Own a Hyundai Tiburon in the Phoenix area? EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains the Hyundai Tiburon for model years 2005 to 2008. Our shop at 9050 N 9th St handles everything from routine service to diagnostics and major repairs.
To help Tiburon owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 168 owner complaints on file for the Tiburon and 2 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are power train (81), air bags (36), tires (12).
Most-Reported Hyundai Tiburon Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the Tiburon (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 81 | 48% | |
| Air Bags | 36 | 21% | |
| Tires | 12 | 7% | |
| Suspension | 9 | 5% | |
| Steering | 8 | 4% | |
| Visibility | 7 | 4% | |
| Seat Belts | 7 | 4% | |
| Equipment | 6 | 3% |
Power Train
81 of the 168 complaints (48%) mention the powertrain. Powertrain complaints can range from rough shifting to loss of drive. We road test, scan for stored codes and inspect fluids before recommending any repair. See our auto repair page.
Air Bags
36 of the 168 complaints (21%) mention airbags and seat belts. Airbag and restraint issues are often tied to open safety recalls, which are repaired by the manufacturer at no cost to you. Check your VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup first, and we can help with related warning lights and diagnostics. See our auto repair page.
Tires
12 of the 168 complaints (7%) mention tires and wheels. Tire and wheel complaints are often about wear, vibration or pressure warnings. We check tires, balance and alignment, which matters in Phoenix where heat accelerates tire wear. See our suspension & alignment page.
Hyundai Tiburon Complaints by Model Year
The Tiburon model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2006, 2005, 2007. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 43 | |
| 2006 | 64 | |
| 2007 | 42 | |
| 2008 | 19 |
Hyundai Tiburon Check Engine Codes
NHTSA owner complaints rarely cite specific trouble codes for the Tiburon, so we do not have a model-specific ranking to show. These are the check engine codes we see most often on vehicles in Phoenix heat, and any of them can show up on a Hyundai.
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| P0420 | Catalyst efficiency below threshold (bank 1) Often a worn catalytic converter, but failing oxygen sensors or exhaust leaks can set it too. Can cause an emissions test failure. |
| P0300 | Random or multiple cylinder misfire Worn spark plugs, failing ignition coils, fuel or vacuum problems. Do not ignore a flashing check engine light. |
| P0171 | System too lean (bank 1) Often a vacuum leak, dirty MAF sensor, weak fuel delivery or a failing oxygen sensor. |
| P0455 | EVAP system large leak Missing or loose gas cap, or a disconnected or cracked vapor hose. |
| P0128 | Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature Usually a thermostat stuck open. Fix it to restore efficiency and cabin heat. |
| P0442 | EVAP system small leak Loose or worn gas cap, cracked hose or purge or vent valve. |
| P0301 | Cylinder 1 misfire Commonly a bad spark plug or ignition coil on that cylinder. |
| P0401 | EGR flow insufficient Clogged EGR passages or a stuck EGR valve. |
Got a check engine light on your Tiburon? A code is a clue, not a diagnosis, so we scan it and test the system before replacing anything. See our check engine light diagnostics.
Hyundai Tiburon Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the Tiburon in these model years, most often involving steering, exterior lighting. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2013 recall, Exterior Lighting (campaign 13V113000): Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis,...
- 2005 recall, Steering (campaign 05V187000): 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.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the Tiburon, 25 involved a crash, 1 involved a fire, 18 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Hyundai Tiburon Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Hyundai will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a Tiburon that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for Tiburon owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Hyundai Tiburon, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Hyundai Tiburon Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Hyundai Tiburon repair service, or choose a service below.
Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Suspension & Alignment
Shocks, struts, alignment and steering.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Car A/C Repair
Phoenix heat demands cold air.
Details →Pre-Purchase Inspection
Know the car before you buy it.
Details →Hyundai Tiburon FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Hyundai Tiburon?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Hyundai Tiburon are power train (81), air bags (36), tires (12). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which Tiburon model years have the most complaints?
The Tiburon model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2006, 2005, 2007. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What check engine codes are common on the Hyundai Tiburon?
NHTSA complaints rarely cite specific codes for the Hyundai Tiburon. On Phoenix vehicles in general, we see P0420, P0300 misfires, P0171 lean conditions and EVAP leaks such as P0455 and P0442 most often. Bring yours in and we will scan and test it.
Does the Hyundai Tiburon have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the Hyundai Tiburon across model years 2005 to 2008. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Hyundai Tiburon in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Hyundai vehicles including the Tiburon, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Hyundai Tiburon?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Hyundai Tiburon in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Hyundai Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.