Seat Belt complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (buckles, retractors, anchors and pretensioners).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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)
The airbag light came on and stayed on. Seatbelts and airbags will not properly work or work at all when this light is on. Why shouldn't the 2004 model be included in the safety recall since all other Tiburon years except for 2004 were recalled?
This make and model has defective seatbelt sensors. These seatbelt sensors are wired into the airbag system and in the event of a seatbelt sensor shorting out, the air bag light comes on and the car's air bags are disabled. This is a very serious safety issue.
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.
While driving about 45 MPH consumer's vehicle hit a tractor from the rear, and the air bags failed to deploy. Also, the seat belts did not keep the passenger and driver in position, throwing them forward.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Hyundai Tiburon. The contact stated that the drivers and passenger side seat belts have malfunctioned since she was unable to retract them. It took her approximately two to three attempts before she could fully extend the seat belts in order to securely close the latch. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer nor was the vehicle repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000. Updated 3/21/11 the consumer discovered a recall was issued for the exact problem she experienced. However, her vehicle identification number was not included in the recall. Updated 06/03/11
Related recalls (3)
Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
On certain sport utility vehicles, the driver seat belt buckle wiring could be damaged by interference with the driver seat cushion height adjuster mechanism. Damaged driver seat belt buckle wiring could cause the seat belt warning lamp or the supplemental restraint system (SRS) air bag wiring lamp to illuminate.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new driver seat belt buckle, if necessary, and will place a protective cover over the driver seat belt buckle wiring to prevent damage from occurring. Owner notification began September 23, 2003.
Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
On certain passenger vehicles, the driver seat belt buckle wiring could be damaged by interference with the driver seat cushion height adjuster mechanism.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new driver seat belt buckle, if necessary, and will place a protective cover over the driver seat belt buckle wiring to prevent damage from occurring. Owner notification began on March 24, 2003.
Seat belts › Front › Webbing
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The driver and front passenger seat belts May not extend and retract smoothly through the d-ring guides mounted on the body pillars aft of the doors.
Remedy: Dealers will install a stopper over each front seat belt d-ring guide to assist the seat belt to smoothly extend and retract. Owner notification began December 10, 2001.
Frequently asked questions
Which Hyundai Tiburon years have seat belt problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2003 (23), 2000 (17), 2001 (8) and 1999 (6) model years. Seat Belt complaints make up 7% of all complaints for the 2003.
Is there a recall for Hyundai Tiburon seat belt problems?
Yes — 3 recalls, including 03V-290 (buckle assembly, Aug 5, 2003); 02V-290 (buckle assembly, Nov 5, 2002); 01V-345 (webbing, Nov 6, 2001). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Hyundai Tiburon seat belt problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 67,000 miles; 24% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the front › buckle assembly (15 mentions), followed by the front › retractor (13).
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.