Things to consider when insuring one
5-star overall crash rating
NHTSA’s top crash rating. Crash protection affects injury claims, which make up a large share of what auto insurance pays out.
Driver-assist sensors come standard
They can help avoid crashes, but a windshield or bumper repair often needs the cameras and radar recalibrated, which costs more. Check what your comprehensive and collision deductibles would mean for a glass claim.
Most owner complaints are about the forward collision avoidance
10 of 21 complaints to NHTSA mention it. Worth a look in a pre-purchase inspection.
3 recalls
- NHTSA 26V316000 · May 19, 2026
forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Santa Cruz, Tucson, Tucson Hybrid, and Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles. Software in the front cameras may cause the forward collision avoidance system to activate prematurely and unexpectedly apply the brakes.
- The risk
- Unexpected braking increases the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- 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.
- NHTSA 25V809000 · Nov 21, 2025
air bags: side/window: curtain
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025 Tucson, 2025-2026 Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Hybrid, and 2026 Genesis GV70 vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not have been installed properly, which can cause the air bags not to deploy as intended.
- The risk
- Side curtain air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.
- The fix
- 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.
- NHTSA 24V877000 · Nov 20, 2024
electrical system: wiring
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025 Tucson and Santa Cruz vehicles. The console extension wiring assembly may be routed improperly, allowing the transmission to be shifted out of Park without applying the brake pedal.
- The 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.
- The fix
- 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.
Crash test ratings
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz PU/CC AWD
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
Rollover risk in a single-vehicle crash: 16%
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz PU/CC FWD
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
Rollover risk in a single-vehicle crash: 16%
What owners report
21 complaints to NHTSA, 1 involving a crash, 1 a fire.
- Forward collision avoidance10
- Electrical system3
- Exterior lighting3
- Unknown or other3
- Engine2
- Service brakes2
- Fuel/propulsion system1
- Lane departure1
Insuring a 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
An independent broker compares several insurers for you and can explain what matters for this car. Find one who writes auto where you live.
Other 2025 Hyundai models
Recalls, crash ratings and owner complaints are from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), last checked Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are owners’ reports and aren’t verified by NHTSA. This page is general information, not advice about a specific vehicle or policy.