Hyundai Motor North America has come under scrutiny following the announcement of a significant recall affecting over 42,000 vehicles. This recall, detailed in a notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), primarily addresses a serious wiring malfunction that has the potential to cause vehicles to move unintentionally. Specifically involved in this recall are the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz and Tucson models, both of which have been found to allow the transmission to shift out of the ‘park’ position without the necessary application of the brake pedal. This flaw raises alarming safety concerns, heightening the risk of unintended rollaways, crashes, and potentially serious injuries.
The recall impacts nearly the entire lineup of 2025 Santa Cruz and Tucson vehicles in the U.S., accounting for approximately 35,500 Tucsons and 6,900 Santa Cruz pickups. The NHTSA has estimated that around 1% of these vehicles may contain the troubling defect. The Santa Cruz, marketed as a versatile pickup truck and SUV hybrid, has a starting price of around $33,000, while the Tucson SUV is positioned slightly lower in the market, starting at just over $28,000. Additionally, the Tucson is available in both hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants, although these newer models are set to be released later this fall; the recall’s timing may complicate the introduction of these electric offerings.
In light of this potential safety hazard, the NHTSA has advised vehicle owners to continue operating their cars for the time being. However, it has issued a clear directive: owners should engage the parking brake when parking their vehicles to mitigate any risks associated with unexpected rollaways. This precautionary measure is crucial as Hyundai works to rectify the issue through remedial actions. The company has committed to addressing the wiring issue at no cost to the vehicle owners; dealers will reroute the necessary console extension wiring assembly to resolve the problem effectively.
The disturbing flaw was first brought to light in late October when Hyundai Motor North America’s North American Safety Office received a report concerning a corporate fleet model that moved by itself while parked. Following investigation, it became apparent that the same wiring issues could also affect the Santa Cruz model. This realization prompted a swift review by the North America Safety Decision Authority, leading to the recall announcement on November 13. Thankfully, Hyundai has stated that there have been no reported crashes, injuries, or fatalities linked to this defect thus far.
The Santa Cruz and Tucson recall is not Hyundai’s only current concern in the safety landscape. The company is also managing a recall affecting over 145,000 electric models, including the Genesis and IONIQ series. This second recall has emerged due to concerns over integrated charging control units (ICCU) that may become damaged, preventing proper battery charging. Similar to the Tucson and Santa Cruz, Hyundai has pledged to inspect and replace any faulty units free of charge, ensuring continued safety and functionality for affected owners.
Although Hyundai has managed to avoid reported incidents related to the mounting recalls, the impact on consumer confidence cannot be understated. Safety recalls often lead to apprehension among current and potential buyers, compelling manufacturers to act decisively to address safety concerns. As electric and hybrid vehicle models proliferate in the marketplace, it becomes increasingly crucial for Hyundai to restore trust through stringent safety measures and timely resolutions. As owners await letters detailing the recall’s logistics, it remains to be seen how Hyundai’s handling of these issues may influence its reputation and consumer loyalty in the long run.
While the recall of the 2025 Santa Cruz and Tucson models represents a significant challenge for Hyundai Motor North America, the company’s proactive approach and commitment to resolving these safety concerns will be pivotal in maintaining trust and support from consumers.
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