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D4FB

1.6 CRDi U2 (D4FB, 90-136 hp, sold in Spain from 2010 to ~2018) engine: faults and reliability

Hyundai/Kia 1.6 CRDi (familia U: U2 D4FB and Smartstream U3 D4FE) version

With caution

Generally a durable engine, but with documented turbo failures in the early units and with the timing chain as something to check from 120,000 km; buy it with a maintenance history and check those two points.[1][2][3]

Years
2010–2018
Power
90–136 hp
Faults that affect it
5
3 of high or critical severity
Cars that use it
9
in our database

13 sourcesHow we work

What changes in this version

Generation with variable-geometry turbo, Bosch common-rail injection and 17.0-17.3:1 compression. Over its commercial life it moved from Euro 5 to Euro 6b and gained power, up to 136 hp with VGT in the mid-2010s Ceed, XCeed and Venga.[1][4][5]

Engine codes of this version: D4FB.

Faults of the D4FB engine

The documented engine faults that affect this version and its years, from most to least important.

  1. 1Critical severityFrequency: CommonTimingTiming chain stretchThe two timing chains of the U2 D4FB (one of which also drives the high-pressure pump) tend to stretch at around 120,000-150,000 km, with a characteristic metallic rattle. If left unattended, the chain can jump teeth and cause the pistons and valves to collide.Appears at around 120,000 km
  2. 2High severityFrequency: OccasionalTurboPremature variable-geometry turbo (VGT) failureThe first units of the U2 D4FB (up to ~2009) had variable-geometry turbos that could fail between 30,000 and 100,000 km; the manufacturer corrected this with an ECU update. On later engines, the actuator can seize because of carbon build-up.Appears at around 30,000 km
  3. 3High severityFrequency: OccasionalInjectionFuel pressure regulator and injectors sensitive to diesel qualityThe common-rail pressure regulator can seize and bleed off too much fuel, which makes starting difficult; the system works at a high pressure (around 1,600 bar) that makes it sensitive to poor-quality diesel, and the injectors need individual coding if they are replaced.
  4. 4Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlEGR valve blocked by carbon build-upAs on most diesels of its era, the 1.6 CRDi's EGR valve accumulates carbon with urban and cold-start use, especially beyond 80,000 km, and causes jerking when accelerating between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm and the engine fault light to come on.Repair (garage): €200–€450
  5. 5Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlParticulate filter (DPF) blocked in urban useOn cars used mainly for short urban journeys (under 15 km), the particulate filter never completes its regeneration cycle and clogs with soot, which turns on the DPF warning light and reduces engine power.Repair (garage): €300–€1,800

Cars fitted with the D4FB engine

Open each car to see all its faults with this engine and what to check before buying it.

Hyundai

Kia

Frequently asked questions

Is the D4FB engine reliable?

Our verdict is “With caution”. Generally a durable engine, but with documented turbo failures in the early units and with the timing chain as something to check from 120,000 km; buy it with a maintenance history and check those two points.[1][2][3]

What faults does the D4FB engine have?

The documented ones that affect this version, by importance: timing chain stretch (critical severity), premature variable-geometry turbo (VGT) failure (high severity), fuel pressure regulator and injectors sensitive to diesel quality (high severity), EGR valve blocked by carbon build-up (medium severity) and particulate filter (DPF) blocked in urban use (medium severity).

Which cars use the D4FB engine?

Hyundai i30 II (2012–2017), Hyundai i30 III (since 2017), Hyundai Tucson III (2015–2020), Kia Ceed II (2012–2018), Kia Venga (2010–2018), Kia Carens III (2011–2012), Kia Soul II (2014–2019), Hyundai i30 I (2007–2012) and Kia Ceed I (2006–2012).[4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13]

Are you buying a car with the D4FB engine?

We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.

Do you have a car with this engine? Tell us which faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Motor Kia y Hyundai 1.6 CRDI (D4FB): ficha tecnica, problemas y tuningMotordinámico · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  2. Kia and Hyundai 1.6 CRDI (D4FB) engineEngineDNA · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  3. Best Hyundai Kia 1.6 CRDI Mods & Upgrades Guide to D4FB TuningTorqueCars · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  4. KIA cee'd 5p 1.6 CRDi VGT Drive 100 kW (136 CV) (2015-2018) | Precio y ficha técnicakm77 · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  5. KIA Venga 1.6 CRDi VGT 94 kW (128 CV) Drive Eco-Dynamics (2015-2018) | Precio y ficha técnicakm77 · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  6. Hyundai U engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  7. Hyundai i30 gebraucht: Schwachstellen, Mängel, ProblemeAUTO BILD · Motoring press · published 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  8. Hyundai Smartstream engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  9. Hyundai i30 Kombi 1.6 CRDi 48V-Mildhybrid Trend (10/20-01/22): Technische Daten, Bilder, PreiseADAC · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  10. KIA Carens 1.6 CRDi VGT Active 5 plazas (2011-2012) | Precio y ficha técnicakm77 · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  11. KIA Soul Drive 1.6 CRDi 128 CV Eco-Dynamics (2014-2016) | Precio y ficha técnicakm77 · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  12. Hyundai i30 - WikipediaWikipedia · Other source · consulted 29 October 2026
  13. Kia Ceed - WikipediaWikipedia · Other source · consulted 29 October 2026