Hyundai Tiburon reliability: common problems by model year
Across 5 model years, the Hyundai Tiburon has 217 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 9 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and air bags. 2004 drew the most complaints (82), 2002 the fewest (8).
5
Model years tracked
217
Owner complaints
9
Recalls
33
Median per year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Hyundai Tiburon vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $4,393–$6,499.
Which Tiburon years have the most problems?
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on ownership expectations and maintenance history. Long-term owners frequently report high reliability and durability, with many vehicles reaching 150,000 to 230,000 miles with minimal major issues, describing them as r
Timing belt failure: The timing belt and water pump require service every 5 years/60,000 miles as a critical maintenance item; failure leads to catastrophic engine damage. Frequency: very frequent.
Electrical issues: Random failures including window motors, battery cable/connector failures at the fuse box leading to no-start conditions, and other unspecified electrical gremlins. Frequency: recurrent.
Premature clutch wear: Stock clutch rated for insufficient torque, leading to wear in under 12,000 miles on the V6 GT model. Frequency: isolated.
General OEM part quality/reliability: Dashboard switch failures, concerns about long-term durability of some components compared to Japanese rivals. Frequency: recurrent.
Difficulty sourcing parts: As a discontinued model, finding certain replacement parts can become challenging. Frequency: isolated.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Tiburon. Individual model years are broken down above.