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Hyundai · Supermini · 2005–2009 Custom Search

Hyundai Getz TB-FL(TB)

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 3 engine variants · How we rate

The Hyundai Getz TB Facelift (2005–2009) is not just a styling refresh — it's a genuine mid-cycle re-engine. Compared to the pre-facelift Getz TB, both petrol and diesel powertrains were replaced, and the exterior received a proper makeover.

The engine switch: The 1.3L G4EA and 1.6L G4ED are gone. Their replacements: the G4EE (1.4L Alpha II, 71 kW / 97 hp) with 16-valve technology — noticeably quicker, up to 9% more efficient per Hyundai — and the D4FA (1.5L CRDi with VGT, 81 kW / 110 hp), replacing the old three-cylinder diesel with a proper common-rail unit offering real overtaking performance.

Design changes: Almond-shaped headlights, new oval grille, two fresh crease lines on the hood. Passenger airbag disable switch added. ESP available as an option for the first time.

What's still broken: Clutch remains a maintenance cost from 80,000–120,000 km ($440–660). Sill and wheel arch rust remains. The D4FA gets EGR valve fouling past ~120,000 km (clean/replace $90–220). Door seals go brittle with age.

Test drive: D4FA: check shift quality and cold-start smoke. G4EE: listen for misfire from worn ignition coils. Clutch slip check. Sill and wheel arch rust.

2026 market: $1,700–$5,500. Service-history FL examples under 150,000 km: $2,700–$5,000.

Insider pick: G4EE 1.4, 2006–2008 with service book — quicker and more efficient than the 1.3 it replaced, and the early TB interior rattles are absent.

Most Fun Engine

110 PS

Getz · Diesel

Surprisingly peppy

Decent

Generations

Engine Overview

The Hyundai Getz TB-FL is available with 2 engine variants — from 75 to 110 hp.

1.5L CRDi · Diesel· 110 PS
2005 2009

Four-cylinder turbodiesel with 1.5 litres and common rail injection — Hyundai's compact diesel for small cars. Timing belt drive, change every 90,000 km — interference engine. VGT turbo with variable geometry, actuator stiffens from 100,000 km. EGR valve cokes up with short trips, cleaning or replacement from 80,000 km. Injectors develop backflow issues — rough idle and hard cold starts. High-pressure fuel pump occasionally leaks on early series. DPF issues with city-only driving. Economical but demands consistent diesel peripheral maintenance.

  • !! Timing chain wear below 100,000 km from 90,000 km

    The D4FA uses dual roller chains, not a timing belt. Chains wear before 100,000 km and cannot be inspected without major disassembly. Stretch causes rattle and eventually valve damage.

    Symptoms: Rattle on cold start; metallic clatter from timing chain area; rough idle; check engine light with advanced wear.
    800–2,000 $
  • !! Injectors — high return flow from 130,000 km

    The hyundai-forums.com forum documents D4FA injectors with increased return flow (backflow), accelerated by sulphur-containing fuel. Difficult cold start is the typical sign.

    Symptoms: Difficult cold start in cold weather; rough idle; power loss; black smoke.
    600–2,000 $
    Ad D4FA fuel injector1.5 CRDi fuel injector Getz Accent MatrixBosch D4FA fuel injector
  • !! VGT turbo actuator seized from 120,000 km

    The variable turbocharger on the D4FA can stick due to soot deposits on the VGT actuator. Result: reduced boost pressure and power loss. Professional cleaning can avoid full replacement.

    Symptoms: Power loss at full load; turbo whistle absent; limp mode; increased fuel consumption.
    600–2,000 $
    Ad D4FA VGT turbo1.5 CRDi turbocharger Getz Accent MatrixD4FA turbo actuator motor

+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

1.4L (Alpha II) · Petrol· 97 PS
2005 2009

Evolution of the Alpha engine to 1.4 litres — more torque and slightly smoother than G4EA. Timing belt every 60,000 km, interference engine. Valve stem seals are the main issue — harden with age letting oil into combustion chamber, blue smoke on cold start. Water pump and thermostat preventive replacement every 120,000 km. Throttle body cokes causing rough and high idle. Lambda sensor ages from 100,000 km increasing consumption. Hydraulic lifters click occasionally. Head gasket can blow under overheating. Overall a low-maintenance engine with cheap parts.

