1998 Hyundai Tiburon Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 23%of 26 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 84,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1998 Hyundai Tiburon, 23% of the 26 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 84,500 miles.
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.
“Vehicle does not shift out of second gear, resulting in stalling. Consumer is concerned that the vehicle will stall in traffic which may cause a rear end collision.”
NHTSA complaint #10067348, filed 2004-04, 84,000 miles“I bought this car in march of 2002 and the transmission went 6 weeks later. The problem I was told was that there was a shift flare in my automatic transmission. I was sold the car with the remainder of the powertrain warranty and then Hyundai proceded to give me the run around for 4 weeks saying I needed proof that the transmission fluid was changed at 30,00 miles. I was the second owner and did not have that info. …”
NHTSA complaint #764608, filed 2002-07“The car has been into Hyundai dealers 4 times since I've owned it. I am the original owner. Car has been in literally every other month since purchase in october 1998. Major problem has to do with the computer(s) and transmission. Check engine warning light, airbag warning light have both gone off. Car wouldn't shift and would hesitate at highway and side street speeds. Car just returned from dealer yesterday after 4th time in for repair. At 65 MPH, the rpms suddenly shot to approx 5800. Car has been terribly unreliable. …”
NHTSA complaint #708592, filed 1999-07“Since september of 1998 automatic transmission won't downshift to pass, it slipped, and sometimes vehicle would barely move after stopping. Vehicle was taken to the dealership. Dealer could find no problems. Please provide any further information.”
NHTSA complaint #864052, filed 2000-06“The clutch cannot be used properly due to design of floor mats. Makes the gears tight. Also, cover to fuel tank broke off when opened. The 1997 michelin x tires on front of vehicle broke off due to all lugs: nuts shearing off twice. Taking vehicle back to dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #847387, filed 1999-09Related service bulletins
- 10196546May 21, 2021Hyundai approves only the ATF, DCT gear oil and IVT gear oil specified in the vehicleâÂÂs ownerâÂÂs manual. ï· Use of other ATF may result in improper shift quality or…
- 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 1998 Hyundai Tiburon
6 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsWheels
2 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 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