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Hyundai G4KE engine: known problems
Used in 2 guides · 2359cc petrol · 6 known problems
Displacement
2359cc
Layout
I4 NA
Fuel
petrol
Known problems6
Everything our guides list for the variants with this engine: the engine itself plus the gearbox and ancillaries it's paired with. Each shows which cars it's listed for.
High
Theta II connecting-rod bearing failure
The 2.4 Theta II family is subject to premature connecting-rod bearing wear linked to machining debris restricting oil passages and oil-flow inconsistency. Symptoms are an rpm-rising knock, oil-pressure and check-engine lights, power loss and vibration; severe failures can hole the block and create a fire risk. This drove a large multi-year Hyundai/Kia campaign and extended warranties overseas.
Fix: Engine replacement on failure. Check service history for the knock-sensor detection software update and any engine campaign; pre-purchase oil-pressure and cold-start listening; watch oil level.
Listed for: Hyundai Santa Fe DM
High
Theta II connecting-rod bearing wear
The Theta II 2.4 GDI family is at the centre of the global Hyundai-Kia engine saga - manufacturing debris and oil-flow issues can wear the connecting-rod bearings, producing a deep knock and possible seizure (and overseas, fires). Australian exposure on the QL is lower than the US recall fleet, but the engine family and the local class action make history and noise checks essential.
Fix: Listen for bottom-end knock on a cold and hot start; verify oil-consumption and service history; check the Australian Kia engine class action / any applicable campaigns. A knocking engine needs replacement.
Listed for: Kia Sportage QL
Medium
Oil consumption
Some Theta II 2.4 engines consume oil noticeably between services, which both annoys and accelerates bearing wear if the level is allowed to drop.
Fix: Check and top up oil between services; investigate rings/PCV if consumption is heavy.
Listed for: Hyundai Santa Fe DM
Medium
GDI carbon build-up and oil consumption
As with the 2.0 Nu, the direct-injection 2.4 fouls intake valves with carbon and can consume oil through stuck oil-control rings.
Fix: Walnut-blast intake; monitor and top up oil; top-tier fuel and catch-can help.
Listed for: Kia Sportage QL
Low
Water pump / thermostat housing leaks
Water pump and thermostat-housing weeping are common cooling-system maintenance items on these engines.
Fix: Replace water pump and thermostat housing/gasket; refresh coolant.
Listed for: Hyundai Santa Fe DM
Low
AWD coupling / transfer wear
The electronically controlled on-demand AWD coupling and rear drive components can develop noise/shudder if fluids are neglected.
Fix: Service the AWD coupling and diff fluids on schedule; inspect for noise.
Listed for: Kia Sportage QL
Cars with the G4KE2
From the FlamingCars guides for these cars. Specs are shown only where the guides agree and the value is verified.