RoadVitals

2005 Hyundai Tiburon

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
43
Latest Mar 18, 2020
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
1
Latest Apr 28, 2005
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
9
6 injuries, 1 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 43 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2005 Hyundai Tiburon, most frequently naming the transmission, airbags and suspension categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 37 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Airbags712.3%
  • Suspension58.8%
  • Other / unspecified47.0%
  • Steering47.0%
  • Powertrain (other)35.3%
  • Brakes35.3%
  • Tires & wheels35.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

1 campaign cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

Apr 28, 2005
277 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: 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.
The 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.
HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANYManufacturer number 069View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Engine
Filed Mar 18, 2020

EXHAUST MANIFOLD CRACKED IN 3 PLACES

NHTSA ID
11318579
Incident
Mar 18, 2020
Mileage
186,187 mi
Fuel system
Filed Sep 26, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HYUNDAI TIBURON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK LEAKED FUEL PROFUSELY, ESPECIALLY WHEN PARKED ON AN INCLINE. AN UNKNOWN RED INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SHAKER'S FAMILY HYUNDAI (203-754-9494, LOCATED AT 674 STRAITS TURNPIKE, WATERTOWN, CT 06795) WHERE A SMOKE TEST WAS PERFORMED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A FUEL LEAK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,966.

NHTSA ID
11258332
Incident
Sep 12, 2019
Mileage
102,966 mi
AirbagsBody & structureOther / unspecified
Filed Mar 30, 2017
Crash reported1 injury reported

TAKATA RECALL, COULDN'T SEE FOR A WEEK. WAS CUT UP ON LEFT SIDE AS WAS VISION GONE ON LEFT. SUFFERED AND STILL SUFFERING BRAIN DAMAGE FROM AIRBAG HITTING ME SO HARD. THAT CAR HAS RUINED MY LIFE. I CONSTANTLY SHAKE FROM NECK UP ON LEFT SIDE. I WISH I WOULD IF DIED IN THE ACCIDENT. THAT'S HOW MUCH IT HAS AFFECTED ME. I STAY IN THE HOUSE BY MYSELF ALL DAY, EVERY DAY. ITS SO EMBARRASSING FOR ME. SEVERE DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY HAVE STARTED ALSO. THANK YOU HYUNDAI FOR RUINING MY LIFE AT 43 YEARS OLD. I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND THE WOMAN BEHIND ME NEVER SLOWED DOWN AT 55 MPH.

NHTSA ID
10969643
Incident
Oct 2, 2015
Mileage
55,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Feb 23, 2017

FRONT RIGHT CONTROL ARM RUSTED UNTIL IT FAILED WHILE DRIVING. VERY DANGEROUS! 2003 HYUNDAI TUBURONS HAVE A RECALL FOR THIS BUT 2005 DOES NOT. IT SHOULD BECAUSE HYUNDAI OBVIOUSLY DID NOT FIX THAT UNDERLYING ISSUE.

NHTSA ID
10956556
Incident
Feb 22, 2017
Mileage
63,000 mi
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 30, 2015

I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY CLUTCH, DUAL FLY WHEEL ENTIRE CLUTCH SYSTEM 3 TIMES NOW IN THE LAST 3 1/2 YEARS. EACH TIME COSTING ME ANYWHERE FROM $2400,- $3,400. NO WAY SHOULD A CLUTCH NEED REPLACED THAT MUCH THAT SOON, EACH CLUTCH LASTED APPROX 13 MONTHS. HYUNDAI WANTS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE PROBLEM YET THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING SAME ISSUES. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE LOOKED AT. WHO CAN AFFORD THIS MUCH WORK EVERY YEAR? NO ONE. I HAVE SPENT CLOSE TO $10,000 ON 3 CLUTCH JOBS IN 3 YEARS. I'M TAKING IT TO BBB AS WELL.

NHTSA ID
10760218
Incident
Jul 2, 2012
Mileage
65,000 mi
Driver assistancePowertrain (other)
Filed Apr 27, 2015

