard across the board. The defect record contributes 16.75 out of a possible 20 points, a figure shaped by the single recall tied to the electric power steering circuit board. That recall is not trivial, as steering-assist anomalies carry real on-road consequences, and its resolution status should be a primary checkpoint for any prospective buyer. The 34 filed complaints, led by powertrain and engine allegations, are unverified but worth monitoring as the vehicle ages into the broader used market.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz perform in crash tests?
The 2024 Santa Cruz achieved an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Its performance in frontal and side crash tests also garnered 5-star ratings. The rollover category presents a slight divergence from these top marks, receiving 4 out of 5 stars, with a measured rollover risk of 16 percent. The vehicle did not tip in the dynamic tip test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20055
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz have any recalls?
One recall affects this model year, targeting the motor-driven power steering circuit board, a component shared with certain 2024 Tucson vehicles. A steering-assist failure is a serious safety concern. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the available data, but shoppers should verify remedy completion by VIN before purchase.
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
Owners have filed 34 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Power Train (11 reports), Engine (6), and Vehicle Speed Control (5). Three alleged crashes and three alleged injuries appear in the dataset. All figures are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
34 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
Potential owners of a 2024 Santa Cruz must verify recall completion through the NHTSA database using the vehicle's VIN. An open recall campaign for the electric power steering system necessitates confirmed remedy implementation. While no other recall campaigns are currently on record for the 2024 model year, VIN-specific verification remains the sole method to confirm that this critical safety fix has been performed.
- The 2024 Santa Cruz scored 5 stars in both the NHTSA frontal and side crash tests, the strongest possible result in each discipline, contributing a crash-protection sub-score of 66 out of 70 in the Safety Index.
- A single recall was issued for this model year covering the electric power steering circuit board, shared with certain 2024 Tucson vehicles. Steering-system recalls warrant priority attention, and remedy completion should be verified by VIN.
- The Safety Index rose six points from the 2023 model year (82/100) to the 2024 model year (88/100), the largest driver being the near-perfect crash-protection component score.
- Thirty-four unverified owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA, with Power Train and Engine as the top alleged problem areas. Three alleged crashes and three alleged injuries are included in that count, though none of these are established facts.
RANKINGSWhere the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz places
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz safety questions
Was the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 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 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2024 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 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 34 owner complaints are on file for the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Santa Cruz years
Rivals in Sedan (2024)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Audi A4 Allroad | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Audi S4 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Hyundai Elantra N | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Infiniti Q50 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20055), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Hyundai Santa Cruz 2024.
- 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 60 of 91 in the Sedan class for 2024.
- 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.