2004 Hyundai Tiburon

Here is a comprehensive list of common issues and complaints reported by owners of the 2004 Hyundai Tiburon, categorized by vehicle component. The 2004 Hyundai Tiburon, also known as the Hyundai Coupe in some markets, is a sporty compact car known for its stylish design and affordability. Engine options include a 2.0L inline-4 cylinder engine producing approximately 138 horsepower and 136 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.7L V6 engine generating around 170 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. Transmission choices include a 5-speed manual, a 4-speed automatic (primarily paired with the 2.0L), and a 6-speed manual (typically with the 2.7L). Owners often appreciate the Tiburon’s sporty appearance and value for money, but common complaints involve build quality, reliability issues, and the performance of the base 2.0L engine.

Engine

2.0L Inline-4 Cylinder Engine

• Timing Belt Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The timing belt can fail prematurely, especially if not replaced at the recommended interval. Symptoms include engine misfires, loss of power, and, in severe cases, complete engine failure if valves are damaged.
  • Solution: Replace the timing belt according to the manufacturer’s recommended service interval (typically every 60,000 miles). Also replace the water pump and tensioners at the same time, as failure of these components can lead to timing belt failure.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Idle Air Control (IAC) Valve Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The IAC valve can become clogged or fail, leading to erratic idling, stalling, or difficulty starting the engine.
  • Solution: Clean or replace the IAC valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

2.7L V6 Engine

• Valve Cover Gasket Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from the valve cover gaskets are common as the engine ages. This can lead to oil loss, burning smells, and potentially damage to other engine components if left unaddressed.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The crankshaft position sensor can fail, causing the engine to stall, run poorly, or not start at all.
  • Solution: Replace the crankshaft position sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (Primarily with 2.0L)

• Shift Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported hard or delayed shifting, particularly between gears. This can be caused by worn solenoids, low transmission fluid, or internal transmission damage.
  • Solution: Check and top off or replace the transmission fluid. If the problem persists, have the transmission diagnosed by a qualified mechanic, which may involve replacing solenoids or rebuilding the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (fluid change) - $1500+ (rebuild)
  • Recalls: None Found

6-Speed Manual Transmission (Typically with 2.7L)

• Synchro Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Grinding or difficulty shifting into certain gears, especially 2nd and 3rd, can indicate worn synchros.
  • Solution: Replace the worn synchros or rebuild the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Noises (clunking, popping) from the front or rear suspension, especially when going over bumps or turning. Worn strut mounts can also negatively affect handling.
  • Solution: Replace the strut mounts. It’s recommended to replace struts/shocks at the same time.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800 (for both front or rear, including struts/shocks)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sway Bar Link Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling or clunking noises from the suspension, particularly when going over bumps. Worn or broken sway bar links can affect the vehicle’s handling, especially during cornering.
  • Solution: Replace the sway bar links.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, a battery warning light, difficulty starting, or a completely dead battery.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Window Regulator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The power windows may stop working or operate erratically. This is often due to a faulty window regulator.
  • Solution: Replace the window regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust, particularly on the undercarriage, around the wheel wells, and along the rocker panels.
  • Solution: Repair or replace rusted panels, apply rust inhibitors, and consider regular undercoating.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies greatly depending on the severity, from $100s to $1000s
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headlight Lens Clouding
  • Description/Symptoms: Headlight lenses become cloudy or yellowed, reducing visibility, especially at night.
  • Solution: Polish the headlight lenses, or replace the headlight assemblies.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $30 (polishing kit) - $300+ (replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Door Handle Failure (Interior)
  • Description/Symptoms: The interior door handles can break, making it difficult or impossible to open the door from the inside.
  • Solution: Replace the door handle.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof may become stuck, leak, or fail to open/close smoothly.
  • Solution: Clean and lubricate the sunroof tracks. If the motor is faulty, it may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 (cleaning/lube) - $400+ (motor replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2004 Hyundai Tiburon presents a mix of potential issues, ranging from relatively minor problems like valve cover gasket leaks and window regulator failures to more significant concerns such as timing belt failure (2.0L) and automatic transmission problems. While the Tiburon can be an affordable and stylish car, prospective buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle for these common issues and factor in potential repair costs. The severity and cost of repairs can vary widely, with some issues potentially leading to expensive engine or transmission rebuilds. Regular maintenance, including timely timing belt replacement, is crucial to minimize potential problems.