AROUND 70,000 MILES ON MY 2005 HYUNDAI TIBURON, MY MECHANIC FRIEND NOTICED THAT THE PROBLEM I WAS NEEDING A NEW CLUTCH. WE PURCHASED A CLUTCH KIT FROM DURALAST/ZOOM MANUFACTURED THESE PARTS. THE CLUTCH CHANGE IN A HYUNDAI TIBURON IS PRETTY EXPENSIVE AND $1025 WAS THE CHEAPEST I WAS QUOTED. THE CAR SEEMED TO BE RUNNING FINE FOR THREE DAYS AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CLUTCH PEDAL HAD NO RESISTANCE AGAINST IT WHILE I WAS DRIVING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION AND WOULD ONLY SHIFT IF I "HARD SHIFTED" THE CLUTCH OR IF I PRESSED DOWN ON THE CLUTCH PEDAL AS HARD AS I COULD. LUCKILY, THE PEOPLE DRIVING SOUTHBOUND WHILE I TURNED INTO THEIR LANE HAD NARROWLY SWERVED AROUND MY CAR. I COULD ONLY IMAGINE IF THEIR WAS A DIFFERENT VEHICLE COMING SINCE I JUST SO HAPPENED TO BE BABYSITTING MY FRIENDS DAUGHTER THAT DAY! WHEN I TOOK MY VEHICLE JUST UP THE ROAD TO THE LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER, THEY TOLD ME THE PART WAS "MISLABELED" AND IN THE PROCESS THE CLUTCH WAS PLACED IN THE CAR BACKWARDS. THIS "MISLABELED" CLUTCH IN TURN DAMAGED THE FLYWHEEL, MASTER CYLINDER, AND SLAVE CYLINDER AND I HAD TO PAY $3000 MORE TO GET MY CAR FIXED. AUTO ZONE AND THE HYUNDAI DEALER BOTH TOLD ME TO TALK TO THE MANUFACTURER SINCE THE PART IS "DEFECTIVE". FINALLY, AROUND 6 MONTHS LATER OF CONSTANT PHONE CALLS, I GET A HOLD OF THE RIGHT PEOPLE THROUGH ZOOM MANUFACTURING. THEY OFFERED ME A CHECK FOR $253. WHEN I TALKED TO THE MANUFACTURER ABOUT THIS DILEMMA, HE TOLD ME THAT THIS IS ALL THEY CAN DO AND "WE HAVE HONORED THE CLAIM WITHIN THE TERMS AND POLICY WITH OUR CUSTOMER." REGARDLESS OF ZOOM MANUFACTURER'S TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE, I WANT TO JUST MAKE SURE THAT THESE PARTS ARE NO LONGER SOLD TO THE POPULATION. I ASKED MANY PEOPLE IN THEIR DEPARTMENT IF THE PART WAS RECALLED SO THIS DIDN'T HAPPEN TO SOMEONE ELSE AND NO ONE GAVE ME AN ANSWER. ALSO, MY CAR IS NOW AT 82,000 MILES AND THE CLUTCH IS ALREADY SLIPPING. *TR

NHTSA ID
10713006
Incident
Sep 10, 2014
Mileage
70,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Mar 3, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HYUNDAI TIBURON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE CONTROL ARM HAD BECOME SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000. *TR

NHTSA ID
10566886
Incident
Mar 3, 2014
Mileage
86,000 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Nov 11, 2013

BOUGHT TWO NEW FRONT TIRES FOR TIBURON. NEXEN N5000 215/45R17 ON 10/15/2013. WITHIN THREE WEEKS THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE DEVELOPED A FLAT ON 11/7/13 IE WITHIN THREE WEEKS. NEVER HAPPENED WITH ANY TIRES. WHY THIS ONE? *TR

NHTSA ID
10551753
Incident
Nov 7, 2013
Mileage
92,369 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

DTN DL

AIR BAGS

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous driver’s-side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN). These inflators were not supplied, approved, or authorized by the vehicle manufacturers and have primarily been found in vehicles that previously experienced a crash and underwent airbag replacement using non-genuine parts. These dangerous inflators have ruptured during deployment, posing a serious risk of injury or death due to metal fragments entering the vehicle cabin. To date, Hyundai is aware of three people who have died while driving a Hyundai vehicle with one of these substandard replacement airbag inflators that deployed in what likely would have been a survivable crash. NHTSA has issued a public advisory urging vehicle owners and service professionals to have vehicles inspected if there is reason to believe that a non-genuine replacement airbag may have been installed. Vehicles with salvage or rebuilt titles, prior airbag deployments, or unknown repair histories may present a higher risk. NHTSA strongly cautions against self-inspection by vehicle owners and recommends inspection by trained technicians.

DTN DCS

AIR BAGS

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent safety advisory regarding dangerous, counterfeit driver‑side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN), that have been identified in U.S. vehicles following prior crashes, theft, or non‑certified airbag replacements. These inflators are not approved for use, may rupture during deployment, and have caused serious injuries and fatalities. Please see attached announcement, provided by NHTSA, for more details.

25-BD-012H TSB

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly. Lamp assembly replacement is NOT necessary in most cases. This condition can be eliminated by turning on the lamps with the engine running for several minutes or during normal driving operation.

24-BD-001H

VISIBILITY; VISIBILITY/WIPER

This bulletin contains information about the proper removal of the windshield wiper blade protective cover on all models. If the protective cover is not removed correctly, there is a possibility of the rubber insert and rail spring becoming partially separated on the inner side of the wiper blade, which could lead to poor wiping performance and/or possible scratching of the windshield glass. Follow the procedure in this bulletin to properly remove the windshield wiper blade protective cover on all new wiper blades.

23-EM-005H

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.

23-BD-007H

STRUCTURE:BODY

Hyundai applies a Paint Protection Film (PPF) on new vehicles before delivery to dealerships. It provides a barrier between the paint and contaminants, such as rail dust, acid rain, and industrial fallout. In rare cases, the paint can become clouded under the PPF. These spots are the result of moisture trapped between the PPF and the paint.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Hyundai Tiburon by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2008191048.3
2007421046.1
2006641041.9
2005Viewing431044.8
2004820040.1
20033289055.8
2002240
2001361045.0
2000581046.6
1999263052.7
1998261146.7
1997364156.8
1996000

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.