VehicleVerdict

2001 Hyundai Tiburon problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2001 Hyundai Tiburon sits mid-pack among Tiburon years: 69 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 59, with a single recall and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 10 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across seat belts (9), airbags (8), and brakes (8), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

69

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

9

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

10

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other Tiburon years?

Tiburon NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted429 complaints1997: 60 complaints1998: 46 complaints1999: 50 complaints2000: 76 complaints2001: 69 complaints2002: 3 complaints2003: 429 complaints2004: 108 complaints2005: 58 complaints2006: 81 complaints2007: 49 complaints2008: 28 complaints
Tiburon NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Tiburon years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 Hyundai Tiburon problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Seat Belts913%
Airbags812%
Brakes812%
Transmission710%
Tires & Wheels69%
Visibility & Wipers57%
Engine57%
Other57%
Suspension46%
Electrical System46%
Body & Structure34%
Steering23%
Fuel System23%
Speed Control11%

Does the 2001 Hyundai Tiburon have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

01V345000Seat BeltsNovember 6, 2001 · 42,782 units

Defect

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 SEAT BELTS DO NOT EXTEND AND RETRACT SMOOTHLY, THEY MAY TWIST IN THE D-RING GUIDES AND MAKE IT INCONVENIENT TO EXTEND AND RETRACT THE SEAT BELTS.

Consequence

IF THE SEAT BELTS ARE INCONVENIENT TO USE, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE INCLINED TO WEAR THE SEAT BELTS PROPERLY, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

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 VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 45 MPH CONSUMER'S VEHICLE HIT A TRACTOR FROM THE REAR, AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. ALSO, THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT KEEP THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER IN POSITION, THROWING THEM FORWARD. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · August 2, 2004 · crash

“MY VEHICLE HAS PROBLEMS WITH THE TIRES, BRAKES AND TRANSMISSION. THE DEALER HAS DONE REPAIRS AND CORRECT TO SOME EXTENT. HOWEVER, MANY ISSUES HAVE NOT BEEN ADDRESSED OR REMEDIED AND NOW THEY REFUSE TO SERVICE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. *NLM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 28, 2003

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED AND SLID INTO A GUARDRAIL. THE FRONT END WAS EXTENSIVELY DAMAGED. NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. TWO OF THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS WERE INJURED. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT FILED. THE POLICE AND THE MANUFACTURER DETERMINED THE AIR BAGS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · April 30, 2006 · crash

“MY VEHICLE HAS PROBLEMS WITH THE TIRES, BRAKES AND TRANSMISSION. THE DEALER HAS DONE REPAIRS AND CORRECT TO SOME EXTENT. HOWEVER, MANY ISSUES HAVE NOT BEEN ADDRESSED OR REMEDIED AND NOW THEY REFUSE TO SERVICE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. *NLM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 28, 2003

“MY VEHICLE HAS PROBLEMS WITH THE TIRES, BRAKES AND TRANSMISSION. THE DEALER HAS DONE REPAIRS AND CORRECT TO SOME EXTENT. HOWEVER, MANY ISSUES HAVE NOT BEEN ADDRESSED OR REMEDIED AND NOW THEY REFUSE TO SERVICE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. *NLM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · May 28, 2003

2001 Hyundai Tiburon — common questions

Is the 2001 Hyundai Tiburon reliable?

It is close to typical for the Tiburon: 69 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2001 Tiburon problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (9 complaints), airbags (8 complaints), brakes (8 complaints).

Does the 2001 Hyundai Tiburon have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2001 Hyundai Tiburon. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Hyundai Tiburon years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Tiburon years to avoid are 2003, 2004, 1997, 1998. The cleanest record among Tiburon years belongs to 2002.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.