Is the 2008 Hyundai Tiburon reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Hyundai Tiburon?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 53% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 Hyundai Tiburon have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

2008 Hyundai Tiburon

○ Not enough data

2008 Hyundai Tiburon
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:58:30.607Z

Only 19 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

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.

Only 19 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 19
Recalls: 1
Investigations: 0
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

2008: 19 complaints

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

Only 19 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Air bags

10 of 19 total reports mention: air bags.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

My 2008 Hyundai Tiburon has been involved in 3 accidents (None my fault). The impact was of enough significance that the air bags should have deployed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-06-23

Also filed under Electronic stability control (esc)

Tl*the contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Tiburon. While driving approximately 10 MPH, the contact crashed into the passenger side of another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy.

NHTSA ODI report, 2008-08-25

air bags deployed for no reason while driving.

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-10-15

Seat belts

4 of 19 total reports mention: seat belts.

Show complaint excerpts

Driver's seatbelt. The seatbelt will not stay in the red clasp of my 2008 Tiburon, Hyundai.

NHTSA ODI report, 2010-08-07

Electronic stability control (esc)

2 of 19 total reports mention: electronic stability control (esc).

CRASH

Service brakes

2 of 19 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing electric.

Power train

2 of 19 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing manual transmission and clutch assembly.

Safety timeline

1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2013-04-22Exterior lighting13V113000 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…

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's…

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2008 Hyundai Tiburon — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 10 reports on file for this year.
Seat belts: 4 reports on file for this year.
Electronic stability control (esc): 2 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 13V113000 · Exterior lighting

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2008 Hyundai Tiburon reliable?: There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Hyundai Tiburon?: The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 53% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Hyundai Tiburon have?: 1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.