2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz electrical system problems

What owners report

• “The push-to-open fuel filler door repeatedly failed to release, preventing refueling. The door locks through an electronic actuator tied to the central locking system, and there is no interior lever or owner-accessible manual override. Beginning in August 2026, the door intermittently failed to open when pushed with the vehicle off and all doors unlocked. Cycling lock/unlock on the key fob while pressing the door sometimes freed it after several minutes; other times it would not open at all. No …”

  NHTSA complaint · filed 09/09/2026

• “my 2023 Santa Cruz had 7500 miles when purchased 4/25/26. I have had issues with the screen blackening/fading which cuts of electronics; ex; safety features. This was taken in twice. Then the truck loses power. Going 55 or 75, suddenly truck drops to 20mph. Car's honk, brake & swerve not to hit us. It has been at dealers three times now for same issue. Since I've owned vehicle, it has been at dealer for 29 days tomorrow and it is still there. The truck is a death trap, always something wrong.”

  NHTSA complaint · filed 07/27/2026

• “truck dash light would fade/blacken at which time none of safety features would work. This is an intermittent problem but seem like it has happened many times with the Santa Cruz's in general, so Hyundai was aware of problem. They don't seem to fix problems. This is a critical safety failure. No warning just happens. Had it happen to my truck about 7 times. When screen blackens, I have no safety features, can't see anything on dash, so I could get in a wreck”

  NHTSA complaint · filed 07/10/2026

• “At least two separate wiring harnesses have failed on my vehicle, affecting the tail lights. My vehicle cannot pass New York State safety inspection because of this issue. Safety of myself and other drivers is at risk, especially at night, since my vehicle is not properly illuminated. Occasionally, one tail light will go out or flicker. I had one trailer harness removed under a safety recall, but I don't recall the dealership ever replacing it. Then, a couple of years later, I got a ticket for …”

  NHTSA complaint · filed 01/28/2026

• “The system that failed was electrical near or in the Tow Hitch which caused the vehicle fire. Vehicle is available for inspection at Auto Body Evolution Essex MD. The car caught fire in the back of the vehicle while parked in Owner's driveway and engine off. Neighbor pounded on Owner's door at 6:50 am. yelling for the residents to open the door that their vehicle was on fire in their driveway. Fire was dangerously close to the gas cap; parked vehicle was close to the owner's house, two boats…”

  NHTSA complaint · filed 03/30/2025 · fire

• “11/14, 2023 Drove about 2-3 miles when all warning lights on the dash came on like a Christmas tree. I was coming to a 4 way stop, both roads were 55 mph speed limits. There was a car behind me and another coming to a stop from the left. I wanted to get across the intersection to pull over and assess the situation. While trying to get across the intersection there was no response to the throttle pedal, ended up idling through the intersection at 4 mph. After getting across I pulled over and turn…”

  NHTSA complaint · filed 12/17/2023

• “Rough Idle, Loss of engine power, and cylinder misfire on 2023 Santa Cruize Limited approx. 26,700 miles(currently) purchased new 04-28-2023 at Hyundai in North Knoxville, TN. Vehicle is stored in insulated garage at all times when not in use. 1) Approx. 2k-4k mi vehicle was having rough idling upon start up & have to sit, wait several minutes to allow vehicle ample time to warm up like a cold natured, carbureted engine. Dealer was unable to replicate at vehicle service intervals(60 miles away…”

  NHTSA complaint · filed 11/20/2023

• “Car will not start properly and shuts itself off after which a strong odor of burning plastic is present in the vehicle. It will periodically do this almost once a day if not every other day. I have taken it in to the dealer 4 times last time they had my car for two weeks and could not replicate porblem because they only drive it 5 miles and it will not happen unless vehicle is being daily driven. I have found numerous other owners with the same complaint. Hyundai will not authorize shop to work…”

  NHTSA complaint · filed 08/21/2023

Unverified owner reports from NHTSA's public complaint database.

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