The Hyundai G6DF is a 2,199 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2010 and 2018. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), 16 valves, and Hyundai’s common-rail direct fuel injection system with a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT). In standard form it delivered 136 kW (185 PS) at 4,000 rpm with 400 Nm of torque at 1,750–2,750 rpm, offering strong low-end pull and relaxed highway cruising.
Fitted to models such as the Santa Fe (DM), Grandeur (HG), and Kia Sorento (XM), the G6DF was engineered for refined performance in mid-size SUVs and sedans. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), allowing all variants to meet Euro 5 standards across European markets.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear, highlighted in Hyundai Service Bulletin TSB‑ENG‑13‑009. This issue stems from insufficient lubricity in low-sulfur diesel fuel combined with marginal camshaft lobe design, leading to premature pump failure. From mid‑2015, Hyundai implemented a revised HPFP with hardened cam follower and improved internal tolerances.

Hyundai
All production years 2010–2018 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5685).
The Hyundai G6DF is a 2,199 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine engineered for mid‑size SUVs and executive sedans (2010–2018). It combines DOHC architecture with common-rail direct injection and a variable geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low-end torque and smooth power delivery. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances towing capability with fuel efficiency and refinement.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,199 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 88.0 mm × 90.0 mm | |
| Power output | 136 kW (185 PS) @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 400 Nm @ 1,750–2,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP4.2 common-rail (up to 1,800 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 16.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (Honeywell VNT) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC | |
| Oil type | Hyundai Genuine Diesel 5W‑30 (ACEA C3 / API CJ-4) | |
| Dry weight | 165 kg |
The VGT turbo provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for towing but requires strict adherence to 10,000 km oil change intervals using ACEA C3 5W-30 oil to protect the high-pressure fuel pump and timing chain. Early engines (pre-06/2015) may suffer HPFP failure due to cam lobe wear under marginal fuel lubricity; revised pumps per TSB‑ENG‑13‑009 resolve this. Cold-start idling should be minimized to reduce soot loading in the DPF. The timing chain is designed for life but relies on consistent oil pressure—extended oil intervals risk sludge buildup and cam phaser faults.
Oil Specs: Requires ACEA C3 5W-30 diesel oil meeting API CJ-4 (Hyundai Owner’s Manual Santa Fe DM).
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all G6DF variants (2010–2018) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5685).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output verified on EU-spec Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi (Hyundai PT-2016).
Hyundai Technical Information System (TIS): Docs ENG-G6DF-01, ENG-G6DF-02, TSB-ENG-13-009
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5685)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Hyundai G6DF was used across Hyundai's DM, HG, and Kia XM platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Santa Fe and revised oil cooler routing in the Grandeur—and from mid-2015 the HPFP update per TSB‑ENG‑13‑009, creating minor internal 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 ENG-G6DF-02). The 7th VIN digit is '6' for G6DF-equipped vehicles. Early engines (pre-06/2015) use HPFP part number 39210-2GAA0; post-update units use revised pump 39210-2GAB0. The G6DF is visually distinct from the R-series by its DOHC head and Bosch CP4.2 rail. Service parts for fuel pumps are production-date sensitive—verify build date before ordering.
The G6DF's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump failure in pre-2015 builds, with incidence linked to extended oil intervals and marginal diesel fuel quality. Hyundai internal field data from 2013–2015 indicated a subset of early engines requiring HPFP replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show low mechanical failure rates overall. Cold-start idling and infrequent oil changes exacerbate cam lobe wear, making adherence to service intervals critical.
Analysis derived from Hyundai technical bulletins (2013–2016) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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