2004 Hyundai Tiburon problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 108 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.8 times the median Tiburon year — the 2004 model ranks #2 of 12 Tiburon years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 8 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
Transmission leads the complaint categories with 41 reports (38% of the total).
108
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
12
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
8
Injuries
1
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2004 compare to other Tiburon years?
What are the most common 2004 Hyundai Tiburon problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 41 | 38% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 22 | 20% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 9 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 7 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 3 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 3 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 3 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 3 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Other | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI TIBURON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CLUTCH WAS SLIPPING WHEN HE ACCELERATED UP TO 3,000 RPMS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER MORE THAN ONCE AND THE CLUTCH WAS REPLACED BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE…”
“THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY IN THE CONSUMER 2004 HYUNDAI TIBURON . *TS THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER AND HIT A TREE. THE PASSENGERS FRONTAL AIR BAG DEPLOYED BUT THE DRIVER'S FRONTAL AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HER…”
“2004 TIBURON HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE AIR CONDITION, SPEAKERS RATTLE, CIGARETTE LIGHTER AND PROBLEMS WHEN SWITCHING TO FIRST AND REVERSE GEARS. *TS THE SUN ROOF DIDN'T CLOSE PROPERLY. THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED DUE TO A LOOSE CONNECTION UNDER THE SEAT. ONE OF THE TAILLIGHTS WERE OUT. *JB”
“2004 TIBURON HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE AIR CONDITION, SPEAKERS RATTLE, CIGARETTE LIGHTER AND PROBLEMS WHEN SWITCHING TO FIRST AND REVERSE GEARS. *TS THE SUN ROOF DIDN'T CLOSE PROPERLY. THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED DUE TO A LOOSE CONNECTION UNDER THE SEAT. ONE OF THE TAILLIGHTS WERE OUT. *JB”
“THIS MAKE AND MODEL HAS DEFECTIVE SEATBELT SENSORS. THESE SEATBELT SENSORS ARE WIRED INTO THE AIRBAG SYSTEM AND IN THE EVENT OF A SEATBELT SENSOR SHORTING OUT, THE AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON AND THE CAR'S AIR BAGS ARE DISABLED. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. *TR”
2004 Hyundai Tiburon — common questions
Is the 2004 Hyundai Tiburon reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 108 complaints put the 2004 model at #2 of 12 Tiburon years. It is one of the Tiburon years to avoid.
What are the most common 2004 Tiburon problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (41 complaints), airbags (22 complaints), electrical system (9 complaints).
Does the 2004 Hyundai Tiburon have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2004 Hyundai Tiburon.
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.