The Hyundai D3EA is a 2,996 cc, V6 turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2010 and 2018. It features common rail direct injection, a twin‑scroll variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivered 171 kW (233 PS) and 550 Nm of torque, engineered for refined performance in premium applications.
Fitted to models such as the Grandeur HG, Genesis DH, and Santa Fe (DM), the D3EA was engineered for smooth, high-torque driving with low-end responsiveness and motorway refinement. Emissions compliance was achieved through cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), meeting Euro 5 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear leading to loss of rail pressure and hard starting, highlighted in Hyundai Service Bulletin HST‑13‑025. This issue is often linked to fuel contamination or prolonged use of non-compliant diesel grades. From 2015, Hyundai introduced revised HPFP internals and updated ECU calibration to mitigate premature wear.
Hyundai
All production years 2010–2018 meet Euro 5 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Hyundai D3EA is a 2,996 cc V6 turbo‑diesel engineered for executive sedans and large SUVs (2010–2018). It combines common‑rail direct injection with a twin‑scroll variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and refined cruising. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances performance with fuel efficiency and emissions control.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,996 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | V6, DOHC, 24‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 85.0 mm × 88.0 mm | |
| Power output | 171 kW (233 PS) | |
| Torque | 550 Nm @ 1,750–2,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP4.2 common‑rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 16.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Twin‑scroll VGT (Honeywell Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | Hyundai SP III (ACEA C3, SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 218 kg |
The twin-scroll VGT provides smooth, linear torque delivery ideal for highway cruising but requires strict adherence to 10,000–15,000 km oil change intervals using ACEA C3-compliant oil to protect the HPFP and turbo bearings. Bosch CP4.2 fuel pumps are sensitive to water and particulate contamination, necessitating use of EN 590 ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD). Extended idling or frequent short trips accelerate carbon buildup in the EGR and DPF systems, triggering regeneration faults. Post-2015 engines include updated HPFP components per Hyundai SIB HST‑13‑025; pre-2015 units benefit from proactive replacement of the pump and fuel filter.
Oil Specs: Requires ACEA C3 (SAE 5W-30) oil meeting Hyundai SP III specification (Hyundai SIB HST‑13‑025).
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all model years 2010–2018 (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). No Euro 6 variants were produced.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output consistent across all applications (Hyundai TIS Doc. H3E‑A115).
Hyundai Technical Information System (TIS): Docs H3E‑A112, H3E‑A114, H3E‑A115, SIB HST‑13‑025
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Hyundai D3EA was used across Hyundai's DH and DM platforms with longitudinal mounting and exclusive to premium applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced subframes in the Genesis DH and modified cooling in the Santa Fe DM—and from 2015 the facelifted Grandeur HG received updated HPFP calibration, creating minor ECU interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crank pulley (Hyundai TIS H3E‑A110). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine displacement ('D' for 3.0L diesel). Pre-2015 models use Bosch CP4.2 HPFP with silver housing; post-2015 units have black housing and updated internals. Critical differentiation from Theta gasoline engines: D3EA has dual exhaust manifolds feeding a single twin-scroll turbo on the right bank. ECU part numbers must match production date—units before 01/2015 require calibration update per SIB HST‑13‑025 for HPFP compatibility.
The D3EA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure, with elevated incidence in vehicles using non-EN 590 diesel or operating in high-humidity climates. Hyundai internal data from 2014 indicated up to 12% of pre-2015 engines required HPFP replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show DPF-related MOT failures rising after 80,000 km in urban-driven examples. Short-trip driving and poor fuel quality accelerate wear, making fuel specification and maintenance adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Hyundai technical bulletins (2013–2017) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about HYUNDAI D3EA.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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HYUNDAI Official Site
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EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
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