Владельцы Hyundai Santa Cruz 2022 года массово отказываются от автомобилей из-за повторных отказов трансмиссии

Two transmission failures should have ended this story once. It didn't. A 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited owner says her transmission has now failed twice, and the transmission isn't even the longest item on her list. The Hyundai Santa Cruz has always occupied an interesting place in the market. It is small enough to drive like a crossover, useful enough to haul gear in its bed, and quick enough to make an ordinary commute surprisingly entertaining. But none of those strengths matter much when a vehicle cannot stay on the road. That is the frustrating reality one 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited owner shared in the "Hyundai Santa Cruz" group after the transmission in her truck failed for the second time. Worse yet, the transmission is only one item out of a list of problems she says has followed the Santa Cruz virtually since it was new. Here's how she put it: “The transmission failed in my 2022 Santa Cruz Limited for the 2nd time last night. The stories are true. So far my transmission has failed me twice, the radio since 2 miles on the vehicle has failed me countless times, having to unplug a terminal on the battery to reset the vehicle, the electric tailgate has never worked, the driver door where the hinges connect to the body were loose when I purchased the vehicle brand new and gets loose from time to time, the back seats rattle, and the struts blew out as soon as I towed something.” Despite all of that, she still found something positive to say. “Man, she sure looks good and is the fastest car I’ve owned probably, but the best ability is availability. I would never purchase this vehicle again. A $42,000 milk dud.” That contrast is what makes this stand out. This owner clearly appreciates the Santa Cruz and what it does well, but she’s lost trust in its reliability. Two Transmission Failures Change the Conversation One failed transmission is serious and impossible to ignore regarding potential future failures, but two in a relatively young vehicle would be a breaking point for many drivers. It also echoes another case I covered last year, where a 2022 Santa Cruz needed two transmissions in just 10 weeks, with the first replacement failing almost immediately. That kind of repetition, even if rare, raises questions worth paying attention to. There is also important context for the 2022 model. Hyundai issued Safety Recall 236 involving certain vehicles with its eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, citing a potential oil-pump malfunction that could reduce or eliminate drive power. The remedy included software updates and, in some cases, a transmission replacement. Hyundai also documented 229 related U.S. incidents during its investigation period. This doesn't confirm this owner’s issue is recall-related, but it does show the transmission system was under scrutiny. It’s Not Just the Transmission What makes this case more frustrating is the accumulation of smaller issues alongside the major failure. A rattling seat, a faulty tailgate, and infotainment glitches may not be catastrophic on their own, but owners don’t experience a vehicle as separate systems. It's part of the larger product. When multiple problems stack up, even minor ones start to feel like part of a larger pattern. The strut failure she reported after towing adds another layer, though without details on load or conditions, it’s impossible to draw firm conclusions. Still though, the overall picture is of a vehicle that has required repeated attention rather than routine maintenance. Another Owner Reports a Similar Pattern In the comments, another 2022 Santa Cruz owner shared a strikingly similar experience: “The same thing happened with my ‘22 at 25,000 miles and again at 50k miles. I’m getting rid of it and going back to Toyota.” This might not define the model, but it helps explain why some owners begin to lose confidence and why they often don't wait for a third failure before moving on. I've seen that same loss of confidence elsewhere, including a Santa Cruz owner I covered who paid $3,000 for additional warranty protection before being told another transmission issue might not be covered. It all stacks up emotionally regardless of what the situation might be, as watching your investment suffer erodes trust no matter how much you initially liked it. When Confidence Disappears, So Does the Customer That loss of trust doesn’t just affect current owners. It also influences potential buyers. Another commenter Richard Moore summed it up simply: “I've wanted one for a while but I keep hearing about all the problems. Too much money to spend on all those problems.” That may be the most important reaction of all. A vehicle doesn’t just have to satisfy owners, but it has to convince future buyers it’s worth the risk. And that's why situations like this sometimes lead owners to switch course entirely. A Hyundai Santa Cruz driver who was paying too much for gas and maintenance, for example, ultimately traded the truck for a Tesla. It shows how quickly some are willing to jump ship even when a lot of things don't necessarily go wrong. The Real Dealbreaker Modern vehicles are judged on design, performance, and technology, but long-term ownership always comes back to one point and that is if you can depend on it. As the owner herself put it, “the best ability is availability.” The Santa Cruz still has a strong concept behind it. It blends crossover comfort with pickup utility in a way few competitors attempt, but repeated mechanical issues, especially involving the drivetrain, can overshadow even the best design. A truck can be fast, good looking, and still not be worth the second transmission. This owner would still buy the badge. She just won't buy the vehicle. What Buyers Should Keep in Mind - Check VINs carefully for recall completion, especially for 2022 models affected by transmission-related campaigns. - Keep detailed repair records after any major drivetrain work. - Look for patterns, not just isolated complaints when evaluating owner reports. - Don’t ignore small issues, as they can indicate broader quality or repair history concerns. - Review service history beyond the test drive before buying used. What Do You Think? Would you still consider a used 2022 Santa Cruz with a transmission replacement in its history, or would that be a dealbreaker? And for current owners, has your Santa Cruz delivered the reliability you expected, or changed how you feel about the brand? Don't hesitate to share your experience in the comments below. About The Author Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh and analytical perspective to the evolving automotive landscape by reporting on real-world ownership experiences and providing industry analysis. Based in North Carolina, he covers electric vehicles, trucks, and broader automotive trends with a focus on contributing a balanced evaluation. His reporting cuts through brand bias to provide readers with grounded insight into how vehicles perform for everyday drivers beyond marketing narratives. Aram can be reached on X and LinkedIn for ongoing automotive coverage. Image Credits: Jade Michael Villneuve and Hyundai’s gallery, respectively. Set Torque News as Preferred Source on Google