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2001 Hyundai Tiburon

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By Research the Car 5 min read

Here’s a breakdown of common issues and complaints for the 2001 Hyundai Tiburon, categorized by component and including available engine and transmission options.

The 2001 Hyundai Tiburon is a front-wheel-drive sports coupe known for its stylish design and affordability. Engine options included a 2.0L inline-4 cylinder engine producing approximately 140 horsepower and 133 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0L inline-4 cylinder engine producing approximately 134 horsepower and 133 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options were a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. Owners often appreciate the Tiburon’s sporty handling and unique appearance. Common dislikes include perceived lower build quality compared to competitors and some reported reliability concerns.

Engine

2.0L Inline-4 Cylinder (G4GC Engine)

  • Timing Belt Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The timing belt, if not replaced at recommended intervals, can break, leading to significant engine damage (bent valves, damaged pistons). Symptoms include a sudden loss of power, a ticking or rattling noise from the engine, or the engine failing to start.
    • Solution: Replace the timing belt, tensioner, and idler pulley at the recommended interval (typically every 60,000 miles). If the belt breaks, a more extensive engine repair is required, potentially including valve replacement or even a complete engine rebuild.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Timing belt replacement: $300 - $600. Engine repair after timing belt failure: $1000 - $3000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Idle Air Control (IAC) Valve Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough or erratic idle, stalling, especially when coming to a stop.
    • Solution: Replace the IAC valve. Cleaning the throttle body is also often recommended.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
    • Recalls: None Found

2.0L Inline-4 Cylinder (G4GF Engine)

  • Timing Belt Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The timing belt, if not replaced at recommended intervals, can break, leading to significant engine damage (bent valves, damaged pistons). Symptoms include a sudden loss of power, a ticking or rattling noise from the engine, or the engine failing to start.
    • Solution: Replace the timing belt, tensioner, and idler pulley at the recommended interval (typically every 60,000 miles). If the belt breaks, a more extensive engine repair is required, potentially including valve replacement or even a complete engine rebuild.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Timing belt replacement: $300 - $600. Engine repair after timing belt failure: $1000 - $3000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Idle Air Control (IAC) Valve Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough or erratic idle, stalling, especially when coming to a stop.
    • Solution: Replace the IAC valve. Cleaning the throttle body is also often recommended.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual

  • Clutch Master Cylinder/Slave Cylinder Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting, especially into first gear or reverse. A soft or spongy clutch pedal feel. Fluid leaks near the master or slave cylinder.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty master and/or slave cylinder. Bleeding the hydraulic system is also necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Synchro Wear
    • Description/Symptoms: Grinding or difficulty shifting into specific gears, often second or third.
    • Solution: Transmission rebuild or replacement. In some cases, a transmission fluid change with a specific friction modifier additive may temporarily alleviate the issue.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Transmission fluid change: $50 - $100. Transmission rebuild: $1500 - $3000. Transmission replacement: $2000 - $4000.
    • Recalls: None Found

4-Speed Automatic

  • Shift Solenoid Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or erratic shifting, failure to shift into certain gears, or “limp mode” (transmission stuck in a single gear).
    • Solution: Replace the faulty shift solenoid(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Strut Mount Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noise from the suspension, especially when going over bumps. Excessive play in the steering.
    • Solution: Replace the strut mounts. It’s often recommended to replace the struts at the same time.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Strut mount replacement: $200 - $400 per corner. Strut replacement (including mount): $400 - $800 per corner.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Sway Bar Link Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Rattling or clunking noise from the suspension, especially when turning or going over uneven surfaces.
    • Solution: Replace the sway bar links.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 per pair
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Alternator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, slow engine cranking, battery warning light illumination, and eventual stalling.
    • Solution: Replace the alternator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Power Window Regulator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Window not moving up or down, slow or jerky window movement, or a grinding noise from the door.
    • Solution: Replace the power window regulator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 per window.
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Rust
    • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming around the wheel wells, rocker panels, and other areas prone to moisture.
    • Solution: Removal of rust and patching or replacement of the affected panels. Preventative measures like rust proofing can help slow further damage.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Removal of rust: $100 - $300. Replacement of panels: $100 - $1000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Dashboard Cracking
    • Description/Symptoms: Cracking in the dashboard, especially in areas exposed to sunlight.
    • Solution: Replacement of the dashboard or installation of a dashboard cover.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Dashboard Cover: $50 - $200. Replacement of dashboard: $500 - $1000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Door Handle Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Interior and exterior door handles may break.
    • Solution: Door handle replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2001 Hyundai Tiburon can be an affordable and stylish coupe, but potential buyers should be aware of common issues. Engine issues primarily revolve around timing belt maintenance, which is critical for preventing costly repairs. Transmission issues are also common, particularly with the manual transmission. Suspension and electrical problems can also occur. Rust can be a significant concern, especially in regions with harsh weather conditions. While many of these repairs are relatively inexpensive, neglecting them can lead to more severe and costly problems down the road. A thorough inspection before purchase is highly recommended.

Hyundai, Tiburon
Hyundai Tiburon 2001
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