NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
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.
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 87 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 3 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
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
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20589
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING26V316000
Risk: Unexpected braking increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the front camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 17, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 302. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 20, 2026.
Reported 2026-05-19
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN25V809000
Risk: Side curtain air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reinstall the side curtain air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning December 29, 2025. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's numbers for this recall are 289 and 029G. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on November 22, 2025.
Reported 2025-11-21
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING24V877000
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.
Remedy: Owners are advised to use the parking brake when parking the vehicle. Dealers will reroute the console extension wiring assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 17, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 273.
Reported 2024-11-20
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
16 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.