Model year record

2003 Hyundai Tiburon recalls & problems

The 2003 Hyundai Tiburon has 9 safety recalls and 328 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is power train (172 complaints).

Recalls9safety recalls

Complaints328filed by owners

Crashes · fires33 · 7reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths21 · 1reported in complaints

Safety recalls

SuspensionApr 16, 2009

Front › Control arm

Recall 09V125000160,904 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 160,904 MY 2001-2003 ELANTRA AND MY 2003 TIBURON VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. ROAD SALT USED DURING THE WINTER MONTHS IN THESE JURISDICTIONS MAY RESULT IN INTERNAL CORROSION AND THINNING OF THE STEEL IN THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS. THE CORROSION MAY PROGRESS TO THE POINT WHERE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM'S UPPER AND LOWER PANELS BECOME PERFORATED. A PERFORATED FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM MAY FRACTURE BETWEEN ITS BALL JOINT ATTACHMENT AND THE FORWARD AND REARWARD PIVOT ATTACHMENTS TO THE CHASSIS.
Risk: THE FRACTURING OF THE CONTROL ARM COULD AN OWNER'S CONTROL OVER THEIR VEHICLE THAT MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS FOR CORROSION DAMAGE. IF SPECIFIED LEVELS OF INTERNAL CORROSION DAMAGE ARE FOUND, THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEW FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS INCORPORATING ADDITIONAL HOLES IN THE UPPER AND LOWER PANELS. IF THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS DO NOT REQUIRE REPLACEMENT, THE DEALER WILL ADD DRAINAGE HOLES TO THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND WILL TREAT THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS WITH RUST-PROOFING MATERIALS TO ARREST THE INTERNAL CORROSION PROCESS. THESE PROCEDURES WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 17, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.

Fuel system, gasolineJul 26, 2004

Storage

Recall 04V369000919 vehicles

Problem: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY" A VALVE ON THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY MAY NOT CLOSE PROPERLY. IF A VEHICLE ROLLS OVER AND THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE IS NOT PROPERLY CLOSED, FUEL SPILLAGE MAY OCCUR.
Risk: FUEL SPILLAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI DE PUERTO RICO AT 1-800-981-0188.

Fuel system, gasolineApr 9, 2004

Storage › Tank assembly

Recall 04V178000263,968 vehicles

Problem: SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES CONTAIN A FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE THAT MAY NOT CLOSE PROPERLY. IF A VEHICLE WITH A FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE THAT IS NOT PROPERLY CLOSED WERE TO ROLL OVER, FUEL SPILLAGE MAY OCCUR.
Risk: FUEL SPILLAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 30, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.

Service brakes, hydraulicDec 3, 2003

Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 03V4960001,993 vehicles

Problem: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE BRAKE TUBES FOR THE REAR BRAKES CAN CONTACT THE STEERING GEARBOX MOUNTING BRACKETS.
Risk: CONTACT BETWEEN THE REAR BRAKE TUBES AND THE STEERING GEARBOX MOUNTING BRACKETS MAY RESULT IN REAR BRAKE TUBE WEAR AND CORROSION, INCREASING THE RISK OF BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE. BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE COULD RESULT IN REDUCED BRAKING CAPABILITY, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPOSITION THE REAR BRAKE TUBES, INSTALL BRAKE TUBE CLIPS, AND APPLY ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL TO THE REAR BRAKE TUBES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 22, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI OF PUERTO RICO AT 1-800-633-5151.

Air bagsAug 26, 2003

Frontal

Recall 03V32100049 vehicles

Problem: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG IS MOUNTED BENEATH THE RIGHT PORTION OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL'S PADDED SURFACE. TEAR LINES ARE FORMED INTO THE UNDERSIDE OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL'S PADDED SURFACE DURING THE PRODUCTION PROCESS OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL TOP PAD. THESE TEAR LINES ALLOW A PORTION OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL SURFACE TO FOLD UPWARD IF THE PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYS.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE AIR BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY PROPERLY, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY TO THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER.
Fix: HYUNDAI WILL REPLACE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON OCTOBER 13, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI OF AMERICA AT 1-800-633-5151, OR IF THE VEHICLE IS LOCATED IN PUERTO RICO, HYUNDAI OF PUERTO RICO AT 1-800-981-0188.

