The Hyundai D6EA is a 2,959 cc, V6 turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2010 and 2018. It features common rail direct injection, a single variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) per bank. In standard form it delivers 184 kW (250 PS) and 570 Nm of torque, offering smooth, high‑output performance with strong towing capability.
Fitted to premium models such as the Genesis (DH), Santa Fe (DM), and Grandeur (HG), the D6EA was engineered for refined power delivery, low NVH, and effortless highway cruising. Emissions compliance was achieved through cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR), meeting Euro 5 standards initially and Euro 6 from 2015 onward.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP), highlighted in Hyundai Service Information Bulletin EM‑2016‑03. This issue stems from lubricity degradation in ultra-low-sulfur diesel environments, particularly under sustained high-load or hot-climate operation. From 2015, Hyundai introduced revised HPFP internals and updated ECU calibration to mitigate early failure.
Production years 2010–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2018 models meet Euro 6 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4892).
The Hyundai D6EA is a 2,959 cc V6 turbo‑diesel engineered for large sedans and SUVs (2010–2018). It combines Bosch common‑rail injection with a single variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver high torque and smooth refinement. Designed to meet Euro 5 (pre‑2015) and Euro 6 (post‑2015) standards universally, it balances performance with stringent emissions compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,959 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | V6, DOHC, 24‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 86.0 mm × 85.0 mm | |
| Power output | 184 kW (250 PS) | |
| Torque | 570 Nm @ 1,750–2,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP4.2 common‑rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (2010–2014); Euro 6 (2015–2018) | |
| Compression ratio | 16.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (Honeywell) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted, dual chains) | |
| Oil type | Hyundai SP 5W‑30 (ACEA C3) | |
| Dry weight | 225 kg |
The D6EA delivers smooth, high-torque performance ideal for towing and motorway cruising but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using Hyundai SP 5W-30 to protect the CP4.2 high-pressure fuel pump. Ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) with adequate lubricity is critical—fuel additives may be necessary in regions with poor diesel quality. SCR/AdBlue consumption averages 2.0–2.5 L/1,000 km; neglecting refill triggers limp mode. Post-2015 engines include HPFP upgrades per SIB EM‑2016‑03. DPF regeneration cycles must not be interrupted to avoid clogging.
Oil Specs: Requires Hyundai SP 5W-30 (ACEA C3) specification (Hyundai SIB EM‑2016‑03). Not interchangeable with older ACEA B4 oils.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to 2010–2014 models; Euro 6 applies to 2015–2018 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4892). No market exceptions.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output consistent across global markets due to Euro homologation (Hyundai TIS EM‑D6EA‑01).
Hyundai Technical Information System (TIS): Docs EM‑D6EA‑01 to EM‑D6EA‑04, SIB EM‑2016‑03
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/4892)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Hyundai D6EA was used across Hyundai's DH/DM/HG platforms with longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced subframes in the Santa Fe DM for towing and acoustic insulation in the Genesis DH for NVH refinement—and from 2015 the facelifted Grandeur HG adopted updated HPFP hardware per SIB EM‑2016‑03, creating minor service part distinctions. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crankshaft pulley (Hyundai TIS EM‑D6EA‑05). The 7th VIN digit is '6' for D6EA-equipped vehicles. All D6EA engines feature a black plastic valve cover with '3.0 e-VGT' branding and a single SCR/AdBlue dosing unit mounted on the exhaust manifold. Critical differentiation from Lambda V6 gasoline engines: D6EA uses Bosch EDC17C74 ECU with dual CAN bus architecture and a visible DPF canister. HPFP part numbers changed in 01/2015—verify via Hyundai EPC before ordering replacements (SIB EM‑2016‑03).
The D6EA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear under low-lubricity diesel conditions, with elevated incidence in sustained high-load or hot-climate use. Hyundai internal data from 2016 indicated a measurable uptick in HPFP replacements before 120,000 km in markets with marginal diesel quality, while UK DVSA records show DPF-related MOT failures are uncommon due to robust regeneration logic. Extended idling and infrequent AdBlue top-ups increase aftertreatment stress, making fuel quality and fluid maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Hyundai technical bulletins (2015–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2016–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about HYUNDAI D6EA.
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