NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 8 owner complaints for the 2002 Hyundai Tiburon. Most complaints involve power train (2) and air bags (2). The EPA rates it 19–23 mpg combined.
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY" A VALVE ON THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY MAY NOT CLOSE PROPERLY. IF A VEHICLE ROLLS OVER AND THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE IS NOT PROPERLY CLOSED, FUEL SPILLAGE MAY OCCUR.
SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES CONTAIN A FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE THAT MAY NOT CLOSE PROPERLY. IF A VEHICLE WITH A FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE THAT IS NOT PROPERLY CLOSED WERE TO ROLL OVER, FUEL SPILLAGE MAY OCCUR.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE BRAKE TUBES FOR THE REAR BRAKES CAN CONTACT THE STEERING GEARBOX MOUNTING BRACKETS.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“CLUTCH WAS SLOW TO ENGAGE; SLIPPING. SERVICE PEOPLE AT THE DEALER SAID CLUTCH WAS NO GOOD AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD 29,700 MILES. THE NEW CLUTCH AND FLYWHEEL PLUS LABOR COST ME OVER $1600. *TR”
“WHILE TRAVELING AT 70 MPH, THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE STEERING WHEEL HAD GONE TO THE LEFT AND CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO HIT THE GUARDRAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED UPON IMPACT. ALSO, NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. *AK *SCC THE C ONSUMER BELIVED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS AS WELL.*JB”
“WE HAD PURCHASE A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTE FE ON 07/05/05 MOTOR WAY AUTO GROUP. THE CAR STARTED TO RIDE ROUGH. SO WE TOOK IT TO OUR REPAIR GUY, AT THIS TIME WE THOUGH IT WAS THE FUEL PUMP. BEFORE HE COULD CHECK ANYTHING I TOOK MY CAR HOME AND IT JUST STOPPED AND WOULD NOT START AGAIN. AT THIS TIME HE CHANGE THE CRANKSHAFT ASSEMBLY-WATER PUMP, TIMING BELT. A LOT OF COSTLY REPAIRS. HE TOLD US THAT IT IS RARE THAT ALL THOSE SENSORS WENT BAD AT ONE TIME. SO I CHECKED TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THAT SYSTEM AND I GOT THIS REPORT. HOW DO I GO BY GETTING MY CAR FIX RIGHT.*JB”
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 Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,700 | 386 |
| Tiburon Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,700 | 386 |
| Tiburon Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 2.7 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,100 | 444 |
| Tiburon Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 2.7 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 24 | 19 | $3,300 | 468 |
| 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 |
4 safety recalls 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 8 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (2), air bags (2), engine and engine cooling (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2002 Hyundai Tiburon at 19–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).