Seat beltsAug 5, 2003

Front › Buckle assembly

Recall 03V29000036 vehicles

Problem: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE DRIVER SEAT BELT BUCKLE WIRING COULD BE DAMAGED BY INTERFERENCE WITH THE DRIVER SEAT CUSHION HEIGHT ADJUSTER MECHANISM. DAMAGED DRIVER SEAT BELT BUCKLE WIRING COULD CAUSE THE SEAT BELT WARNING LAMP OR THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) AIR BAG WIRING LAMP TO ILLUMINATE. IT COULD ALSO CAUSE THE AIR BAG FUSE (CAVITY NUMBER 5) TO OPEN, PREVENTING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. DAMAGED DRIVER SEAT BELT BUCKLE WIRING COULD CAUSE THE SEAT BELT WARNING LAMP OR THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) AIR BAG WIRING LAMP TO ILLUMINATE. IT COULD ALSO CAUSE THE AIR BAG FUSE (CAVITY NUMBER 5) TO OPEN, PREVENTING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.
Risk: NONDEPLOYMENT OF AN SRS AIR BAG IN A CRASH WHERE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT IS WARRANTED COULD INCREASE THE RISK OR SEVERITY OF INJURY IN A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW DRIVER SEAT BELT BUCKLE, IF NECESSARY, AND WILL PLACE A PROTECTIVE COVER OVER THE DRIVER SEAT BELT BUCKLE WIRING TO PREVENT DAMAGE FROM OCCURRING. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 23, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI OF PUERTO RICO AT 1-899-981-0188.

Service brakes, hydraulicJul 22, 2003

Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 03V257000312,292 vehicles

Problem: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR BRAKE TUBES PASS BEHIND THE FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER. TWO STEERING GEARBOX MOUNTING BRACKETS ARE WELDED TO THE CROSSMEMBER. ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS), THE REAR BRAKE TUBES COULD CONTACT BOTH STEERING GEARBOX MOUNTING BRACKETS. ON VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH ABS, THE REAR BRAKE TUBES MAY CONTACT ONLY THE LEFT MOUNTING BRACKET. CONTACT BETWEEN THE REAR BRAKE TUBES AND THE STEERING BRACKETS COULD CAUSE WEAR AND CORROSION THAT COULD RESULT IN BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE.
Risk: FLUID LEAKAGE COULD RESULT IN REDUCED BRAKING CAPABILITY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPOSITION THE REAR BRAKE TUBES SO THEY DO NOT CONTACT THE MOUNTING BRACKETS, INSTALL BRAKE TUBE CLIPS TO CONTROL THE LOCATION OF THE REAR BRAKE TUBES, AND APPLY ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL TO THE TUBES IN THE AREAS WHERE CONTACT WITH THE MOUNTING BRACKETS MAY HAVE OCCURRED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON OCTOBER 13, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.

Seat beltsNov 5, 2002

Front › Buckle assembly

Recall 02V2900007,382 vehicles

Problem: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE DRIVER SEAT BELT BUCKLE WIRING COULD BE DAMAGED BY INTERFERENCE WITH THE DRIVER SEAT CUSHION HEIGHT ADJUSTER MECHANISM.
Risk: DAMAGED DRIVER SEAT BELT BUCKLE WIRING COULD CAUSE THE SEAT BELT WARNING LAMP OR THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) AIR BAG WIRING LAMP TO ILLUMINATE. IT COULD ALSO CAUSE THE AIR BAG FUSE (CAVITY NUMBER 5) TO OPEN, PREVENTING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. NONDEPLOYMENT OF AN SRS AIR BAG IN A CRASH WHERE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT IS WARRANTED COULD INCREASE THE RISK OR SEVERITY OF INJURY IN A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW DRIVER SEAT BELT BUCKLE, IF NECESSARY, AND WILL PLACE A PROTECTIVE COVER OVER THE DRIVER SEAT BELT BUCKLE WIRING TO PREVENT DAMAGE FROM OCCURRING. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 24, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.

