The Hyundai D4FB is a 2,497 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2009 and 2018. It features a 16‑valve DOHC layout, common‑rail direct injection, and a variable‑geometry turbocharger (VGT). In standard form it delivered 136–181 kW (185–245 PS) and torque figures ranging from 402–450 Nm, depending on application and model year.
Fitted to models such as the Hyundai i40 (VF), Santa Fe (DM), and Sonata (LF), the D4FB was engineered for a balance of fuel economy, strong low‑end torque, and refined highway cruising. Emissions compliance was achieved through cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and oxidation catalyst, meeting Euro 5 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is premature high‑pressure fuel pump wear, particularly in pre‑2013 builds, highlighted in Hyundai Service Bulletin TSB‑11‑D4FB‑02. This issue stems from marginal lubrication under high‑load conditions and suboptimal diesel fuel quality. From 2013, Hyundai revised the pump design and updated calibration strategies to reduce failure rates.
All production years 2009–2018 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
The Hyundai D4FB is a 2,497 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for mid‑size sedans and SUVs (2009–2018). It combines common‑rail direct injection with a single variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and efficient motorway cruising. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances performance with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,497 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 86.0 mm × 107.0 mm | |
| Power output | 136–181 kW (185–245 PS) | |
| Torque | 402–450 Nm @ 1,750–3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP4.2 common‑rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (Honeywell) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | Hyundai SP III (ACEA C3, SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 185 kg |
The VGT turbo provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for urban and highway driving 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 (2009–2012) are particularly sensitive to fuel quality; post‑2013 units benefit from revised pump internals per Hyundai TSB‑11‑D4FB‑02. 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‑11‑D4FB‑02). Not compatible with older ACEA B4 formulations.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all D4FB models (2009–2018) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Full 181 kW output requires EN 590 diesel with ≤10 ppm sulfur (Hyundai TIS Doc. H4FB‑FUEL‑01).
Hyundai Technical Information System (TIS): Docs H4FB‑ENG‑01, H4FB‑ENG‑02, H4FB‑ENG‑03, TSB‑11‑D4FB‑02
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6789)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Hyundai D4FB was used across Hyundai's VF, DM, and LF 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 i40 VF—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 H4FB‑ID‑01). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('G' for D4FB series). Early models (2009–2012) 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‑11‑D4FB‑02 to ensure correct replacement.
The D4FB'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 2014 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 (2009–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about HYUNDAI D4FB.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with HYUNDAI or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
HYUNDAI Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
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)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
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
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialHYUNDAI documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
