4 Best & Worst Hyundai TIBURON Years (We Checked)

The Hyundai Tiburon has seen various model years with different levels of success and owner satisfaction.

This article delves into the best and worst years for this sporty coupe, helping potential buyers make informed decisions.

Armed with this information, readers can confidently navigate the used car market when considering a Hyundai Tiburon.

The Best Year for Hyundai Tiburon

The 2007 Hyundai Tiburon stands out as one of the best years for the model.

With fewer owner-reported complaints compared to other model years, the 2007 Tiburon offers a more reliable and enjoyable driving experience. This model year provided a facelift in comparison to previous models, showcasing an attractive exterior design that made it a true competitor against cars like the Toyota Celica and Mitsubishi Eclipse.

In terms of performance, the 2007 Tiburon featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine which produced 138 horsepower, as well as the option for a more powerful 2.7-liter V6 engine outputting 172 horsepower.

These engine options provided lively acceleration and impressive handling, elevating the driving experience for Tiburon enthusiasts.

Furthermore, the 2007 Tiburon had a comfortable and roomy interior despite its sporty exterior, offering seating for four passengers. It also came with safety features such as anti-lock brakes and shoulder belts for rear passengers, providing a sense of security when driving.

Inside the cabin, the 2007 Tiburon boasted a solid build quality and comfortable seating. Hyundai added standard features like a 6-speaker audio system, air conditioning, and power windows, while higher trims included a sunroof, leather upholstery, and heated front seats. The list of available options made the 2007 Tiburon highly customizable for drivers with various preferences and budgets.

When it comes to reliability, the 2007 Tiburon had a respectable reputation. It earned praise from both owners and critics for having fewer reported issues than other model years. This reliability, combined with the car’s appealing design and performance, made the 2007 Tiburon a popular choice on the used car market.

Check 0-60 times for the Tiburon

Other Good Years

In addition to the best Hyundai Tiburon years mentioned, there are a few other years worth considering when looking for a used Tiburon. These years have also received positive feedback from owners and experts. Here’s a list of additional good years for the Hyundai Tiburon:

• 2006: The 2006 Hyundai Tiburon came with several improvements that added to its appeal. Most notable among them were revisions to the suspension, making the ride smoother and more comfortable. Also, the clutch was adjusted to ensure a more precise and engaging feel when shifting gears.
• 2004: Although not as popular as some of the other years mentioned, the 2004 Tiburon had a few unique features that made it an attractive option for some buyers. For example, it offered a special edition “Tuscani Package” that provided upgraded interior and exterior styling details, as well as a sport-tuned suspension and unique badging.

In summary, the Hyundai Tiburon has had a few standout years that offer various benefits depending on the preferences of potential buyers. When searching for a used Tiburon, prospective owners should consider the different features and improvements associated with each year to find the ideal model that suits their needs and preferences.

The Worst Year for Hyundai Tiburon

In the history of the Hyundai Tiburon, a sporty coupe that enjoyed 11 years on the market, the 2003 model stood out for its number of complaints from car owners. According to research from CarComplaints.com, the 2003 Tiburon faced a range of issues, which may have contributed to its unfavorable reputation.

Primary problems for the 2003 Tiburon involved the engine. Owners reported hearing ticking noises originating from the engine, potentially warning signs of serious issues. While this was certainly an area of concern, it’s essential to remember that such problems could have been isolated cases and not representative of the entire line of 2003 Tiburons.

Another area that generated user dissatisfaction with the 2003 Tiburon involved the clutch. Some owners experienced difficulties with the clutch, which could cause unwanted complications. However, as with any car model, it’s crucial to keep in mind that such problems may not have affected all 2003 Tiburons.

In general, the 2003 Hyundai Tiburon received more complaints from drivers than other model years. Despite these issues, the Tiburon remained an attractive and sporty coupe option for many buyers throughout its 11-year run. And, as with any used car, it’s vital to research and inspect individual vehicles on a case-by-case basis.

Common Problems to Look for in a Hyundai Tiburon

The Hyundai Tiburon was generally a reliable car, but like any vehicle, it had its share of problems that came up more regularly.

Among the most common issues faced by Tiburon owners were clutch failures, issues with the suspension, and electrical problems.

Clutch failures were quite typical in the Tiburon, particularly in the earlier models like the 2001 and 2003. Many drivers reported needing to replace the entire clutch assembly not long after purchase, as symptoms like slipping and difficulty shifting gears became problematic.

Suspension issues also plagued several Tiburon models, causing rough rides, excessive tire wear, and noisy driving experiences. More specifically, the control arm bushings and anti-sway bar bushings tended to wear out faster than expected in the 2003-2006 models. In some cases, the affected cars required complete suspension overhauls.

In terms of electrical problems, owners of the 2004-2008 Tiburons often reported issues with the airbag warning light coming on and staying illuminated even when there was no actual problem with the airbags. This made it difficult to determine whether the safety feature was genuinely compromised or just a false alarm. Some Tiburons also experienced battery drain and electrical shortages.

Other issues to keep an eye out for include:

• Malfunctioning sunroof motors in the 2005 models.
• Premature brake wear in the 2001 model.
• Leaking valve cover gaskets, especially in the 2008 model.

Knowing which problems tend to plague specific Hyundai Tiburon models can help potential buyers know which year might be the right fit for them and what potential repairs to plan for down the line. Keep these common issues in mind when shopping for a Tiburon, and be sure to have any potential purchase checked out by a trusted mechanic.

Go Back: Overview over best and worst years for all Hyundai car models.

Was this article helpful?

ⓘ  The information in this article is based on data from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall reports, consumer complaints submitted to the NHTSA, reliability ratings from J.D. Power, auto review and rating sites such as Edmunds, specialist forums, etc. We analyzed this data to provide insights into the best and worst years for these vehicle models.