2003 HYUNDAI TIBURON — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

429

Owner Complaints

44 Crashes 11 Fires 1 Death

9

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

38

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2003 HYUNDAI TIBURON

The 2003 HYUNDAI TIBURON has received a total of 429 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 9 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY. 38 technical service bulletins have been issued by Hyundai Motor America for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Power Trainclutch Assembly (123 complaints), Air Bags (41 complaints), and Power Trainmanual Transmission (33 complaints).

Recalls for the 2003 HYUNDAI TIBURON

NHTSA has recorded 9 recalls for the 2003 HYUNDAI TIBURON, potentially affecting up to 748,717 vehicles.

Recall 09V125000 — SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM

| 160,904 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

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...

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Recall 04V369000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE

| 919 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

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Recall 04V178000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

| 263,968 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

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Recall 03V496000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

| 1,993 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

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Recall 03V321000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

| 49 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

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...

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Recall 03V257000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

| 312,292 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

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...

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Recall 03V290000 — SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

| 36 vehicles affected

Defect: 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)...

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...

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Recall 02V290000 — SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

| 7,382 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

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Recall 02V044000 — UNKNOWN OR OTHER

| 1,174 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

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Owner Complaints for the 2003 HYUNDAI TIBURON

429 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 HYUNDAI TIBURON. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Power Trainclutch Assembly
Complaints: 123
Air Bags
Complaints: 41 11 Crashes 1 Fire 11 Injuries
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 33
Electrical System
Complaints: 28 3 Crashes 2 Fires 1 Injury
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 19 8 Crashes 4 Injuries
Seat Belts
Complaints: 15
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 11 1 Crash 1 Fire 4 Injuries
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 9
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 8 1 Fire
Suspension
Complaints: 8
Power Train
Complaints: 7 1 Crash 1 Injury
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 7
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 5
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 5
Parking Brake
Complaints: 5
Steering
Complaints: 5 1 Crash 1 Fire 2 Injuries
Structurebody
Complaints: 5 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Tires
Complaints: 5 2 Crashes
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module
Complaints: 4 1 Crash 1 Injury
Air Bagssidewindow
Complaints: 4 2 Crashes
Engine
Complaints: 4 1 Fire
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 4 1 Crash
Power Trainclutch Assemblypedalhand Levermotorcycle
Complaints: 4
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 3 1 Fire
Equipment
Complaints: 3 1 Crash
Exterior Lightingturn Signal
Complaints: 3
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 3
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 3 1 Crash
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 3
Air Bagsfrontaldriver Sideinflator Module
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Fire 1 Injury
Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 2 Fires 4 Injuries
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Other
Complaints: 2
Power Trainclutch Assemblybell Housing
Complaints: 2
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 2
Tiressidewall
Complaints: 2
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 2
Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds
Complaints: 2
Air Bagson Off Switch Assembly
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel
Complaints: 1
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemstarter Assembly
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Equipmentelectrical
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightinghazard Flashing Warning Lights
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlightsswitch
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingturn Signalflasher Unit
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection System
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assemblyfiller Pipe And Cap
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkageshatchbackliftgatelock
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Power Trainaxle Assembly
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Power Traindriveline
Complaints: 1 1 Death
Service Brakes
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentshoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkagesknucklespindlearm
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Structure
Complaints: 1
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 1
Structureframe And Membersunderbody Shields
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Arm
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 1
Visibility
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrear Window Wiperwashermotor
Complaints: 1
Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly
Complaints: 1
Wheels
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11481727 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | | 147,000 miles
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 repairs were not performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 147,000.
#11318671 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD | | 196,641 miles Fire
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.
#11287744 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | | 158,000 miles
VAPOR PURGE CANISTER MALFUNCTION FRONT END FAILURE BAD GASKETS
#11287744 | SERVICE BRAKES | | 158,000 miles
VAPOR PURGE CANISTER MALFUNCTION FRONT END FAILURE BAD GASKETS
#11287744 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | | 158,000 miles
VAPOR PURGE CANISTER MALFUNCTION FRONT END FAILURE BAD GASKETS

View all Power Trainclutch Assembly complaints →

Safety Rating for the 2003 HYUNDAI TIBURON

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2003 HYUNDAI TIBURON in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2003 HYUNDAI TIBURON

Hyundai Motor America has issued 38 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2003 HYUNDAI TIBURON. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

12-MT-001 — POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY

SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.

0436010 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) REPROGRAMMING FOR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0133/P0153 AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATION. *TT

0436003 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

ECM (ENGINE CONTROL MODULE) REPROGRAMMING FOR WARM AMBIENT COLD START STUMBLE (WACSS) AND ENGINE HESITATION AT APPROXIMATELY 3800 RPM. *TT

0440005 — POWER TRAIN

REVISED CLUTCH COMPONENTS FOR MANUAL TRANSAXLES. *TT

03010121 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) REPROGRAMMING RELATED TO 2.7L V6 ENGINE 02 SENSORS (CAMPAIGN V02) - REVISED. MAY EXPERIENCE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON OR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0133, P0134, P1134, P0153, P0154 AND P1154. *TT

061 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

CAMPAIGN 061 PROVIDES THE PROCEDURES FOR REPOSITIONING THE REAR BRAKE TUBES TO PREVENT CONTACT WITH THE FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER'S STEERING GEAR BOX MOUNTING BRACKETS. *TT

063 — STRUCTURE:BODY

CAMPAIGN 063 PROVIDES THE PROCEDURE FOR REPLACING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. *TT

135 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

V6 OXYGEN SENSOR-PARTS CATALOG CLARIFICATION. *SC

0301005 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

EMISSION CONTROL INFORMATION LABEL REPLACEMENT - CAMPAIGN 060. *TT

0360003 — STRUCTURE:BODY

WATER LEAK AT SUNROOF OPENING. *TT

Showing 10 of 38 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2003 HYUNDAI TIBURON

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

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Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report