MotorDeets

Hyundai Tiburon problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Tiburon from 1997 to 2008: 762 owner complaints and 27 recalls across 12 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2003 (328), 2004 (82), 2006 (64). Best fuel economy: 24 mpg combined (2001).

Hyundai Tiburon
Photo: IFCAR · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Transmission & drivetrain314
Airbags161
Electrical70
Seat belts70
Exterior lights37
Visibility (wipers, glass)35
Engine & cooling32
Tires32

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
199743623
199812623
199932623
200015824
200113624
20024223
2003932823
200408223
200514323
200616423
200714223
200811923

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Hyundai Tiburon.

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Hyundai Tiburon?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2003 (328), 2004 (82), 2006 (64).

How many recalls has the Hyundai Tiburon had?

Across 1997–2008, NHTSA lists 27 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).