Hyundai Grandeur

Identical problem to the 2.0 Theta: metal swarf from manufacturing or sludge formation blocks oil galleries to the connecting rod bearings. This Theta defect cost Hyundai billions in recalls.

Symptoms: Metallic knock (rod knock), oil pressure warning, sudden engine stop, metallic particles in oil.

The G4KC timing chain drive is designed for the full engine life, but in practice stretches with extended oil change intervals. A stretched chain can shift valve timing and provoke valve damage.

Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, check engine light (cam phase fault), power loss, occasional misfires.

Early G4KC production showed problems with stretching timing chains that rattled and could jump. Particularly a risk with poor maintenance and extended oil change intervals.

Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, engine noise on cranking, misfires from incorrect timing

The Mitsubishi F4A42 automatic gearbox paired with the G4KC is a known weak point. Failures have been reported at under 40,000 km; repair or replacement costs €2,500–3,000.

Symptoms: Harsh shift shocks, gearbox stops shifting, vehicle only moves forwards or not at all

The CVVT phaser on the 2.4 MPI tends to stick or seize with delayed oil changes. Repair costs are manageable when caught early.

Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, check engine light, occasional idle instability.

Theta piston rings tend to stick in their grooves. This mechanism causes oil bypass into the combustion chamber, typically starting gradually from 100,000 km.

Symptoms: Dropping oil level, light blue smoke during warm-up, oil consumption >0.5 L/1,000 km, check engine light (lambda sensor).

A recall was issued for the Grandeur TG due to a manufacturing defect in the ABS circuit board. When exposed to water, short circuits can occur creating a fire risk.

The F5A51 automatic transmission in the Grandeur TG shows elevated failure rates. Metallic noises from the gearbox housing, sensor failures, and limp mode are typical. Repairs are expensive; valve body work alone costs around €900.

Automatic gearbox on the Grandeur TG is considered disproportionately failure-prone. Transmission electronics (input/output sensors) fail and switch to limp mode. Vehicles with little short-trip use and regular oil changes last longer.

The Grandeur TG shows problems with reverse gear on the automatic due to shifter linkage misalignment. Gearbox oil leaks at the front pump seal and cover are also reported.

A recall for the TG Grandeur concerned the driver's seat adjustment switches, which failed while driving and distracted the driver. Affected vehicles from March to August 2007.

On the Grandeur TG, driveshafts wear at higher mileages. After a driveshaft replacement, metallic noises from the transmission can occur, indicating secondary damage.

During Grandeur TG brake repairs, incorrectly dimensioned discs are often fitted (256 mm instead of the original 303 mm). Wrong discs lead to reduced braking performance and safety issues.