2003 Hyundai Tiburon recalls and problems
The 2003 Hyundai Tiburon has 9 safety recalls and 328 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Hyundai dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2003 Hyundai Tiburon vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2003 Hyundai Tiburon recalls
Recall 09V-125: Suspension
Problem: 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.
Risk: The fracturing of the control arm could an owner's control over their vehicle that may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Recall 04V-369: Fuel System, Gasoline
Problem: 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.
Risk: Fuel spillage in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Fix: 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.
Recall 04V-178: Fuel System, Gasoline
Problem: 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.
Risk: Fuel spillage in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Fix: 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.
Recall 03V-496: Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, the brake tubes for the rear brakes can contact the steering gearbox mounting brackets.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 03V-321: Air Bags
Problem: 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.
Risk: In the event of a vehicle crash, the air bag may not deploy properly, possibly resulting in serious injury to the right front passenger.
Fix: 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.
Recall 03V-290: Seat Belts
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 03V-257: Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Problem: 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.
Risk: Fluid leakage could result in reduced braking capability increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Recall 02V-290: Seat Belts
Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, the driver seat belt buckle wiring could be damaged by interference with the driver seat cushion height adjuster mechanism.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 02V-044: Unknown or Other
Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, the left lower instrument panel bracket was not installed.
Risk: If this bracket has not been installed, there may be an increased likelihood of injury or increased severity of injury in a frontal crash.
Fix: 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.
2003 Hyundai Tiburon problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 172 | |
| Air Bags | 71 | |
| Electrical System | 35 | |
| Seat Belts | 26 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 16 | |
| Visibility | 13 | |
| Suspension | 13 | |
| Structure | 10 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 9 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 8 | |
| Unknown or Other | 7 | |
| Steering | 7 |
Most reported parts
- Power Train › Clutch Assembly — 123
- Power Train › Manual Transmission — 33
- Air Bags › Frontal — 19
- Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly — 11
- Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 9
- Structure › Body — 5
- Air Bags › Side/Window — 4
- Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module — 4
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 44,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2003 Hyundai Tiburon complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Hyundai Tiburon years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Hyundai Tiburon have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 2003 Hyundai Tiburon: 09V-125 (suspension), 04V-369 (fuel system, gasoline), 04V-178 (fuel system, gasoline), 03V-496 (service brakes, hydraulic), 03V-321 (air bags) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Hyundai Tiburon?
Owners report power train problems most often (172 reports), followed by air bags (71). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 44,000 miles.
Are Hyundai recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Hyundai dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.