NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 58 owner complaints for the 2000 Hyundai Tiburon. Most complaints involve seat belts (17) and air bags (9). The EPA rates it 22–24 mpg combined.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“2000 HYUNDAI TIBURON. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SEAT BELT SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELT WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. *JS”
“WHILE DRIVING, THE SRS LIGHT WOULD APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC PLACED THE VEHICLE ON A DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE, BUT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE DRIVER INFORMED THE MECHANIC THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED MORE THAN ONCE AND STILL HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB”
“I AM TIRED OF REPLACING THE DIM LIGHT BULBS. THIS IS DEFINITELY A DEFECT AND THE DEALER WILL NOT HONOR IT AS SUCH. I HAD TO DRIVE 10 HOURS DURING EVENING HOURS WITH NO DIM LIGHTS IN THE RAIN. I WAS TERRIFIED. I COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON THIS”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tiburon Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,600 | 370 |
| Tiburon Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 28 | 22 | $2,850 | 404 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
1 safety recall as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 58 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are seat belts (17), air bags (9), exterior lighting (9). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2000 Hyundai Tiburon at 22–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).