1997 Hyundai Tiburon
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 36 |
| 1998 | 26 |
| 1999 | 26 |
| 2000 | 58 |
| 2001 | 36 |
| 2002 | 2 |
| 2003 | 328 |
| 2004 | 82 |
| 2005 | 43 |
| 2006 | 64 |
| 2007 | 42 |
| 2008 | 19 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
11% of complaints: power train — 4 distinct reports on file.
11% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 4 distinct reports on file.
11% of complaints: air bags — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL CRASH. FRONT END WAS TOTALLED, AND THERE WAS NO DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVER'S SIDE OR PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG. VEHICLE WILL BE REPAIRED AT A BODY SHOP. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20000207
WHEN VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END CRASH THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER WAS GOING 55 MPH. THE LOOKS LIKE IT WAS TOTALLED.
NHTSA ODI report, 19980203
VEHICLE WAS GOING 5MPH WHEN IT REARENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE, AND THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19970825
11% of complaints: air bags — 4 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: visibility — 3 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BREAKER ELECTRICAL CONTACTS WERE CONTAMINATED DURING ASSEMBLY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE CONTAMINANTS FROM THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BREAKER CONTACTS.
Campaign 97V026000 — check if this car was fixed
FUEL CAP REPLACEMENT CAMPAIGN 36
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS CAN APPLY EXCESSIVE VACUUM TO THE FUEL TANKS DURING THE CANISTER PURGE CYCLE. IF EXCESSIVE VACUUM IS APPLIED, MINOR
Remedy: DEALERS WILL PRESSURE CHECK THE VEHICLE'S FUEL TANK TO DETERMINE IF IT HAS CRACKED. IF THE FUEL TANK HAS CRACKED, IT WILL BE REPLACED.
Campaign 00V095001 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS CAN APPLY EXCESSIVE VACUUM TO THE FUEL TANKS DURING THE CANISTER PURGE CYCLE. IF EXCESSIVE VACUUM IS APPLIED, MINOR
Remedy: DEALERS WILL PRESSURE CHECK THE VEHICLE'S FUEL TANK TO DETERMINE IF IT HAS CRACKED. IF THE FUEL TANK HAS CRACKED, IT WILL BE REPLACED.
Campaign 00V095002 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELTS MAY NOT EXTEND AND RETRACT SMOOTHLY THROUGH THE D-RING GUIDES MOUNTED ON THE BODY PILLARS AFT OF THE DOORS. IF THE
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A STOPPER OVER EACH FRONT SEAT BELT D-RING GUIDE TO ASSIST THE SEAT BELT TO SMOOTHLY EXTEND AND RETRACT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 10, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICL
Campaign 01V345000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Hyundai Tiburon — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 97V026000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 00V095001 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 00V095002 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 01V345000 (seat belts) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1997 Hyundai Tiburon reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Hyundai Tiburon is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Hyundai Tiburon?
The most-reported component is power train:automatic transmission, accounting for 11% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Hyundai Tiburon have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.