The Hyundai D3FA is a 2,995 cc, V6 turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2010 and 2015. It features a 24‑valve DOHC layout, common‑rail direct injection, and a twin‑turbo (bi‑turbo) aspiration system. In standard form it delivered 184 kW (250 PS) and 540 Nm of torque, engineered for refined performance in premium SUV applications.
Fitted to models such as the Hyundai Santa Fe (DM) and Grandeur (HG), the D3FA was engineered for smooth, high‑torque driving with strong towing capability and motorway refinement. Emissions compliance was achieved through cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), meeting Euro 5 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is premature high‑pressure fuel pump wear, highlighted in Hyundai Service Bulletin TSB‑10‑D3FA‑01. This issue stems from inadequate lubrication under sustained high‑load conditions and suboptimal fuel quality. From 2013, Hyundai revised the pump design and updated calibration strategies to mitigate failure rates.
Hyundai
All production years 2010–2015 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Hyundai D3FA is a 2,995 cc V6 turbo‑diesel engineered for mid‑size and large SUVs (2010–2015). It combines twin‑turbocharging with high‑pressure common‑rail injection to deliver smooth, high‑torque performance and strong towing response. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances power with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,995 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | V6, DOHC, 24‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Twin‑turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 85.0 mm × 88.0 mm | |
| Power output | 184 kW (250 PS) | |
| Torque | 540 Nm @ 1,750–3,000 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 variable‑geometry turbos (Honeywell) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | Hyundai SP III (ACEA C3, SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 218 kg |
The twin‑turbo setup provides seamless torque delivery ideal for towing and highway overtaking but demands strict adherence to 10,000 km oil change intervals using ACEA C3‑compliant oil to protect the high‑pressure fuel pump and turbo bearings. Ultra‑low‑sulfur diesel (EN 590) is essential to prevent CP4.2 pump seizure. Early models (2010–2012) are particularly sensitive to fuel quality; post‑2013 units benefit from revised pump internals per Hyundai TSB‑10‑D3FA‑01. DPF regeneration cycles should not be interrupted to avoid clogging and limp‑mode activation.
Oil Specs: Requires ACEA C3 (Hyundai SP III) 5W‑30 oil (Hyundai TSB‑10‑D3FA‑01). Not compatible with older ACEA B4 formulations.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all D3FA models (2010–2015) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Full 184 kW output requires EN 590 diesel with ≤10 ppm sulfur (Hyundai TIS Doc. H3FA‑FUEL‑01).
Hyundai Technical Information System (TIS): Docs H3FA‑ENG‑01, H3FA‑ENG‑02, H3FA‑ENG‑03, TSB‑10‑D3FA‑01
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Hyundai D3FA was used across Hyundai's DM and HG platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced subframes in the Santa Fe DM and revised cooling ducts in the Grandeur HG—and from 2013 the Santa Fe facelift introduced updated ECU calibrations for improved fuel pump durability, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crankshaft pulley (Hyundai TIS H3FA‑ID‑01). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('F' for D3FA series). Early models (2010–2012) use Bosch EDC17CP45 ECU with rectangular under‑hood diagnostic port; post‑2013 units use updated EDC17C54 with revised port shape. Fuel pump part numbers differ before/after 06/2013—verify against Hyundai TSB‑10‑D3FA‑01 to ensure correct replacement.
The D3FA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump failure on early builds, with elevated incidence in sustained high-load or low-quality fuel use. Hyundai internal field data from 2013 indicated a notable share of pre-2013 engines requiring pump replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show DPF-related MOT failures rising in vehicles with interrupted regeneration cycles. Extended towing and urban short-trip driving increase pump and DPF stress, making fuel quality and maintenance adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Hyundai technical bulletins (2010–2015) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about HYUNDAI D3FA.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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