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2003 Hyundai TIBURON: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

328 owner complaints analyzed

9 distinct recall campaigns

44,148 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2003 model year. Data snapshot: . 264 complaints include usable failure mileage.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Power Train:Clutch Assembly is the most frequently named component, appearing in 123 of 328 complaints (37.5%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Transmission and shifting4714.3%
Electrical and battery issues257.6%
Braking behavior164.9%
Engine operation82.4%
Fuel system concerns61.8%
Steering behavior41.2%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Power Train:Clutch Assembly
123
Air Bags
41
Power Train:Manual Transmission
33
Electrical System
28
Air Bags:Frontal
19
Seat Belts
15
Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly
11
Visibility:Power Window Devices And Controls
9
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Power Train:Clutch Assembly123
Air Bags41
Power Train:Manual Transmission33
Electrical System28
Air Bags:Frontal19
Seat Belts15
Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly11
Visibility:Power Window Devices And Controls9

Power Train:Clutch Assembly: 123; Air Bags: 41; Power Train:Manual Transmission: 33; Electrical System: 28; Air Bags:Frontal: 19; Seat Belts: 15; Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly: 11; Visibility:Power Window Devices And Controls: 9

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
78
25,000 to 49,999
66
50,000 to 74,999
54
75,000 to 99,999
38
100,000 to 149,999
19
150,000 and above
9
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,00078
25,000 to 49,99966
50,000 to 74,99954
75,000 to 99,99938
100,000 to 149,99919
150,000 and above9

Under 25,000: 78; 25,000 to 49,999: 66; 50,000 to 74,999: 54; 75,000 to 99,999: 38; 100,000 to 149,999: 19; 150,000 and above: 9

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (78). 64 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2002
2
2003
38
2004
43
2005
40
2006
57
2007
23
2008
27
2009
14
2010
26
2011
14
2012
11
2013
5
2014
8
2015
6
2016
6
2017
2
2019
4
2020
1
2022
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20022
200338
200443
200540
200657
200723
200827
200914
201026
201114
201211
20135
20148
20156
20166
20172
20194
20201
20221

2002: 2; 2003: 38; 2004: 43; 2005: 40; 2006: 57; 2007: 23; 2008: 27; 2009: 14; 2010: 26; 2011: 14; 2012: 11; 2013: 5; 2014: 8; 2015: 6; 2016: 6; 2017: 2; 2019: 4; 2020: 1; 2022: 1

Pattern summary

Power Train:Clutch Assembly leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 47 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 25 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 16 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10004300 · 2003-02-04 (February 4, 2003)

HYUNDAI MADE AN ERROR IN THE INFORMATION PUBLISHED ABOUT THE ENGINE HORSEPOWER. PH

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10004300 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10005681 · 2003-02-11 (February 11, 2003)

SUNROOF HAS BEEN IN APPROX. 8 TIMES TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS AND HAS STILL NOT BEEN FIXED.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10005681 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10009587 · 2003-02-28 (February 28, 2003)

THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.*JB *TS

Owner-reported narrative. 1,171 miles reported. Look up ODI 10009587 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10009867 · 2003-03-25 (March 25, 2003)

THE DRIVERS WINDOW AND OR WINDOW(S) HAD BECOME INOPERATIVE. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THE PROBLEM WAS THE SWITCH, THEN WAS TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM WASN'T THE SWITCH BUT THE REGULATOR, AND WHEN THE PART WAS PLACED ON, IT FAILED AGAIN. ALSO, THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, SHE HAD HEARD A BELL RINGING. SCC

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10009867 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10010333 · 2003-03-12 (March 12, 2003)

DRIVERS SIDE DOOR MISALIGNED AND HAS BEEN TO THE SHOP 4 TIMES AND PROBLEM NOT FIXED.*JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10010333 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10014949 · 2003-04-01 (April 1, 2003)

THE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY STARTED TO SLIP, WHICH ALMOST CAUSED A COLLISION. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10014949 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10015484 · 2003-04-09 (April 9, 2003)

THE VEHICLES HOOD POPPED UP WHILE DRIVING WHICH CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *NLM

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10015484 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10019051 · 2003-05-21 (May 21, 2003)

THE SUNROOF HAS BEEN TAKEN BACK SEVERAL TIMES BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT OPEN. IT HAS BEEN RESET BY THE DEALERSHIP. THE SUNROOF WAS OPENED AND PIECES BEGAN FALLING OFF OF IT, AND IT WOULD NOT CLOSE AFTER THIS. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10019051 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

9 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

02V044000 · Unknown Or Other

Reported: 2002-02-08 (February 8, 2002)

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
02V290000 · Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly

Reported: 2002-11-05 (November 5, 2002)

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
03V257000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

Reported: 2003-07-22 (July 22, 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
03V290000 · Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly

Reported: 2003-08-05 (August 5, 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
03V321000 · Air Bags:Frontal

Reported: 2003-08-26 (August 26, 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
03V496000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

Reported: 2003-12-03 (December 3, 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
04V178000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly

Reported: 2004-04-09 (April 9, 2004)

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
04V369000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage

Reported: 2004-07-26 (July 26, 2004)

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
09V125000 · Suspension:Front:Control Arm

Reported: 2009-04-16 (April 16, 2009)

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