Hyundai Tiburon Reliability
1,057 NHTSA complaints (1997–2008). Complaint rate: 3748.2 per 1,000 vehicles.
Which Years to Buy & Avoid
Years auto-clustered by complaint volume relative to this model's median.
Bottom line: Avoid the 2003–2004 Hyundai Tiburon (56 crash-related complaints). The 2008 models had significantly fewer reported issues. Most common issue across all years: POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY.
Avoid These Years
Average
Better Years
A model's reputation is just the start.
Even within the “good” years, individual cars can have hidden accidents, title issues, or odometer rollbacks. Check the actual VIN before you buy — full history report for $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
Complaints by Model Year
NHTSA complaint count per model year
Common Hyundai Tiburon Problems
Most reported component complaints to NHTSA
| Component | Complaints | Crash % |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY | 171 | 0.0% |
| AIR BAGS | 95 | 36.8% |
| POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION | 76 | 1.3% |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 50 | 6.0% |
| AIR BAGS:FRONTAL | 48 | 70.8% |
| POWER TRAIN | 40 | 2.5% |
| SEAT BELTS | 34 | 0.0% |
| TIRES | 28 | 14.3% |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 27 | 7.4% |
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 24 | 4.2% |
Year-by-Year Breakdown
NHTSA complaint count per model year — click any year for full problems & recalls breakdown.
| Year | Generation | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | — | 60 | 6 | — | View 1997View→ |
| 1998 | — | 46 | 4 | — | View 1998View→ |
| 1999 | — | 50 | 6 | — | View 1999View→ |
| 2000 | — | 76 | 12 | — | View 2000View→ |
| 2001 | — | 69 | 9 | 1 | View 2001View→ |
| 2002GOOD | — | 3 | 2 | — | View 2002View→ |
| 2003AVOID | — | 429 | 44 | 11 | View 2003View→ |
| 2004AVOID | — | 108 | 12 | — | View 2004View→ |
| 2005 | — | 58 | 14 | 1 | View 2005View→ |
| 2006 | — | 81 | 11 | — | View 2006View→ |
| 2007 | — | 49 | 12 | — | View 2007View→ |
| 2008GOOD | — | 28 | 4 | — | View 2008View→ |
See also: Hyundai Tiburonaccident & safety statistics from our vehicle history database.
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