Most common 2008 Hyundai Tiburon problems
Share of the 19 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Hyundai Tiburon complaints by model year
Best Tiburon years: 2002, 2008, 1999. Years to avoid: 2003, 2004, 2006, 2000. Compare all years →
2008 Hyundai Tiburon recalls (1)
Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.
What 2008 Hyundai Tiburon owners say
Air bags
My 2008 Hyundai Tiburon has been involved in 3 accidents (none my fault). The impact was of enough significance that the air bags should have deployed. The first collision involved a deer that was being chased by another vehicle, and it hit my car so hard, the deer exploded and the air bags did not deploy. I was told the crash was equivalent to 80 MPH head on. Also, since I have owned this vehicle it continually revvs itself and no one can figure out the problem. It does it all the time and is very dangerous as I cannot stop while its revving like this. I have to throw it in neutral, hit the gas, then it will stop revving. This is especially dangerous (and very annoying) in rush hour traffic. The electronic stability control will randomly shut itself off and quite frequently. I did not buy this as a used car.
Tl contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Tiburon. While driving approximately 10 MPH, the contact crashed into the passenger side of another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. There were no warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel and no injuries. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The police was called to the scene and a report was filed. An estimate has not yet been generated concerning the extent of the damage. The failure and current mileages were 11,000.
Seat belts
Started noticing the issue in mid May 2016. I don't usually move my seat from the original position of comfort but driver seat has shifted inadvertently sliding forward or back without warning while driving (15 - 50mph). Along with the seat belt on occasion unbuckled while moving sometimes in conjunction with seat movement, other times alone. This has happened several times lately and I have taken more care to hear the click & tug on belt but this sometimes doesn't make a difference. While driving on interstate (up to 75mph), a shifting of weight in seat, or looking over shoulder for traffic while changing lanes can pull clip out of clasp.
Airbag light is on. Error code leads to passenger side seatbelt issue. Dealer just reset computer and light came back on. Known campaign #094 on this but doesn't apply to this VIN. Unknown if airbag will actually deploy in event of an accident. Light is on and dealer wants to charge $350 for the part alone (seat belt latch)
2008 Hyundai Tiburon engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 20 / 28 / 23 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 20 / 27 / 22 |
| 2.7L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 24 / 20 |
| 2.7L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 17 / 24 / 20 |
| 2.7L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | FWD | 16 / 24 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Hyundai Tiburon a good car?
Based on 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Tiburon rates better than average: 58% 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 2008 Hyundai Tiburon?
The air bags — 10 complaints, 53% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the seat belts (4) and stability & traction control (2).
How many recalls does the 2008 Hyundai Tiburon have?
There is 1 recall for the 2008 Hyundai Tiburon, the most recent from April 1, 2013 (switch). 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 2008 Hyundai Tiburon problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 32,000 miles; 60% 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.