MYRModel Year Report

1997 Hyundai Tiburon

▲ Better than typical
1997 Hyundai Tiburon
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:55:15.883Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Hyundai Tiburon Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1997 highlighted. 1997: 36 complaints 1997 1998: 26 complaints 1999: 26 complaints 1999 2000: 58 complaints 2001: 36 complaints 2001 2002: 2 complaints 2003: 328 complaints 2003 2004: 82 complaints 2005: 43 complaints 2005 2006: 64 complaints 2007: 42 complaints 2007 2008: 19 complaints 2008
1997: 36 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
199736
199826
199926
200058
200136
20022
2003328
200482
200543
200664
200742
200819

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

POWER TRAIN 25%

25% of complaints: power train — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

AIR BAGS 22%

22% of complaints: air bags — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal.

CRASH INJURY
Show 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

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 17%

17% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tank assembly and delivery.

Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 HYUNDAI TIBURON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 00V095001 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE), THERE WAS A PERSISTENT STRONG SMELL OF FUEL.

NHTSA ODI report, 20140605

VISIBILITY 17%

17% of complaints: visibility — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing windshield and windshield wiper/washer.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 14%

14% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19970428 — visibility

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

I 20000202 — SQ (open)

FUEL CAP REPLACEMENT CAMPAIGN 36

R 20000428 — fuel system, gasoline

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

R 20000918 — fuel system, gasoline

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

R 20011210 — seat belts

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 (9 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (8 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (6 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.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2001 ● 2007 ● 2005

WORST YEARS

■ 2003 ◆ 2004 ◆ 2006

See all years ranked →

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, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1997 Hyundai Tiburon have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.