29th Dec 2002, 02:49

You're not the only one. I was thinking about buying a new 2003 Tiburon, but after reading the reviews at www.carreview.com, I am not going to buy a Tiburon, it sounds like a lemon car.

9th Jan 2003, 23:54

I have had my Tiburon now for about 4 months and I love everything about it except for my transmission (6 spd) making a weird squeak when making gear changes. If anybody else is running into the same problem please post it.

31st Jan 2003, 00:15

I own a 2001 Tiburon with the 2.0L and auto transmission with about 28k miles on it. I had no problems until the temperature cooled down to about 30 degrees or less this past week. Now it has been impossible to start at times. Cranking and cranking, but nothing more. I even called roadside assistance and had them send someone by. We finally got it started and I immediately took it to the dealer that it was purchased from. They kept it for about 8 hours, done several tests, and tried to sell me a $425 maintenance package while telling me that it wouldn't fix my problem. I would love to know what is causing the car not to start. Is it not enough fuel? Not enough air? I am seriously considering a trade in at this point, but I know that I will lose money since I have put so many miles on the car.

P.S. Now the CD Player will not accept CD's at all. It's getting worse!!

25th Mar 2003, 18:29

2003 GT.

I have had my sunroof stick, but I believe it may of been built up new grease. The supplied tool works.

Recently I went all the way to work with the back wiper on full and all electrics running. It was cold and snowing. At lunchtime when I started my car the clock blinked on and off and the stereo wouldn't work. Soon after my locks wouldn't work and now the gages all go to full when I turn on the ignition. The gas stays at full with the ignition off.

Dealer says it may be a relay. I will find out tomorrow.

I hope so as apart from that I love the car. Second sticks a bit when cold, but I think this is normal at -20ºC and I OK when it warms up.

I find the car paint looks very scratched when dirty. I think the gloss coating starches easily and catches the light, but don’t believe the paint is damaged.

Did anyone have to use the jack yet? If you haven't I suggest you pull out of it's hole before you need it.

I still love the car though. Lots of nice detailing - insurance was very expensive.

I have heard the have had problems with the paint, alternators and CV axles.

Simon Wiles.

29th Jun 2003, 09:41

Hello to all.

I just happened upon this site while looking for some information on my 2003 Tiburon.

I have also had nothing but problems with my "new" Tiburon. I've owned it for 14 months now, have had 5 paint repairs, which still aren't resolved. FYI, we took the car to a body shop specializing in paint at the recommendation of our attorney, and have learned that the primer was left on the car long enough prior to painting that it cured, and therefore the paint doesn't want to stick to it! If you have unusual clear coat, chipping, or paint peeling with yours, PLEASE go to a GOOD body shop for a review. Get it in writing- you'll need it to persuade Hyundai to do anything more than minor repairs. Mine needs to be stripped of paint and primer, and completely repainted, which Hyundai says they won't do b/c the ridiculous paint problems must be MY fault!

The sunroof motor was recalled, as it likes to stop on it's own when opening- to the person who thought it was grease, please ask your dealer if this recall is still open on your car. If it is, it needs the motor replaced!

Vent slats in the center console that direct air flow to the driver and passenger broke within two weeks, and while waiting for parts to arrive, the disk on the shifter knob that tells where the gears are broke off leaving a very sharp screw sticking up into my hand when driving.

Also have a gearing problem with 2nd, it never wants to go into 2nd without grinding, but was told this was normal for the gear ratio on this model. Whatever! Also have problems with Reverse- good luck getting the car into reverse if you didn't shift it there before parking it! It doesn't go in if it's cold, no matter what you do!

Got some unofficial info on the clutching mechanism from a dealer who has had numerous complaints. Evidently, they're getting complaints that the car makes a ticking noise when you start it up, and sometimes when idling. Hyundai has not recalled this yet as there haven't been enough complaints to issue one, but most clutches are requiring replacement by 30K miles. He offered to go ahead and replace it, but I decided to wait and see what happens as I think our attorney might want to know.

Sound system rattles horribly with high bass music, told the dealership didn't hear anything, but I was probably listening to my music too loud!

Braking problem, trunk problem, mirror problems... you name it! These aren't bugs, folks, they're lemons, and we've become Beta Testers for Hyundai! Don't be afraid to MAKE A SCENE to get your NEW CAR FIXED! They won't like it, but they won't fix it unless you insist. Call Customer Relations to file a complaint, it's helped me a lot! 800-633-5151 5a-6p PST. Best wishes- please keep me informed if anything new happens, or feel free to email me with questions or comments! KrickChik1@aol.com.

23rd Sep 2003, 18:21

I have a 2003 Tiburon and absolutely love driving the car. The only problem, so far, that I am trying to find out about is that the car seems to have a loose wire or something. Occasionally the interior lights will flash on an off. Tonight however, I went outside and the parking lights were on. I guess its not the first time. Nothing in the car was turned on. Once I started in and turned it off again they turned off.

The first time it happened I took it to the dealership whom of course couldn't find anything wrong with it.

Let me know if anyone else if having problems like this please. tiburon@swendal.com.

Thanks, and best of luck.

26th Sep 2003, 16:24

I've had my Tiburon V6 GT since April 03. All I can say so far, so good. I live in NY on Long Island, I get about 30 MPG even though I have the automatic, which is only quoted at 26 MPG Highway. My only real complaint is one I saw someone else noticed, which is severe rattling with the bassier music. I've learned its actually the door rattling, sometimes the window (perhaps due to the way the window is never secured). All in all, I love the car, does tick a little when starting, but honestly, and I'm sure you all agree, this is the car that when you buy it, you can't help to have beaten on it atleast once or twice. Its quick, and after a month you will have tested out its speed a few times. I recommend it to anyway who isn't over 6 ft tall.