The Hyundai G4FL is a 1,999 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2010 and 2018. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), 16 valves, and variable valve timing (CVVT) on both intake and exhaust camshafts. In standard form it delivered 105–127 kW (143–172 PS) and torque figures between 192–211 Nm, with hybrid variants integrating an electric motor for improved efficiency.
Fitted to models such as the i40 (VF), Sonata (YF), and Tucson (LM), including the i40 Active Hybrid and Sonata Hybrid, the G4FL was engineered for smooth, quiet operation and urban fuel economy. Emissions compliance was achieved through precise fuel metering, CVVT, and a three-way catalytic converter, allowing Euro 5 compliance across all production years.
One documented concern is excessive oil consumption in early-build units, linked to piston ring design. This issue, highlighted in Hyundai Technical Service Bulletin TSB-12-FL-003, stems from ring groove geometry that restricts oil return under high-temperature conditions. From 2014, Hyundai implemented revised piston assemblies with modified ring tension and groove profiles to mitigate the issue.
Hyundai
All production years 2010–2018 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Hyundai G4FL is a 1,999 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for mid-size sedans and SUVs (2010–2018). It combines DOHC architecture with dual CVVT to deliver smooth power delivery and refined urban driving. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances drivability with fuel efficiency in both conventional and hybrid applications.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,999 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, RON 95 min) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 86.0 mm × 86.0 mm | |
| Power output | 105–127 kW (143–172 PS) | |
| Torque | 192–211 Nm @ 4,700 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi-point fuel injection (MPFI) or direct injection (GDI in hybrid variants) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC | |
| Oil type | Hyundai SP 5W‑30 (API SN/ILSAC GF-5) | |
| Dry weight | 142 kg |
The G4FL provides linear power delivery and quiet operation but requires strict adherence to 10,000 km oil change intervals to prevent oil consumption and ring coking. Hyundai SP 5W‑30 oil is critical due to its low-SAPS formulation protecting catalytic converters and piston rings. Extended idling or frequent short trips may accelerate oil dilution in hybrid variants. Early engines (pre-2014) should be inspected for excessive oil use; affected units may require piston ring replacement per TSB-12-FL-003. CVVT solenoids should be cleaned periodically to maintain valve timing accuracy.
Oil Specs: Requires Hyundai SP 5W‑30 (API SN/ILSAC GF-5) specification (Hyundai Owner’s Manual i40 Hybrid 2013).
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all 2010–2018 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). No Euro 6 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Hybrid variants include 30–35 kW electric motor assist (Hyundai PT-2015).
Hyundai Technical Information System (TIS): Docs H-TIS-G4FL-001, TSB-12-FL-003
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Hyundai G4FL was used across Hyundai's YF/VF platforms with transverse mounting and integrated into hybrid systems with electric motor coupling. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Tucson and hybrid-specific oil pan in the i40 Active Hybrid—and from 2014 the piston ring revision improved oil control, creating 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 H-TIS-G4FL-001). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('L' for G4FL series). Hybrid variants feature a high-voltage orange cable near the transmission bellhousing and a different intake manifold with EGR routing. Critical differentiation from Theta II engines: G4FL uses a chain-driven DOHC with dual CVVT actuators on both camshafts, whereas Theta II G4KD uses a single CVVT on intake only. Service parts for pre-2014 pistons are incompatible with post-2014 revisions due to ring groove redesign (Hyundai TSB-12-FL-003).
The G4FL's primary reliability risk is excessive oil consumption in pre-2014 builds, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or stop-start urban use. Hyundai internal data from 2013 indicated a measurable subset of early engines consuming >0.5 L/1,000 km, while UK DVSA records show no significant emissions-related MOT failures tied to this engine. Extended oil change intervals and short-trip driving amplify ring coking, making oil quality and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Hyundai technical bulletins (2012–2016) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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