1997 Hyundai Tiburon Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 25%of 36 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1997 Hyundai Tiburon, 25% of the 36 complaints for this model year.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“6 transmissions replaced within 40,000 miles...all rebuilt and all have problems with slipping and very hard shifting. I would like a transmission that works the engine and all other parts of car are in good condition. Car has been serviced regularly. Now dealership is trying to tell me that the transmission slip is just the way it 'smoothes' into the next gear. Even my passengers comment on the way the car the shifts. I have been inconvienced for at least a day or more to find alternate transportation so that they can install rebuilt transmissions. …”
NHTSA complaint #765774, filed 2002-08“I have had this car back to the dealer for this problem 5 times. They have replaced a pulse generator sensor, however, the part only last anywhere from 4 to 7 months. The last time I took the car in they informed me that it needed a speed sensor output. They are willing to replace that part under the warranty, however, they informed me that I must pay the labor which will run about $95. I do not feel that I should be liable for this amount since I have complained of this problem since june, 1999 when the car had 40,978 miles on it. …”
NHTSA complaint #733320, filed 2000-10“Transmission started slipping in may of 2000. Car had approx. 40,000 miles on it. Dealer replaced it under warranty. In july of 2001, the new transmission started slipping again. We took it to a new dealer (tom o'brien Hyundai of danvers). They could not find a problem. We took it back in august of 2001. This time they replaced the transmission again. One month later, the transmission started slipping again. We took it back. They could not find a problem. On december 11, 2001, my wife was driving on a major highway. She heard a loud noise. She pulled over and the car stalled. …”
NHTSA complaint #756265, filed 2001-12“When drivihg at highway speed vehicle is stalling and jerking and the consumer lost all power within the vehicle. Also, brakes went out, and the gas went out. Manufactureer can't determine the cause of the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #847877, filed 1999-09Related service bulletins
- 10174807Apr 17, 2020The automatic transmission warranty repair policy authorizes in-dealership repairs of the following components for both OEM (new) and remanufactured automatic transmissions:
- 10018890Nov 1, 2005Automatic transaxle diagnostic trouble codes list.
- 10015733Feb 1, 2005Automatic transaxle diagnostic trouble codes list.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 2 | 11% |
| 2007 | 19 | 45% |
| 2006 | 42 | 66% |
| 2005 | 18 | 42% |
| 2004 | 39 | 48% |
| 2003 | 164 | 50% |
| 2001 | 7 | 19% |
| 2000 | 2 | 3% |
| 1999 | 6 | 23% |
| 1998 | 6 | 23% |
| 1997 | 9 | 25% |
Other parts of the 1997 Hyundai Tiburon
8 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
3 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Hyundai Tiburon
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology