2003 Hyundai Tiburon from North America

Summary:

This car would be nice if it would stay in one piece!

Faults:

A week after buying the car, we took it back for the passenger side window leaking, and not sealing properly.

Not long after that, the passenger side window motor quit working, had to be replaced.

Soon after that, the passenger side door-locking mechanism broke, and had to be replaced.

THEN, the rear washer pump quit working, and had to be ordered and replaced.

THEN, the fuel door cover, for unknown reasons, decided to fade out. Had to have a new one ordered, painted, and replaced.

THEN, the DRIVERS side door lock broke, and had to be replaced.

General Comments:

Overall, I like the "auto-stick" feature, and the gauges. I like some parts of the interior : IE: the seats, and dash. And hate other parts, IE: the cup holders and center console.

In addition to the problems had with the car. Hyundai seems to care less, and refused to look into the problem deeper. Only telling me "we will continue to fix the car as long as it is under warranty" (Aren't they legally OBLIGATED??)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 23rd January, 2006

1st Sep 2006, 17:03

I am very thankful for this site. I was literally about to walk out the door to go buy a new 2006 Tiburon when I came across this site. When I saw all the reviews where the reviewer said they had lots of problems and Hyundai refused to honor their warranty, I decided I'd better stick with American made cars. I bought a 2006 Ford and am VERY glad I stayed away from Hyundai!! Thanks to all you guys who have shared your experiences.

2003 Hyundai Tiburon GT from North America

Summary:

Nice car although it has a poor paint job

Faults:

Paint problems.

General Comments:

I own a 2003 Hyundai Tiburon. I am having a problem with my paint job. Shortly after the first year I started noticing dime sized blisters appearing all over the car. It started on the driver side door and then I noticed blisters on the hood and the trunk lid and now on the roof. I went to Hyundai and they told me it was from bird do. That it was my responsibility because I did not maintain the car (wash it enough). This is not true. I am a mechanic and love cars. I was my car constantly and even spot clean it when necessary. Bird do is never left on my car and I mean NEVER! I went to the BBB and they made Hyundai look at the car again with a regional representative. This representative did not even give me a minute of his time. He told the service manager to tell me it was due to bird do. Once again they told me they would not cover the paint job. I have a 2003 Chevy trailblazer that is my wife’s car. She never washes her car. There is constantly bird do on her car. Her paint job is just fine. I took my car to a reputable paint establishment and they told me that the blisters were coming from underneath paint. Not from the environment, but, from a poor prep job. I am still in the process of fighting this with the BBB. I am now ready to go to arbitration. Do not give up. Keep fighting.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 20th January, 2006

24th Jan 2006, 12:48

Sometimes certain cleaning chemicals can cause paint to deteriorate. Make sure you are using washing detergents that are specifically made for your car's finish.

6th Apr 2006, 15:02

I am having the same problem. I have had my 2003 Tiburon for just a bit over 3 years, and also constantly wash my car. My paint has started to do the same thing. Hyundai tells me that it is not covered under warranty because it is over 3 yrs now. Paint should not do this, and I am not very happy. Class action lawsuit possibly?