Unknown or otherFeb 8, 2002

Unknown or other

Recall 02V0440001,174 vehicles

Problem: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE LEFT LOWER INSTRUMENT PANEL BRACKET WAS NOT INSTALLED.
Risk: IF THIS BRACKET HAS NOT BEEN INSTALLED, THERE MAY BE AN INCREASED LIKELIHOOD OF INJURY OR INCREASED SEVERITY OF INJURY IN A FRONTAL CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES TO DETERMINE IF THE BRACKET HAS BEEN INSTALLED. IF THE BRACKET HAS NOT BEEN INSTALLED, THE DEALER WILL INSTALL THE LEFT LOWER INSTRUMENT PANEL BRACKET. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 4, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2003 Hyundai Tiburon

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Tiburon

23mpg combined

City / highway	20 / 27 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel

Tiburon

23mpg combined

City / highway	20 / 28 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel

Tiburon

22mpg combined

City / highway	19 / 27 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel

Tiburon

20mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 24 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.7 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel

Tiburon

20mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 24 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.7 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel

Tiburon

19mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 24 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.7 L · 6 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Power trainClutch assembly; Manual transmission	172	3	0	1	30,625 mi
Air bagsFrontal; Side/window	71	24	2	17	62,000 mi
Electrical systemWiring › Front underhood; Starter assembly	35	5	4	5	87,143 mi
Seat beltsFront › Buckle assembly	26	1	1	4	68,000 mi
Exterior lightingTurn signal; Headlights	16	0	1	0	72,500 mi
VisibilityPower window devices and controls; Sun/moon roof assembly	13	0	0	0	19,855 mi
SuspensionFront; Rear	13	2	0	1	55,000 mi
StructureBody; Body › Door	10	1	0	2	79,200 mi
Fuel system, gasolineStorage › Tank assembly; Fuel injection system	9	0	0	0	75,000 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine	8	0	1	0	9,038 mi
Unknown or other	7	0	0	0	50,961 mi
SteeringLinkages › Knuckle › Spindle › Arm; Hydraulic power assist system	7	2	1	3	80,000 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Fuel system, gasoline
The contact owns a 2003 Hyundai Tiburon. The contact stated that while attempting to refuel the vehicle, gasoline started spilling from the filler neck. The contact stated that the vehicle was refueling very slowly. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the fuel tank detached from the vehicle. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V369000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 04V178000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The contact stated that the interior door handles had detached from the vehicle The ABS warning light was also illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer who replaced the fuel tank; however, the other…
Jan 14, 2018 · 147,000 miles
Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhoodFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI TIBURON. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE GOING TO TURN THE BATTERY OFF UNDER THE HOOD DUE TO THE DRIVER HAZARD LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATING, THERE WAS BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER WIRING HARNESS CAUSED THE FIRE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CONTACTED WINNER HYUNDAI (591 S DUPONT HWY, DOVER, DE 19901) WHERE THEY INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 196,641.
Sep 22, 2016 · 196,641 miles
Service brakes
VAPOR PURGE CANISTER MALFUNCTION FRONT END FAILURE BAD GASKETS
Oct 16, 2018 · 158,000 miles
Electrical systemFire
I WAS DRIVING TO MY BROTHER PLACE WHEN A WIRE STARTED TO SMOKE AND COUGHT ON FIRE FROM UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL IT WAS SMOKEY WHERE I COULD NOT SEE FROM THE SMOKE AND I HIT A PARKED CAR FRONT WINDSHIELD SHATTERED AND MY AIRBAG DID NOT EXPOSED AT ALL. IT WAS ON A CITY STREET NO ONE GOT HURT JUST THE CAR
Feb 28, 2019 · 135,125 miles
Fuel/propulsion system
IN MOTION ON CITY STREET
Oct 4, 2019
Air bags
THE AIRBAG IN MY CAR IS ON PERMANENTLY. I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS. IT IS CAUSED BY A WIRING PROBLEM WITH THE DRIVER SIDE SEATBELT BUCKLE UNDER THE SEAT.I WAS TOLD THAT MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. I REPLACED THE SEATBELT BUCKLE AND WITHIN A MONTH THE AIRBAG LIGHT WAS BACK ON.
May 4, 2015 · 30,000 miles
Electrical system
BAD BODY CONTROL MODULE. TURN SIGNALS AND FLASHERS DON'T WORK. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. ALL FUSES HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND STILL NO TURN SIGNALS OR FLASHERS. IT'S A RELAY BAD IN THE BCM.
Jun 1, 2017 · 130,000 miles
Seat belts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI TIBURON. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO TAKEN TO THE FOLSOM LAKE AND ROSEVILLE HYUNDAI DEALERS WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER ALSO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO THE REPAIR FEES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 9607148. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000.
Apr 10, 2013 · 84,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.