2002 Hyundai Tiburon Problems & Complaints

Better than average89% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Tiburon at the same age

Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 2002 Hyundai Tiburon with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 89% fewer than a typical Tiburon model year at the same age, making the 2002 one of the better Tiburon years. The most reported problem area is the air bags (1 complaint, typically around 43,000 miles). 4 recalls cover this model year.

2complaints
4recalls
1crashes
0fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 2002 Hyundai Tiburon problems

  • Air bags~43,000 miles
    150%
  • Brakes~43,000 miles
    150%
  • Wheels & tires~28,000 miles
    150%

Share of the 2 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Hyundai Tiburon complaints by model year

199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008362626583623288243644219
Owner complaints per model year, Hyundai Tiburon. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best Tiburon years: 2002, 2008, 1999. Years to avoid: 2003, 2004, 2006, 2000. Compare all years →

2002 Hyundai Tiburon recalls (4)

Fuel system, gasoline › Storage

NHTSA recall 04V-369 · Jul 26, 2004 · 919 vehicles

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.

Remedy: Dealers will install an additional fuel tank assembly valve. The recall began on October 5, 2004. Owners should contact Hyundai de puerto rico at 1-800-981-0188.

Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly

NHTSA recall 04V-178 · Apr 9, 2004 · 263,968 vehicles

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.

Remedy: Dealers will install an additional fuel tank assembly valve. Owner notification began on June 30, 2004. Owners should contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.

Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

NHTSA recall 03V-257 · Jul 22, 2003 · 312,292 vehicles

On certain passenger vehicles, the rear brake tubes pass behind the front suspension crossmember. Two steering gearbox mounting brackets are welded to the crossmember. On vehicles equipped with an antilock brake system (ABS), the rear brake tubes could contact both steering gearbox mounting brackets.

Remedy: Dealers will reposition the rear brake tubes so they do not contact the mounting brackets, install brake tube clips to control the location of the rear brake tubes, and apply anti-corrosion material to the tubes in the…

2002 Hyundai Tiburon engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
2.0L 4-cyl4-speed automaticFWD20 / 27 / 23
2.0L 4-cyl5-speed manualFWD20 / 28 / 23
2.7L 6-cyl4-speed automaticFWD17 / 24 / 20
2.7L 6-cyl6-speed manualFWD16 / 24 / 19

EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2002 Hyundai Tiburon a good car?

Based on 2 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 Tiburon rates better than average: 89% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Tiburon at the same age. It is one of the best Tiburon years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Hyundai Tiburon?

The air bags — 1 complaint, 50% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the brakes (1) and wheels & tires (1).

How many recalls does the 2002 Hyundai Tiburon have?

There are 4 recalls for the 2002 Hyundai Tiburon, the most recent from July 26, 2004 (storage). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Hyundai Tiburon?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2002, 2008 and 1999. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2000. See the full Hyundai Tiburon years comparison.

At what mileage do 2002 Hyundai Tiburon problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 43,000 miles; 100% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.