Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Hyundai Tiburon owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I was involved in a car accident: a front-end collision. The insurance company has totaled my car. My drivers side air bag did not deploy. The passengers side did. I have injuries. And most likely will be going for surgery. There was smoke from under the hood. I really want to know if my air bag was faulty. I see there are recalls on my car (Hyundai Tiburon) for faulty seat belt mechanism, which effects the fuse, which blows out and never sends the signal to the driver airbag. Was this the cause of my faulty airbag? Or is it something else? Was my individual car recalled for that faulty devise? Was my car overlooked because of the timing of the recall and the time of my purchase? I am the second owner. Is there anyway to check my individual auto? I bought my car certified pre-owned. And it was only dealer serviced. We buy new cars for safety features. …
On Monday the 14th I accidentally rear ended a van while going about 60 MPH...he was almost stopped for a sudden turn off the highway... My car is totaled... Though driving alone, my passenger airbag went off, but by drivers side didn't... My body is in lots of pain, and my insides hurt alot... I did lose conscience for a small time.... I've been to the hospital twice and my doctor once for pain... No broken bones, just lots of bruises... I've been told the pain and suffering would have been possibly less if airbag deployed as designed... Geico, my insurance company has the car in clayton nc, and wants me to sign over the title so they can pay me for my car.... Should I do this before having you or someone else investigate the reason for airbag failure? Do I have a case? …
This report is being filed by an accident reconstructionist at the request of the vehicle's insurance carrier. Vehicle was proceeding in the left lane of a 4-lane (2 lanes in each direction, divided by a double-yellow center-line) state highway when operator's airbag deployed for no apparent reason, causing loss of control. The vehicle then drifted leftward across center-line and both oncoming lanes, and came to rest after mounting the curb and colliding with a fire hydrant. Event was witnessed by two, separate, independent and involved motorists. Vehicle's owner was the only occupant and was injured. Owner purchased used vehicle in January, 2012 reported previous trouble with clutch, transmission, and that mileage at the time of incident is on known due to the for replacement of the operator's console, and was therefore estimated. …
Air bag light came on on the dash of my 2003 Hyundai Tiburon because of a broken wire under the drivers seat. Hyundai has had recalls on other vehicles for the same problem with the wire getting broken under the driver seat. They have fixed the problem under a recall to include putting a plastic cover over the wires to protect them. They told me that there is not a recall for that problem on my VIN number vehicle, same problem. The dealer said it is a common problem with this vehicle. This could cause the air bag not to deploy in an accident. They said that there was debri under the seat that caused the break. The only thing under the seat was a small collapsed umbrella that was on the back seat floor. I believe that there has not been a recall for this vehicle because not enough people have complained. This is a safety problem with the way Hyundai runs the wires under the seat.
On October 28th at 11:00 pm, we were driving at the rate of 55 to 60 MPH and we hit a deer. The deer was a buck and from my understanding, it would be worth 8 points while hunting. The deer smashed into the front my car and rolled many times on the left of us. The deer died instantly from the accident. When the impact happened, the car shut off and the only light on the dash board that was on was the airbag light. We could smell a burnt powder smell inside of the car as well. The airbags did not deploy. I am very concerned about this since we were going so fast and we hit a large deer head on. Even if the car is able to be fixed, I am going to be afraid to drive the car again or sell it to anyone due to the safety issues. I have called the dealer regarding this situation and I am waiting to hear back.
Took vehicle to the dealer to check the air bag warning light. They said it was caused by the seat belt and wiring that needed to be replaced. After checking the recall information, there was a recall (056) under campaign number 02V290000. The dealer stated that the recall was not for my vehicle which was a 2003 Hyundai Tiburon. I called Hyundai and spoke with their rep and she said the same even though the recall includes 2003 Hyundai tiburons. This fix will cost me close to $400.00 just to pass inspection. Makes you wonder what was done on vehicles produced after March 2003 that was claimed to correct this issue, considering so many tiburons that were produced after this date are having the same issue. I currently own 3 hyundais, very disappointed as this car has only 79961 miles. Updated 09/15/15
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Hyundai Tiburon. While driving various speeds, the air bag warning indicator remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the passenger side seat belt buckle failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was also taken to the folsom lake and roseville Hyundai dealers where it was diagnosed that the front passenger side seat belt buckle failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer also informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle was not repaired due to the repair fees. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided case number: 9607148. The approximate failure mileage was 84,000.
Tl* the contact owned a 2003 Hyundai Tiburon. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the contact swerved into another lane to avoid a crash but was unable to gain control of the steering wheel. As a result, the contact crashed into an embankment and the air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained chest injuries, a fractured nose, a fractured right foot, a torn ligament in the right foot, and bruises that required medical attention. The passenger sustained a cut on the lip that did not require medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The VIN was unavailable. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Hyundai Tiburon. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, he crashed into the side of another vehicle. The front passenger side air bag deployed, but there were no injuries. The contact expressed concerns over the air bag deploying in a crash at such a low speed. The contact also expressed concerns over the fact that only one of the air bags deployed. The police were notified and a report was available. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer, nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileages were approximately 80,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Takata recall air bag light remains on door handles inside and outside constantly break off even after being replaced by factory parts leaving occupants trapped in car also replaced camshaft contoller cause wiring is melting. Contacted brandon Hyundai dealer service dept they told me handles had been already replaced before and refused to repair also they lied and told me there were no further recalls for my vehicle but when I googled there are actually around 10 recalls for my vehicle and Hyundai refuses to fix or even admit there is a recall..my control arms need replacing also.
Related recalls
Air bags › Frontal
On certain sport utility vehicles, the front passenger air bag is mounted beneath the right portion of the instrument panel's padded surface. Tear lines are formed into the underside of the instrument panel's padded surface during the production process of the instrument panel top pad.
Remedy: Hyundai will replace the instrument panel. Owner notification began on October 13, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a…
Airbag complaints in other Tiburon years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2003 Hyundai Tiburon?
NHTSA has 71 complaints about the air bags of the 2003 Hyundai Tiburon, 22% of the model year's 328 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (19 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Hyundai Tiburon airbag problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 03V-321 (frontal, Aug 26, 2003). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2003 Hyundai Tiburon airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 62,000 miles, and 29% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 24 crashes, 2 fires and 17 injuries to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.