  • !! Timing belt maintenance interval from 60,000 km

    Alpha II engine with timing belt drive. Interval every 60,000 km. Belt failure causes total engine damage on this interference engine. Older vehicles often have an overdue belt.

    Symptoms: No direct warning symptom. Squealing possible just before failure; then immediate engine damage.
    250–600 $
    Ad G4EE timing belt kitAlpha II timing belt 1.4Getz 1.4 timing belt
  • !! Head gasket failure from 140,000 km

    In the G4EE the head gasket can fail at higher mileage, preferentially after overheating events. Repair costs are often uneconomical relative to the vehicle's value.

    Symptoms: Whitish smoke from the exhaust, coolant loss with no visible leak, mayonnaise-like emulsion on the dipstick
    600–1,000 $
    Ad cylinder head gasket G4EEcylinder head seal kit Hyundai Getz 1.4
  • !! Valve stem seals: blue smoke from 120,000 km from 125,000 km

    G4EE Alpha engines develop hardening valve stem seals from around 120,000 km that allow oil into the combustion chambers. Typical symptom is blue smoke on cold start. Repair is economically worthwhile at this mileage.

    Symptoms: Blue smoke on cold start, increased oil consumption, fouled spark plugs
    150–350 $
    Ad G4EE valve stem sealGetz 1.4 valve stem seal

+ 6 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Moisture in footwell from faulty door seals

Older Getz TB models tend to water ingress in the footwell from deteriorated door rubber seals. Before purchase, lift the floor mats and check for dampness.

Symptoms: Damp floor mats, musty smell inside, fogged windows
from 100,000 km
Ad door seal Getz TBdoor rubber Getz
 Low
●Exhaust system rusts through early

The exhaust system on the Getz TB, particularly the pipe elbow at the silencer, is known for early rust-through from material fatigue and vibration fractures.

Symptoms: Unusual exhaust noise, banging from the rear
from 80,000 km
Ad exhaust Getz TBsilencer Getzmanifold pipe Getz
 Low

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Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 32 weaknesses have been documented for the Hyundai Getz TB-FL (2005–2009) — 21 engine-related and 11 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Body, Suspension, Electronics, Rust.

Getz (D4FA, 2005–2009) — Be Careful: Timing chain wear below 100,000 km, Injectors — high return flow, VGT turbo actuator seized. Power: 110 PS.

Getz (G4EA, 2002–2006) — Be Careful: Timing belt maintenance interval, Worn valve stem seals, Water pump — limited service life. Power: 82–86 PS.

Getz (G4EE, 2005–2009) — Be Careful: Timing belt maintenance interval, Head gasket failure, Valve stem seals: blue smoke from 120,000 km. Power: 97 PS.

What to watch out for with the Hyundai Getz? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Hyundai Getz TB-FL have? +
The Hyundai Getz TB-FL has 21 known engine weaknesses and 11 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Hyundai Getz TB-FL? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: G4EA (1.3L (Alpha)), G4EE (1.4L (Alpha II)), D4FA (1.5L CRDi). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the D4FA (1.5L CRDi).
Which Hyundai Getz TB-FL engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Hyundai Getz TB-FL — rated: "Decent". {description} The Getz 1.6 is a genuine surprise — light body and direct steering make it properly entertaining on back roads.
Is the Hyundai Getz TB-FL worth buying used? +
The Hyundai Getz TB-FL requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Hyundai Getz TB-FL? +
The Hyundai Getz TB-FL is available with engine variants from 75 to 110 hp. Petrol: G4EA (1.3L (Alpha)), G4EE (1.4L (Alpha II)). Diesel: D4FA (1.5L CRDi).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee