Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz. The contact stated while at a complete stop at a traffic light, the check engine warning light, the immobilization system warning light, and other unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact shifted into park(P) and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle failed to restart after several attempts. The contact stated exited the vehicle and locked and unlocked the doors several times. The contact stated that he pressed the Push to Start button and the vehicle started; however, the gear shifter had seized in park(P). The contact stated that he was able to shift into drive(D); however, the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but the dealer was closed. The contact attempted to drive the vehicle, and the vehicle responded as needed. …
On one occasion on interstate at highway speed during summer, dry conditions I was driving at approximately 60 mph and was not accelerating while maintaining average pace in traffic. For no apparent reason the engine lost all power. I was forced to drift over in a hazardous manner to reach the right shoulder. When the power was lost the engine was still on and operating, multiple presses on the accelerator did not provide any power or increased engine noise. Once stopped I checked that the truck was still in Drive gear, engine was on and parking break or assist was not engaged. The drive Mode button was in the Smart setting. I placed the truck in park and turned off the engine. I turned the truck back on and placed it in drive and the truck began operating normally. …
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz. The contact stated while slowing down at approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle downshifted roughly and would jolt while shifting into gear. The contact stated that the failure had been occurring intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that the RPMs would remain high while he was at a complete stop. The contact stated that the RPMs would rise above 3,000 RPM while depressing the brake pedal, and he would turn the vehicle off to stop the engine from revving. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The part was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000. …
On February 10, 2023, I was driving my 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz on Interstate 10 near Gautier, Mississippi. My cruise control was activated and I was cruising at a speed of about 76mph. Suddenly the vehicle began to rev up to 7,000 RPMs and decelerate. The vehicle then began to coast at around 45mph and pressing the accelerator did not increase the speed but did cause the vehicle to rev. I was able to coast down the off-ramp and turn into a parking lot, however I was nearly hit by oncoming traffic because the vehicle was losing power and I was unable to accelerate. Hyundai Roadside Assistance towed me to the nearest dealership with service center, Jason Pilger Hyundai. By the time the tow truck arrived, the vehicle would not accelerate at all and the driver had to push the vehicle around to the tow truck. …
The contact's husband owns a 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz. The contact stated that after her husband parked the vehicle in the driveway, he exited the vehicle and went into the garage when the vehicle unintentionally rolled forward into the garage and crashed into her vehicle. The contact's husband did not sustain any injuries, and no medical attention was received. No police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The failure recurred with the "Shift To Park" message displayed while the gear shifter was shifted into park(P). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2,700.
The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the message "Pull Over and Stop Immediately" was displayed. The contact veered to side of the road. The contact stated that while attempting to shift into gear the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the vehicle appeared as if the transmission was in neutral(N). The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to an unknown dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the second dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced and that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V746000 (Power Train) however, parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. …
Related recalls (1)
Power train › Automatic transmission
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe, Sonata, Veloster N, 2022 Santa Cruz, Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete loss of drive power.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge.
Frequently asked questions
Which Hyundai Santa Cruz years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2022 (90), 2023 (25) and 2024 (11) model years. Transmission complaints make up 49% of all complaints for the 2022.
Is there a recall for Hyundai Santa Cruz transmission problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 22V-746 (automatic transmission, Oct 6, 2022). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Hyundai Santa Cruz transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 9,000 miles; 85% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (2 mentions).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.