1999 Hyundai Tiburon review from North America
"The car is a total disappointment"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
My car had to be taken in to the service center at 19,000 miles. The car was jumping out of gear. I would be driving at speeds up to 70 miles per hour and the car would suddenly drop to a lower gear. Terrifying. The service technician said the problem was a bad speed sensor and it needed to be replaced. I had to have a rental car for a couple of days. I picked up my car and on the way home from the service center my car wouldn't change gears, motor sounded like I had it in neutral. I had a rental car for yet another 2 days. They replaced the speed sensor again and I was on my way. I believe it was a week later-I will have to check my stack of paperwork to be sure on the date-that I was back at the service again. This time they decided that the transmission would have to be replaced. Another rental for a week while the transmission comes in. It has been 45,000 miles since then and I am having the same problem. Back to the service we go. The transmission was replaced 4 days ago. Today I almost didn't make it to work. Same problem car will not change gears at correct speeds, it can't read what gear it's in, and jumps in and out randomly. The service center is closed over the weekend, so I will be without my car again. My appointment is this Monday and I am at a lose of what to even say. My car has never ran properly. The paint is flaking in areas. The buttons on the radio have always stuck. The only thing I can depend on is that something will always be wrong with this car.
General comments?
The car is dangerous and unreliable.
Recommended reviews
![]() ![]() | Lots of fun and great warranty |
![]() ![]() | Stunning |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 1999 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | Automatic |
| Performance marks | 5/10 |
| Reliability marks | 3/10 |
| Comfort marks | 5/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 3/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 50 miles |
| Most recent distance | 67000 miles |
| Previous car | Pontiac Grand Am |
| Date of Entry | 18th July, 2003 |

