3rd Nov 2007, 11:07

2001 Tiburon, clutch blew at 52K

I bought it from a used car dealer, so it came with a 30 day engine and transmission warranty. just learned how to drive this thing, so I never knew anything was wrong with it, until I started to get the hang of driving it, and as I got better, I felt like something was wrong...

Switching into any gear, the rpm would just REVVVVVV sky high, and if I let off the gas a little it would catch and I would accelerate. s-l-o-w-l-y.

Called the dealer on day 30, this thing better get fixed.

Its too awesome of a car, I haven't had any other problems.

15th Dec 2007, 09:30

2003 Tib. - We bought ours new in 2003 have had to change the battery 3 times the last one seems to be OK. Has lasted longer then the others. They were all covered under warranty as long as it is under 1 year. We love our car. We have only done minor maintenance, oil changes, head lights. Had a problem with the passenger window, but it seemed to correct itself with the last battery.

We are having a gas smell as of yesterday. After reading on-line I believe it is the O2 sensor. Bringing it into the dealer today. We have thought about trading it in for a 2008 we love it so much. We have 168,000 miles on it. It is V6 Auto, so no clutch problems. From reading the reviews I will only get an automatic. Thanks.

16th Dec 2007, 21:45

Went to the dealer yesterday. Was told we need to replace the fuel lines. $80 parts, $650 with labor. Does anyone know if you can do this yourself?

Would like any and all comments.

23rd Dec 2007, 23:21

Have had a 2003 tib for 2 years; a 6 speed GT.

I removed the clutch cylinder valve, which I believe is a major cause for these failing clutches.

This car is not unadulterated sports car, but for the price this is the best damned sports car I've ever had. The problem is people pounding pavement and banging gears like a race car with a daily driver attribute like this valve. It basically lets the clutch slip enough to get a smooth shift puttin' around town; when you remove it, no-slip, just a strong clutch helping you get the power to the pavement. Add 6-1 headers, CAI, no cats with a strait through muffler, hot wires, phat ass iridium plugs and a few other goodies, and you can have yourself a fast tib like me. This car embarrass any Evo or WRX, and supercharged would outrun the big dogs with ease. AN AWESOME CAR!!!

24th Dec 2007, 09:50

To 23:21.

Dude, you've got a Tiburon. While it is a a fun, fwd coupe, it is not a sports car; it's a two door Elantra. I've driven a Tuscan several times, and while yes it is zippy, it's nothing compared to a real performance car. You can put all the straight pipes, air filters and vinyl graphics you want, but that's not going to change what it is.

4th Feb 2008, 20:31

I am the second owner of the '03 Tiburon that I have, and I have only had minor issues with it such as the inside dashboard lights failing (which I have just decided not to repair), the stock radio failing (replaced with aftermarket system), and now, the 1st (?) clutch is failing at 54.5K miles.

It had 42K when I purchased it (14K was the price). I have done everything to keep the car in excellent operation and condition. I was quoted around $1800 to have the clutch system completely repaired (flywheel and all). I am thinking of upgrading to a performance clutch system because I have a rather... "spirited" driving style. I heard that removing the clutch cylinder is a good idea, too. The car is not very expensive to buy, just expensive to maintain. I would recommend buying this car, just make sure the one that you get is in the best condition you can get it in.

28th Feb 2008, 11:13

Hi, I just bought a 03 v6 gt tiburon and the backup lights don't work. I'm a girl and no nothing about cars.. so please help how do I fix it???

9th May 2008, 19:57

Original owner of a nicely designed but cheaply built 2003 Tiburon GT-V6 6-speed (parts quality leave a lot to be desired: interior plastics breaking, thin leather, clear coat paint, etc.) with all the extras (sports package for $1K+ more took care of building it up to the hilt... great infinity sound system, rims, ABS brakes, sun roof, and much more).

I considered it a good, inexpensive, fun to drive car. I still enjoy the car but it's very disappointing... with 3 Hyundai's in the family (all bought new) I will stay away from this marque.

Before reaching the first few month of ownership, I was having problems with the power windows and locks... and fortunately bought the extended warranty, that covers almost everything - that was the best $1k extra I paid.

Now at 70K the clutch went and really, I've had sports cars that took me to the 100k+ easily without a need of a clutch job. My Tiburon clutch was not slipping but it started to act-up and I couldn't get in gear. Fortunately, I have a great Hyundai (factory) service group and I was allowed to see the pressure plate / flywheel / clutch before authorizing the work because I couldn't believe it... it was scorched, not worn... it cannot take the heat!

To make a long story short... I wish Hyundai would stand behind their product and provide assistance - What a shame Hyundai skimped on parts - The car is a race horse with lots aggravating little issues... bottom line: great design / engineering - cheap parts! At least Hyundai-USA have very trustworthy service dealers backing up their disappointing products!

26th Jun 2008, 13:10

I've just been told that I need a new clutch and flywheel again... this would be the 3th time. They blamed it to my driving and although I am a "free spirited driver" too, I've never had a problem with any of my other cars. I read about putting an aftermarket clutch, a racing one and even removing the clutch cylinder... I am a girl and I barely understand what a clutch cylinder is... Do I need it? Would it work better without it? So why they add this? Would a racing clutch do?

15th Mar 2009, 18:59

I have a 03 Hyundai Tiburon, and have a ton of electrical problems with it.

The remote for the locks was the first thing that didn't work, and then the radio, the passenger side window, the locks lock and unlock by themselves at random times, the rear wiper went the second day I had it, and the trunk release went as well! Not sure if there is a common wire or what??

If anybody knows what would do all these things, please let me know! Oh yeah, and the headlights have blown four times in a year, and I smell gas every now and then too. HELP!!

19th Mar 2009, 10:06

Oh man, where to begin!!

I have a 2003 Tiburon GT 2.7L. I don't even know where to start with the problems that I have been having with this car!!

First my passenger side window stopped working.

Then my power steering went out, followed by my radio.

Then my rear windshield wiper went out, my sunroof stopped working, my speedometer jumps all over the place and usually won't give a reading.

The 4th setting on my A/C doesn't work anymore, the power locks get stuck and won't allow me to even turn the key inside the door to unlock it.

I am currently having it towed as we speak because I need a new crank shaft pulley, water pump, and timing belt. I have also gone through 3 radiators and thermostats!!

Hyundai... I hate you...