This bulletin provides information related to the navigation and head unit software changes introduced in the 2026 1st Navigation Map and Software Update. The changes may vary depending on vehicle type, model, and navigation system. Refer to the 2026 1st Navigation Map and Software Update Key Improvements and Additional Improvements tables in this TSB for a list of specific changes. The software can be downloaded via Navigation Updater (NAU) and updated by USB.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz electrical problems
severe 11 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
2fires
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin provides information related to the changes introduced in the 2025 1st Navigation Map and Software Update. The changes may vary depending on vehicle type, model, and navigation system as described in this TSB.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗A software update is available for multiple vehicles equipped with either Display Audio 2.0V or the AVN 5th Gen Wide system.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Certain 2022-2023MY Santa Cruz (NXT) vehicles may exhibit a warning lamp illumination for a diagnostic trouble code P218100 that is related to the Integrated Thermal Management Module (ITM). Follow the service procedure outlined in this bulletin to replace the ITM with a revised part and update the Engine/Electronic Control Unit (ECU).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information related to the changes introduced in the 2024 2nd Navigation Map and Software Update. The changes may vary depending on vehicle type, model, and navigation system. Refer to the 2024 2nd Navigation Map and Software Update Improvements section in this TSB for a list of specific changes. The software can be downloaded via Navigation Updater (NAU) and updated by USB. The NAU website is https://update.hyundai.com/US/EN/navigationUpdate. For certain models equipped with a relevant Bluelink package, the software may be downloaded and applied via OTA update.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report a pattern of electrical system faults affecting driveability, safety, and fire risk. The most critical complaints involve fires: two owners describe vehicles catching fire while parked with the engine off—one at a tow hitch and one in an attached garage—with fire professionals confirming the vehicle as the source. A third owner reports the vehicle stalling with a burning plastic smell and refusing to restart, refusing to drive it due to fire hazard.
Power delivery failures occur early and recur. One owner experienced rough idle and cylinder #3 misfire as early as 2k–4k miles, with multiple recurrences requiring dealer service. Another reports complete throttle loss at a traffic light with all warning lights firing. A third describes limp-mode acceleration (capped at 30–40 mph) on a brand-new vehicle, with no fault codes displayed to diagnose it.
Wiring harness corrosion from water infiltration is widespread. One owner had multiple harnesses fail—tail-light harnesses and an underseat audio harness—all traced to water damage, with the dealership noting this is common on Santa Cruz and Tucson models but only some units are recalled. Wire harness replacement has been recommended by tech support for power loss issues but parts remain on national backorder months into service.
Secondary electrical failures include backup camera lag, headlight automatic-mode cycling in daylight, a nonfunctional power seat, and loose radio connections disabling all audible safety warnings. One vehicle arrived at delivery with missing interior electrical components and disconnected, uninsulated wiring.
Same Hyundai Santa Cruz electrical reports on nearby years: 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Rough idle, loss of power, and cylinder misfire
Engine runs extremely rough on second startup of the day, with loss of throttle response during acceleration, cylinder #3 misfire diagnosed by dealer, and occasional drone sounds from tailpipe.
When: 2k–4k miles; recurred at 24k–25k miles and 26k+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Rough idle on startup requiring warm-up time; Check engine light illumination; Loss of power during acceleration (merging traffic); Cylinder #3 misfire; Drone sound from tailpipe; Shudder and jolting during acceleration; Odor while driving
Codes mentioned: Cylinder #3 misfire
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer inspected coil packs, wires, and spark plug; currently in service
Wiring harness corrosion and tail-light failures
Multiple wiring harnesses have failed due to water infiltration and corrosion, causing tail-light flickering or outage and preventing vehicle from passing safety inspection. Owner reports dealer replaced at least two harnesses, with one wrong part initially supplied, and a third harness found shorted due to corrosion.
When: Within first years of ownership; ticket issued years later
Symptoms owners cite: Tail light intermittent flickering or outage; Safety inspection failure; Visible corrosion on wiring harness
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replaced multiple wiring harnesses; costs not specified by owner. Owner was charged for at least two replacements.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Safety recall issued for some Santa Cruz and Tucson vehicles, but owner's vehicle not included on recall list
Electrical fire at tow hitch
Vehicle caught fire while parked in driveway with engine off, originating from electrical system near or in tow hitch. Fire occurred dangerously close to gas cap and threatened house and neighboring property. Windows and doors would not operate due to electrical fire, trapping potential occupants.
When: Unspecified mileage; vehicle had been at dealership 6 weeks prior for unrelated recall
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fire while parked and engine off; Window and door inoperability due to electrical failure; Proximity to gas cap
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle available for inspection at Auto Body Evolution Essex, MD
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Safety recall issued for tow-hitch fire; owner never received recall notice despite prior dealership visit for separate thermostat recall
Dashboard warning lights and loss of throttle response
All warning lights illuminate simultaneously on dashboard while driving at low speed near intersection; vehicle loses throttle response and idles at 4 mph through stop intersection. Issue clears after engine restart, but erratic readings attributed to wire harness by tech support.
