Research · Subcompact Cars
2004 Hyundai TiburonRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 82 owner complaints for the 2004 Hyundai Tiburon. Most complaints involve power train (39) and air bags (21). The EPA rates it 19–23 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
19–23mpg
EPA · 5 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
82
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$2,700est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2004 Hyundai Tiburon as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
82 complaints filed with NHTSA · May 2004 – Jun 2018
- Power train39
- Air bags21
- Electrical system8
- Exterior lighting7
- Steering3
- Seat belts3
- Suspension3
- Structure3
- Latches/locks/linkages2
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Power train
39 reports
“CLUTCH RECALL, POWERTRAIN RECALL, MASTER CYLINDER RECALL, SLAVE CYLINDER RECALL. WHEN DRIVING MY CAR AFTER A WEEK OF PURCHASING THE CAR I PUSHED THE CLUTCH PEDAL TO THE FLOOR TO SHIFT, AND THE PEDAL DID NOT COME BACK UP. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO BRING IT BACK UP TO SHIFT IT FINALLY CAME BACK. WHEN SHIFTING AGAIN THE CAR DIED INSTANTLY, AND AFTER THE CAR WAS OFF I COULD SHIFT TO ANY GEARS. WHEN TURNING THE CAR BACK ON IN NEUTRAL THE CAR TURNED ON, BUT WOULD NOT SHIFT TO FIRST IT WOULD PUSH ITSELF FORWARD AND DIE. TRYING TO START THE CAR IN FIRST WOULD TAKE OFF BUT YOU COULD ONLY PUT IT BACK TO NEUTRAL. AFTER TAKING IT TO SEVERAL MECHANICS I CHANGED THE SLAVE AND MASTER CYLINDER, AND NOTHING HAPPENED. TO MY SURPRISE THE CLUTCH AND DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL, CLUTCH, SHIFT FORK WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT.”
Air bags
21 reports10 crashes
“MY CAR TURN ON THE AIR BAG, ALL THE TIME, I TAKE TO THE DEALER UNTIL THE WARRANTY WAS ACTIVE, AFTER THE THIRD YEAR THEY SAID THAT THIS DON'T HAVE NO MORE WARRANTY, THE AIR BAG LIGHT STEEL ON ALL THE TIME.”
Electrical system
8 reports
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI TIBURON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH DID NOT FUNCTION WHEN THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL WAS TURNED ON. THE BATTERY FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY AS LONG AS THE TURN SIGNAL FUSE WAS IN THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE BODY CONTROL MODULE NEEDED REPLACING. THERE WERE NO REPAIRS COMPLETED ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE 122,000.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
5 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Subcompact Cars
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl · 2.7L 6-cyl
- Transmissions
- Manual 5-spd · Automatic 4-spd · Manual 6-spd
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tiburon Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 23 | $2,700 | 386 |
| Tiburon Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 22 | $2,850 | 404 |
| Tiburon Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 2.7 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,100 | 444 |
| Tiburon Man 5-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 |
- 23mpg comb.
- 22mpg comb.
- 20mpg comb.
- 20mpg comb.
- 19mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2004 Hyundai Tiburon as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 9, 2026Vehicle 1162
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| 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 |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2004 Tiburon questions
How many recalls does the 2004 Hyundai Tiburon have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 9, 2026.
What are the most common 2004 Hyundai Tiburon problems?
Owners filed 82 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (39), air bags (21), electrical system (8). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2004 Hyundai Tiburon get?
The EPA rates the 2004 Hyundai Tiburon at 19–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 9, 2026