What weaknesses does the Hyundai i30 PD-FL have?

The Hyundai 1.6L CRDi (Smartstream) (Diesel, 110–136 PS) comes with 2 different engines: D4FE (2019–2020, Be Careful) and D4FE (2019–2020, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.6L CRDi (Smartstream)!

Known Problems and Issues

A total of 38 weaknesses have been documented for the Hyundai i30 PD-FL (2019–2020). 2 problem engines: G3LC (1.0L T-GDI (Kappa II)), G4KH (2.0L T-GDI (Theta II-N)). Considered reliable: G4LC (1.4L (Kappa)).

i30 (D4FB, 2018–2020) — Be Careful: EGR cooler coolant leak, VGT turbocharger premature failure, Timing chain stretch. Power: 136 PS.

i30 (D4FE, 2019–2020) — Be Careful: EGR valve contamination, DPF regeneration fails on short trips, VTG turbocharger actuator seized. Power: 110–116 PS.

i30 (D4FE, 2019–2020) — Be Careful: EGR valve contamination, DPF regeneration fails on short trips, VTG turbocharger actuator seized. Power: 136 PS.

i30 (G3LC, 2016–2020) — Stay Away!: Turbocharger sensitivity on small displacement, Timing chain tensioner Kappa T-GDi, Timing chain stretches prematurely. Power: 120 PS.

i30 (G4LD, 2016–2020) — Be Careful: LSPI Risk with Cheap Oil, GDi Valve Carbon Buildup, Turbo Oil Supply — Heat Damage on Shutdown. Power: 140 PS.

i30 (G4KH, 2017–2020) — Stay Away!: Connecting Rod Bearing Damage from Metal Swarf (Recall), Fuel Contamination of Engine Oil, Theta-II Recall: Connecting Rod Bearings and Fire Risk. Power: 250 PS.

What to watch out for with the Hyundai i30? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Hyundai i30 PD-FL have? +

The Hyundai i30 PD-FL has 38 known engine weaknesses.

What should I look for when buying a used Hyundai i30 PD-FL? +

faq.watch_a_avoid faq.watch_a_rec

Which engine is recommended? +

Good choice: G4LC (1.4L (Kappa)). The most reliable engine is the G4LC (1.4L (Kappa)) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the G4KH (2.0L T-GDI (Theta II-N)). Problem engine: G4KH (2.0L T-GDI (Theta II-N)) — stay away!

Which Hyundai i30 PD-FL engine is the most reliable? +

The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Hyundai i30 PD-FL. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 5 known weaknesses to be aware of.

Which Hyundai i30 PD-FL engine is the most fun? +

The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Hyundai i30 PD-FL — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} The first i30 N shook the hot-hatch world: mechanical LSD, proper track setup, and an exhaust note that means business. What BMW tried with the 1M, Hyundai nailed on the first attempt. In N-mode the two-litre snarls on throttle and the rear goes light. Hot-hatch money, sports car grins.

Is the Hyundai i30 PD-FL worth buying used? +

Caution is advised with the Hyundai i30 PD-FL — 2 of 6 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.

What horsepower variants are available for the Hyundai i30 PD-FL? +

The Hyundai i30 PD-FL is available with engine variants from 95 to 280 hp. Petrol: G3LC (1.0L T-GDI (Kappa II)), G4LC (1.4L (Kappa)), G4LD (1.4L T-GDI (Kappa II)), G4KH (2.0L T-GDI (Theta II-N)). Diesel: D4FB (1.6L CRDi), D4FE (1.6L CRDi (Smartstream)).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee