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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 1997–2008

Hyundai Tiburon recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 17 recall campaigns and 762 owner complaints for the Hyundai Tiburon, covering model years 1997 to 2008. The 2003 model year drew the most complaints (328), and Power Train is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Hyundai Tiburon VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 17 recall campaigns on file
  • 762 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 12 model years with data (1997–2008)
  • most complaints: 2003 (328 for that model year)
  • top component: Power Train (314 complaints)
  • latest recall 13V113000 (reported Apr 1, 2013)
  • 99 complaints reporting a crash (13.0%)
  • 9 complaints reporting a fire (1.2%)
  • 57 complaints reporting an injury (7.5%)
  • 3 complaints reporting a death (0.4%)

Hyundai Tiburon complaints by model year

12 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2003 model year has the most complaints: 328 of 762, or 43.0%. Next come 2004 (82) and 2006 (64). The fewest are for 2002, with 2 complaints.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Hyundai Tiburon owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 1997–2008Column chart of 762 complaints across 12 model years. The highest is 2003 with 328. The full figures are in the table below the chart.1997: 36 complaints3619971998: 26 complaints2619981999: 26 complaints2619992000: 58 complaints5820002001: 36 complaints3620012002: 2 complaints220022003: 328 complaints32820032004: 82 complaints8220042005: 43 complaints4320052006: 64 complaints6420062007: 42 complaints4220072008: 19 complaints192008
Hyundai Tiburon complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Hyundai Tiburon complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
1997365020
1998263010
1999265040
20005810080
2001366150
200221000
2003328337161
20048211071
2005438141
2006646050
2007429050
2008192000
All model years762999573

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Hyundai Tiburon components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Power Train is the component named most often, in 314 complaints (41.2% of all 762), followed by Air Bags (161) and Electrical System (70).

Components named most often in Hyundai Tiburon complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Hyundai Tiburon complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Power Train31441.2%
Air Bags16121.1%
Electrical System709.2%
Seat Belts709.2%
Exterior Lighting374.9%
Visibility354.6%
Engine and Engine Cooling324.2%
Tires324.2%
Suspension314.1%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic273.5%
Unknown or Other273.5%
Fuel System, Gasoline243.1%
Equipment233.0%
Steering222.9%
Structure222.9%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Hyundai Tiburon recalls

17 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name Tiburon, newest first. The 17 campaigns cover model years 1997 to 2008. The 2003 model year appears in the most campaigns (9).

  • 17 recall campaigns
Hyundai Tiburon recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
1997: 4 campaigns1998: 1 campaign1999: 3 campaigns
2000: 1 campaign2001: 1 campaign2002: 4 campaigns2003: 9 campaigns2004: no campaigns2005: 1 campaign2006: 1 campaign2007: 1 campaign2008: 1 campaign
Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 13V113000

    Reported

    Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch

    Model years 2006–2008

    Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.

    Consequence:
    Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of Park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.

    Filed by Hyundai Motor America

  2. NHTSA campaign 09V125000

    Reported

    Suspension › Front › Control Arm

    Model year 2003

    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.

    Consequence:
    The fracturing of the control arm could an owner's control over their vehicle that may increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    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.

    Filed by Hyundai Motor America

  3. NHTSA campaign 05V187000

    Reported

    Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly

    Model year 2005

    Certain passenger vehicles may have been built with threaded portions of the steering gearbox assembly's left and right inner ball joint assemblies that contain internal cracks in the material structure.

    Consequence:
    If the inner ball joint assembly was to break as a result of the internal crack, the tie rod end assembly would not longer be attached to the steering gear box. This would prevent steering control of that front wheel by the separated tie rod which could result in a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the steering gearbox assemblies on these vehicles free of charge. Owners were contacted by telephone beginning on April 8, 2005, and instructed not to drive their vehicles. Hyundai will arrange to pick up and return their vehicles after repair. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.

    Filed by Hyundai Motor America

  4. NHTSA campaign 04V369000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage

    Model years 2002–2003

    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.

    Consequence:
    Fuel spillage in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
    Remedy:
    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.

    Filed by Hyundai Motor America

  5. NHTSA campaign 04V178000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly

    Model years 2002–2003

    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.

    Consequence:
    Fuel spillage in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
    Remedy:
    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.

    Filed by Hyundai Motor America

  6. NHTSA campaign 03V496000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings

    Model years 2002–2003

    On certain passenger vehicles, the brake tubes for the rear brakes can contact the steering gearbox mounting brackets.

    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    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.

    Filed by Hyundai Motor America

  7. NHTSA campaign 03V321000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal

    Model year 2003

    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.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a vehicle crash, the air bag may not deploy properly, possibly resulting in serious injury to the right front passenger.
    Remedy:
    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.

    Filed by Hyundai Motor America

  8. NHTSA campaign 03V290000

    Reported

    Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly

    Model year 2003

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    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.

    Filed by Hyundai Motor America

  9. NHTSA campaign 03V257000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings

    Model years 2002–2003

    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.

    Consequence:
    Fluid leakage could result in reduced braking capability increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    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.

    Filed by Hyundai Motor America

  10. NHTSA campaign 02V290000

    Reported

    Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly

    Model year 2003

    On certain passenger vehicles, the driver seat belt buckle wiring could be damaged by interference with the driver seat cushion height adjuster mechanism.

    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    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.

    Filed by Hyundai Motor America

Show 7 more recalls

  1. NHTSA campaign 02V044000

    Reported

    Unknown or Other

    Model year 2003

    On certain passenger vehicles, the left lower instrument panel bracket was not installed.

    Consequence:
    If this bracket has not been installed, there may be an increased likelihood of injury or increased severity of injury in a frontal crash.
    Remedy:
    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.

    Filed by Hyundai Motor America

  2. NHTSA campaign 01V345000

    Reported

    Seat Belts › Front › Webbing

    Model years 1997–2001

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The driver and front passenger seat belts may not extend and retract smoothly through the d-ring guides mounted on the body pillars aft of the doors. If the seat belts do not extend and retract smoothly, they may twist in the d-ring guides and make it inconvenient to extend and retract the seat belts.

    Consequence:
    If the seat belts are inconvenient to use, the seat occupant may not be inclined to wear the seat belts properly, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install a stopper over each front seat belt d-ring guide to assist the seat belt to smoothly extend and retract. Owner notification began December 10, 2001. 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.

    Filed by Hyundai Motor America

  3. NHTSA campaign 00V095002

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly

    Model year 1997

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The evaporative emission control systems can apply excessive vacuum to the fuel tanks during the canister purge cycle. If excessive vacuum is applied, minor fuel tank distortion can result. A small crack could develop on the upper fuel tank surface. The "check engine" light would then illuminate and, in some cases, the vehicle driver may notice a gasoline odor.

    Consequence:
    Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will pressure check the vehicle's fuel tank to determine if it has cracked. If the fuel tank has cracked, it will be replaced.

    Filed by Hyundai Motor America

  4. NHTSA campaign 00V095001

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly

    Model year 1997

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The evaporative emission control systems can apply excessive vacuum to the fuel tanks during the canister purge cycle. If excessive vacuum is applied, minor fuel tank distortion can result. A small crack could develop on the upper fuel tank surface. The "check engine" light would then illuminate and, in some cases, the vehicle driver may notice a gasoline odor.

    Consequence:
    Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will pressure check the vehicle's fuel tank to determine if it has cracked. If the fuel tank has cracked, it will be replaced.

    Filed by Hyundai Motor America

  5. NHTSA campaign 99V198000

    Reported

    Equipment › Other › Labels

    Model year 1999

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The tire pressure placard required by FMVSS No. 110, "tire selection and rims," was misprinted. It incorrectly contains the tire sizes, seating capacity, and luggage capacity.

    Consequence:
    Excessive loading can cause tire and vehicle damage that could result in a crash.
    Remedy:
    Owners will be provided with a correct tire pressure placard and installation instructions.

    Filed by Hyundai Motor America

  6. NHTSA campaign 99V178000

    Reported

    Power Train › Automatic Transmission

    Model year 1999

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. The automatic transmission pressure control solenoid valve seals do not remain sufficiently elastic, resulting in transmission fluid leakage. This leakage can result in reduced pressure application to the clutches, brake, and kickdown servo, allowing them to slip.

    Consequence:
    Such slippage can cause premature deterioration of the friction element surfaces and could cause the vehicle not to accelerate, or not accelerate as expected, when the driver presses the accelerator pedal.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the pressure control solenoid valve.

    Filed by Hyundai Motor America

  7. NHTSA campaign 97V026000

    Reported

    Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor

    Model year 1997

    The windshield wiper motor circuit breaker electrical contacts were contaminated during assembly.

    Consequence:
    This contamination interferes with the electrical circuit continuity and prevents the windshield wiper motor from operating. Inoperative windshield wipers can contribute to reduced visibility during inclement weather increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will remove the contaminants from the windshield wiper motor circuit breaker contacts.

    Filed by Hyundai Motor America

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Hyundai Tiburon questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Hyundai Tiburon have?

NHTSA lists 17 vehicle recall campaigns for the Hyundai Tiburon, covering model years 1997 to 2008. The most recent, 13V113000, was reported on April 1, 2013 and is filed under “Exterior lighting”. The 2003 model year is covered by the most campaigns (9).

Which Hyundai Tiburon model year has the most complaints?

The 2003 model year, with 328 of the 762 complaints in NHTSA’s file (43.0%). The next are 2004 (82) and 2006 (64). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Hyundai Tiburon complaint?

Power Train is the component named most often: 314 complaints, or 41.2% of all 762. Air Bags (161) and Electrical System (70) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Hyundai Tiburon?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Hyundai dealer.

How many Hyundai Tiburon complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 762 complaints, 99 report a crash, 9 a fire, 57 at least one injury and 3 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Hyundai models

8 models · most complaints first

The Hyundai models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Hyundai VIN decoder with every Hyundai model page, WMI code and VIN note.

All Hyundai models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.