When: 11/14/2023 after 2–3 miles of driving
Symptoms owners cite: All dashboard warning lights illuminated; Throttle unresponsiveness; Severe power loss (idling at 4 mph); Service engine light remaining after restart
Codes mentioned: Erratic readings (tech support assessment)
Repairs/costs cited: Wire harness replacement recommended but on national backorder; vehicle in service since 11/15/2023 with no resolution as of 12/17/2023
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Tech support recommended wire harness replacement; part on backorder through at least 12/27/2023
Hard start and burning plastic odor with intermittent shutdown
Vehicle will not start properly and shuts itself off with strong burning plastic odor present. Issue occurs almost daily or every other day and cannot be replicated by dealer during short test drives. Owner refuses to drive vehicle due to fire risk.
When: Frequency: almost daily or every other day
Symptoms owners cite: Hard starting; Vehicle shuts off without warning; Strong burning plastic odor; Issue not replicated on short dealer test drives; Only occurs when vehicle is daily driven
Repairs/costs cited: Taken to dealer 4 times; last visit lasted 2 weeks with no diagnosis. Dealer waiting until October to attempt further diagnosis.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai will not authorize shop to work on car; instructs dealership to release vehicle to owner. Dealer attempted repair once with no resolution.
Emergency braking system false activation
Emergency braking system activates without reason, nearly causing rear-end collision on at least one occasion with no traffic in vicinity.
When: Multiple occasions, timing unspecified
Symptoms owners cite: Unintended emergency braking; Nearly caused rear-end collision
Headlight automatic on/off cycling and backup camera lag
Headlights on automatic setting toggle off and on in bright daylight with no change in ambient lighting, appearing to other drivers as intentional flashing. Backup camera fails to shut off when shifting into drive, remaining on until radio button is pressed.
When: Unspecified timing
Symptoms owners cite: Headlight cycling on/off in daylight on automatic mode; Backup camera not deactivating on gear shift; Manual intervention required to turn camera off
Loss of power on acceleration (no warning lights)
Vehicle unable to exceed 30–40 mph despite high RPM input when accelerating onto busy road. Issue occurs on initial acceleration from stopped position. No warning lights or diagnostic codes appear on dashboard or through smartphone app. Issue clears after engine shutdown and restart.
When: Early ownership; brand new vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Severe power loss (capped at 30–40 mph); High RPM with no corresponding acceleration; Unresponsive to manual transmission and drive mode changes; No warning lights or codes displayed
Garage fire attributed to vehicle electrical system
Vehicle in parked garage caught fire in heavy wind and wet weather conditions, engulfing entire attached garage and threatening home and neighbor property. Fire professionals concur vehicle started the fire.
When: 5/1/2023 at 5:15 pm while parked in garage
Symptoms owners cite: Loud bang followed by flames; Entire garage engulfed in fire; Fire spread rapidly with wind; Total loss of home and possessions
Missing interior electrical components and uninsulated wiring
Vehicle delivered with missing USB charging port and uninsulated electrical cables not properly connected, creating fire hazard and potential electrocution risk. Discovered during QM (quality manager) inspection at dealership; dealership claimed issue was minor and acceptable.
When: At delivery/discovery
Symptoms owners cite: Missing USB charging port; Uninsulated electrical cables visibly disconnected; Fire hazard identified
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer indicated repair would not be implemented for approximately 4 weeks; no immediate precautionary measures taken
Power seat height adjustment inoperative
Driver's seat power height adjustment does not function. Dealership initially blamed owner's personal items under seat, claimed repair, but issue persisted. Service manager later attributed problem to failed switch and ordered replacement.
When: Issue unresolved as of 10/26/2022
Symptoms owners cite: Power seat height does not adjust; Driver position too high, blocking rear-view mirror
Repairs/costs cited: Service manager ordered switch replacement; status unresolved
Loose radio connection disabling audio and safety alerts
Audio system stopped working within a week of purchase, disabling all audible safety warnings including lane departure, rear collision, front collision, blind spot, and backup alerts. Dealership diagnosed loose connection at rear of radio.
When: Within one week of purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Complete audio system failure; No audible warnings for lane departure, rear collision, front collision, blind spot, backup alerts; Silent safety systems
Repairs/costs cited: Loose radio connection found and corrected by dealership
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Issue appears common on Limited trim based on owner research
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
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…
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…
Less than a week after purchasing the vehicle, the audio stopped working. All warnings had no audible indication, including lane departure, rear collision, front collision, blind spot, and back seat. Looking up the issue online, it seems this is common on the trim of my vehicle (Limited). I brought it to the dealership for repair. When I got it back, they said there was a loose connection in the…
Driver's seat power height adjustment does not work. Brought it to the dealership and they claimed they verified the issue and it was because of something I had under the seat. They claimed to have corrected it, and verified operation, but it still doesn't work. When confronted about it, the service manager now insists it's the switch that's the problem, and he is ordering a new one. This issue…
Had electrical trouble with your 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
It's a meaningful issue. 11 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2023/Hyundai/Santa Cruz.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.