Hyundai · Known Issues

2003 Hyundai Tiburon Problems: 5 Known Issues

2003 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated August 2026

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2003 Hyundai Tiburon has 5 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Timing Belt Tensioner Failure ($400-$1,200 repair) and Clutch Slave Cylinder Internal Leak ($800-$1,500 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $150 to $1,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Hyundai Tiburon problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2003 Hyundai Tiburon has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Timing Belt Tensioner Failure, Clutch Slave Cylinder Internal Leak, Clutch Hydraulic System Failure. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Hyundai Tiburon reliable?

The 2003 Hyundai Tiburon has 5 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Timing Belt Tensioner Failure and Clutch Slave Cylinder Internal Leak. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Hyundai Tiburon problems?

Repair costs for known Hyundai Tiburon issues range from $150 to $1,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Timing Belt Tensioner Failure, typically costs $400-$1,200 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 1997-2008 Hyundai Tiburon Timing Belt Tensioner Failure?

The Tiburon Beta and Delta engines use a timing belt with a hydraulic tensioner that can fail, causing the belt to lose tension and potentially jump timing. Both the 2.0L Beta engine (1997-2001) and the 2.7L Delta V6 (2003-2008) are interference engines, meaning a jumped or broke… Repairs typically run $400-$1,200. Severity: high.

What is the 2003-2008 Hyundai Tiburon Clutch Slave Cylinder Internal Leak?

The internal hydraulic clutch slave cylinder (concentric design mounted inside the bell housing) develops leaks, causing soft or spongy clutch pedal and difficulty shifting. Requires transmission removal for replacement. Repairs typically run $800-$1,500. Severity: high.

What is the 1997-2008 Hyundai Tiburon Clutch Hydraulic System Failure?

Manual transmission Tiburons use a hydraulic clutch with master and slave cylinders that are prone to failure. The clutch master cylinder develops internal seal leaks, and the slave cylinder (mounted on the transmission bell housing) can develop external leaks. When either cylind… Repairs typically run $150-$800. Severity: medium.

What is the 2003-2008 Hyundai Tiburon Rear Brake Caliper Seizure?

Rear brake caliper slide pins corrode and seize, especially in salt-belt states. Causes uneven pad wear, brake drag, and reduced fuel economy. The integrated parking brake mechanism compounds the issue. Repairs typically run $150-$400. Severity: medium.

What is the 2003-2008 Hyundai Tiburon Rear Suspension Camber Bolt Seizure and Alignment Difficulty?

The 2003-2008 Hyundai Tiburon (GK) develops seized rear camber adjustment bolts due to corrosion between the dissimilar metals of the bolt and the hub assembly. In salt-belt and high-humidity regions, the 12mm camber bolts corrode and bond to the rear strut mounting holes, making… Repairs typically run $200-$800. Severity: medium.

2003 Hyundai Tiburon Problems: 5 Known Issues

All 5 Known Issues

2003-2008 Hyundai Tiburon: Clutch Slave Cylinder Internal Leak#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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1997-2008 Hyundai Tiburon: Clutch Hydraulic System Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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1997-2008 Hyundai Tiburon: Timing Belt Tensioner Failure#

Common Symptoms

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2003-2008 Hyundai Tiburon: Rear Brake Caliper Seizure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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2003-2008 Hyundai Tiburon: Rear Suspension Camber Bolt Seizure and Alignment Difficulty#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What you need to fix it

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Other Hyundai Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Hyundai Tiburon problems?

Is the Hyundai Tiburon reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Hyundai Tiburon problems?

What is the 1997-2008 Hyundai Tiburon Timing Belt Tensioner Failure?

What is the 2003-2008 Hyundai Tiburon Clutch Slave Cylinder Internal Leak?

What is the 1997-2008 Hyundai Tiburon Clutch Hydraulic System Failure?

What is the 2003-2008 Hyundai Tiburon Rear Brake Caliper Seizure?

What is the 2003-2008 Hyundai Tiburon Rear Suspension Camber Bolt Seizure and Alignment Difficulty?