Engine Code

HYUNDAI D4EA engine (2002–2010) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Hyundai D4EA is a 1,991 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2002 and 2010. It features a DOHC 16‑valve layout with common‑rail direct injection and a fixed‑geometry turbocharger. In standard form it delivered 85–103 kW (116–140 PS) and torque between 255–305 Nm, providing strong low‑rpm pull for everyday drivability.

Fitted to models such as the Elantra XD, Tucson JM, and Santa Fe SM, including variants like the 2.0 CRDi, the D4EA was engineered for durability and fuel efficiency in compact and midsize SUVs and sedans. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and oxidation catalysts, allowing most units to meet Euro 3 standards, with select later builds achieving Euro 4 depending on market.

One documented concern is premature injector failure due to sensitivity to fuel quality, highlighted in Hyundai Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑08‑D4EA‑01. Contaminated or low‑lubricity diesel accelerates nozzle wear and causes misfires or hard starts. From 2006, Hyundai revised injector calibration and introduced stricter fuel filtration per updated service protocols.

BMW N47D20A Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 2002–2005 meet Euro 3 standards; 2006–2010 models may have Euro 4 compliance depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).

D4EA Technical Specifications

The Hyundai D4EA is a 1,991 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for compact and midsize vehicles (2002–2010). It combines Bosch common‑rail direct injection with a fixed‑geometry turbocharger to deliver responsive low‑end torque and robust highway performance. Designed to meet Euro 3 (and some market‑specific Euro 4) standards, it balances utility with economy.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement1,991 cc
Fuel typeDiesel
ConfigurationInline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve
AspirationTurbocharged
Bore × stroke83.0 mm × 92.0 mm
Power output85–103 kW (116–140 PS)
Torque255–305 Nm @ 1,800–2,500 rpm
Fuel systemBosch CP1 common‑rail (up to 1,350 bar)
Emissions standardEuro 3 (pre‑2006); Euro 4 depending on market
Compression ratio17.3:1
Cooling systemWater‑cooled
TurbochargerFixed‑geometry turbo (Mitsubishi TD025)
Timing systemBelt‑driven (interference design)
Oil typeACEA B4 / API CF (SAE 5W‑30 or 10W‑40)
Dry weight168 kg
Practical Implications

The fixed-geometry turbo provides predictable boost but lacks low-end responsiveness compared to VGT systems; however, it is mechanically simpler and more tolerant of heat cycles. Strict adherence to 10,000 km oil intervals using ACEA B4 diesel-rated oil is essential to protect the belt-driven interference valvetrain. Ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) is mandatory—contaminants accelerate Bosch CP1 pump and injector wear. Injector failures manifest as misfires or hard cold starts; post-2006 models benefit from updated calibration per TSB 08-D4EA-01. EGR cooler clogging is common in stop-start driving; periodic cleaning maintains emissions compliance.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires ACEA B4 or API CF diesel-rated oil (Hyundai Owner’s Manual – Elantra CRDi 2004). Not compatible with ACEA C3 low-SAPS oils.

Emissions: Euro 3 certification applies to pre-2006 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Some 2006–2010 models meet Euro 4 depending on market.

Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. 103 kW output requires EN 590-compliant diesel (Hyundai TIS Doc. D4EA-FUEL-04).

Primary Sources

Hyundai Technical Information System (TIS): Docs D4EA‑ENG‑01, D4EA‑TURBO‑02, TSB 08‑D4EA‑01

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)

SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards

D4EA Compatible Models

The Hyundai D4EA was used across Hyundai's XD/JM/SM platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Santa Fe SM and revised cooling ducts in the Tucson JM—and from 2006 the Elantra XD facelift adopted updated injectors and EGR calibration, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Hyundai
Years:
2002–2006
Models:
Elantra (XD)
Variants:
2.0 CRDi
View Source
Hyundai ETK Doc. H‑D4EA‑2003
Make:
Hyundai
Years:
2004–2009
Models:
Tucson (JM)
Variants:
2.0 CRDi
View Source
Hyundai Powertrain Manual PT‑D4EA‑2005
Make:
Hyundai
Years:
2002–2006
Models:
Santa Fe (SM)
Variants:
2.0 CRDi
View Source
Hyundai TIS Doc. D4EA‑ENG‑01
Make:
Kia
Years:
2004–2008
Models:
Cerato (LD)
Variants:
2.0 CRDi
View Source
Kia EPC #K-D4EA-LD-01
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crank pulley (Hyundai TIS D4EA‑ID‑01). The 7th VIN digit for Hyundai CRDi models is typically 'D' for diesel. Pre-2006 units use Bosch 0445120007 injectors with silver nozzle caps; post-2006 revisions use Bosch 0445120215 with black caps. Critical differentiation from D4HB: D4EA has a single-mass flywheel and non-VGT turbo. Service parts for injectors and EGR valves require production date verification—kits for engines before 01/2006 are incompatible with later units due to calibration changes (Hyundai TSB 08‑D4EA‑01).

Identification Details

Evidence:

Hyundai TIS Doc. D4EA‑ID‑01

Location:

Stamped on front timing cover near crank pulley (Hyundai TIS D4EA‑ID‑01).

Visual Cues:

  • Pre-2006: Silver injector nozzle caps, single-mass flywheel
  • Post-2006: Black injector nozzle caps, updated EGR housing
Compatibility Notes

Evidence:

Hyundai TSB 08‑D4EA‑01

Injectors:

Injector part numbers and ECU maps differ pre/post 2006. Swapping without ECU update causes drivability issues.

Timing Belt:

Timing belt kits are interchangeable across all D4EA years, but tensioner design changed in 2007—use latest OEM kit.
Fuel Quality Warning

Issue:

Bosch CP1 high-pressure pump is highly sensitive to fuel lubricity and water content.

Evidence:

Hyundai TIS Doc. D4EA‑FUEL‑04

Recommendation:

Use only EN 590 ultra-low-sulfur diesel; install secondary fuel filter in high-contamination regions.

Common Reliability Issues - HYUNDAI D4EA

The D4EA's primary reliability risk is injector failure due to fuel contamination, with elevated incidence in regions with inconsistent diesel quality. Hyundai internal field reports from 2007 noted a significant share of 2002–2005 engines requiring injector replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA data links EGR-related faults to emissions test failures in urban-use vehicles. Extended oil intervals and low-quality diesel accelerate wear, making fuel filtration and oil adherence critical.

Injector nozzle coking or seizure
Symptoms: Hard cold starts, misfires, excessive smoke, DTCs for cylinder imbalance or rail pressure deviation.
Cause: Low-lubricity or contaminated diesel causes premature wear in Bosch CP1 injectors; carbon buildup restricts nozzle movement.
Fix: Replace with latest OEM-specified injectors per TSB 08-D4EA-01; flush fuel system and verify rail pressure control.
EGR valve and cooler clogging
Symptoms: Rough idle, hesitation, increased DPF regeneration frequency, limp mode under load.
Cause: Soot and oil vapor accumulation in EGR passages restricts flow and causes valve sticking, especially in short-trip driving.
Fix: Clean or replace EGR valve/cooler assembly per Hyundai procedure; inspect vacuum lines and perform ECU adaptation reset.
Timing belt tensioner wear
Symptoms: Whining or chirping from front cover, belt tracking issues, potential interference engine damage if ignored.
Cause: Early-design hydraulic tensioners lose damping over time; heat and oil exposure accelerate seal degradation.
Fix: Install updated tensioner and idler pulleys with every belt service; verify alignment and belt tension per TIS specs.
Turbocharger oil seal leakage
Symptoms: Blue smoke on deceleration, oil residue in intercooler pipes, loss of boost pressure.
Cause: Aging oil seals in the fixed-geometry turbo allow oil migration into intake; exacerbated by extended oil change intervals.
Fix: Rebuild or replace turbocharger with OEM-spec unit; inspect intercooler and intake for oil accumulation.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Hyundai technical bulletins (2005–2010) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2012–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about HYUNDAI D4EA

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about HYUNDAI D4EA.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007

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Last Updated: 16 August 2025

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