2003 Hyundai Tiburon GT from North America - Comments

WOW!!! First of all I can't believe I read every ones comment. But seeing as this is my first car from a dealership I'm interested to see what I bought myself. And well I just got to say the 03 Hyundai Tiburon GT V6 is a good car to me so far. The only problem I have is the passenger lock doesn't want to unlock when I put the key in manually, but that's no big deal because it unlocks when I use it in the driver side. And as for the paint by the gas tank, well that's no biggie I'm getting a new paint job. I got a body kit, spoiler, tail lights, neon lights and carbon hood, so its looking very sexy now. And I recommend to everyone to get a cold air intake system. I have an AEM and o my! The engine breathes so much better and the gas mileage is great now.

I have too just purchased a 2003 Tiburon GT. The pass. side door lock does not work and the seat belt light is very random when it goes on and off.

I have a 03 Tiburon. I love my car...seriously. However as soon as the warranty ran out it began to break. My fuel line broke. My A\C won't hold a charge. The sliding roof under my sunroof wouldn't open, so I had to remove it. The hydraulic arms on the hatchback went out. I also have the chipping on my gas cap. Anyway, I'm currently having an issue that seems to be exclusive to my car. When I turn the car in the "on " position I lose ALL power to my car. I have replaced the battery, and checked the alternator. They are both fine, I don't have a clue. This has happened before and if I waited with the door shut and the key in the "on" position for about 5 minutes it would have full power again. As of right now it will not come back on. Help!!!

I have an 03 GT Tiburon 5sp, the car drives nice and I love the exterior. Also there's the simple fact that you don't see too many of them out on the road but after these dumb problems I can understand why.

I'm on my second window motor for the passenger side window, even though I never use it. I bought it when it was at 28,000 miles.

After driving it for about ten thousand miles, I had to replace the clutch, fly wheel, etc. then of course the dealer ripped me off big time with a price tag of 2,100. To make my point, a stock Tiburon clutch is 180 dollars, but retail from a dealer, they are 500 dollars.

Great car, retarded problems, shouldn't have clutch problems under 40,000 miles, ridiculous.

I just purchased the 4 cylinder Tiburon 2003 from an auction. On my way home from the auction it overheated. I tested for leaks with a pressure tester and found none. I am replacing the thermostat and the radiator cap. My daughter is buying this car for herself but after reading all these negative comments I am seriously thinking of selling it. The clutch seems good and it has 98K on it but I don't see how it will last based on what I have read. WOW!

I have a 03 and it has been one of the best cars I ever had.. no problems at all (must have been a good work day at the plant). Have had the water pump changed out... but at 75,000 miles what can you expect. It drives like a dream and gets good gas mileage. Have 90,000 miles on it now and intend to drive it til the wheels fall off. Sorry about all the trouble you other guys are having... can't win them all I guess.

Had the same sunroof problem; the sliding door got stuck so I had to remove it.

The bottom of my doors starting rusting within 3 years.

And as soon as my warranty expired, my alternator died on me!

Now my drivers side door will not unlock with key, remote in or out! I have to crawl over to get in through the passengers side! I'm just waiting for that lock to go too! Then I'll be stuck inside - hahaha! Well at least there's the trunk! Can you just imagine seeing someone getting out of their trunk to get gas!!!

After reading every ones problems I am a little concerned. We just purchased an 03 5 speed for my daughter. The clutch has a bit of chatter in first gear but the car had been on the lot since February so we didn't think much of it. Had we done our homework we would have realized why the car had not sold sooner. I am just wondering does anyone have any advice on the clutch issue. Has anybody tried some different brands that work better than using replacement Hyundai parts. We are planning to change it out but I hope only this one time.

I own a 03 Tiburon GT 5-Spd and the car hasn't really giving me any problems besides the OEM clutch (factory). It currently has exactly 75,000 miles (highway miles) The clutch just went out a couple days ago. I heard about the clutch issues before I purchased to car. The factory OEM clutch for the tibs aren't able to handle to Horsepower the car pushes. If you have a GT model tib then I know some of you tend to push the limit every now and again LOL. I was going to upgrade my clutch anyway, so I guess I'm not as angry as many others are. I'm putting in a Stage 3 Heavy Duty Borg Warner Racing Clutch Kit. Kit cost about 350 - 400 USD and handles up to 350whp. Since this being my project car I understand a lil more about vehicles since I work on them. My suggestion is to not get a Factory OEM clutch, flywheel etc back into you tib... upgrade. Hyundai will charge you about 2100 USD... which includes the same OEM clutch and labor. For my job it will cost 1150 USD, and that's for a super upgraded clutch and labor. In short, upgrade and save money vs restore OEM clutch for the problem to happen again.

I just purchased a 2003 Tiburon GT V6 and haven't had too many problems... the radio appears to be "haunted" :) turning on whenever it pleases and not when I want it to, the amp/ speaker in the trunk doesn't work, and the passenger side door is stuck in the un-lock position (can't unlock it with the key or with the driver door)... if anyone knows how to fix these problems, that would be greatly appreciated. :)

Seems like this isn't the car to learn how to drive stick. I just love the look and seems like it can impress the ladies. All these problems; I'm starting to think Honda all the way, which is pathetic, Hyundai is a major disappointment.

I purchased my 03 Tiburon GT V6. 6sp. in 2005.

Shortly after I replaced the clutch system... 2100 bucks.

My cluster lights don't work. And can't seem to keep it in alignment. I don't know why, I drive highway miles.

Now the driver side door actuator went out. Currently having that fixed.

The speakers screech every time it rains.

Horrible on gas.

Other than it looks streamlined and has enough power, it doesn't make up for all the money spent to keep it running.

Very disappointed, and I doubt if I would buy another Hyundai vehicle.

Well I'm very glad to see I'm not alone with the issues I am having with this car! I bought my Tiburon new in 2003 from the dealership, I bought the GT V6 with all the options. The first few years I had it, the guys at the dealership knew me by name, I was in there so much! It seemed that every time I went in just for an oil change, it would end up costing me $600 because there was always a list of things wrong! Now I'm just approaching 100,000kms and planning on selling it, but here's my list:

-Driver door lock jammed, and it was replaced.

-Driver window motor replaced

-battery replaced at 80,000kms

-Lights on Stereo don't work - CD player won't eject CD's

-Original tires only lasted 2 summers (and I have winters too, so they were only driven on for 7 months!)

-Constant brake work, just replaced rotors and pads in Jan.

-Replaced headlights too many times to count

-Drivers door handle doesn't snap back in, have to give it a tap so it doesn't stick out

-Both doors have started to rust at the bottoms

-Doors freeze shut in the winter.

And my most recent issue is with the wipers, we had some heavy rain last night and thank goodness this didn't happen until we were out of the really heavy rain, but the driver side wiper seemed to come off the track and now doesn't work! Doesn't give me much hope as it's raining today and I have an hour and a half drive ahead of me!