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Hyundai · Compact SUV · 2009–2015 Custom Search

Hyundai Tucson LM

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

1.8 / 5.0 · Based on 5 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

152–178 PS

2.0L MPI (Nu) Benzin

Comfy SUV, family-first

Decent
Problem Engine

177 PS

2.4L (Theta II) Benzin

9 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Generations


Engine Overview

The Hyundai Tucson LM is available with 2 engine variants — from 113 to 178 hp.

2.0L MPI (Nu) · Petrol· 165 PS
2010 2015
Stay Away! 8 weaknesses
2.4L (Theta II) · Petrol· 177 PS
2010 2015
Stay Away! 9 weaknesses

The Hyundai 2.0L MPI (Nu) (Petrol, 165 PS) has the G4NA (2.0L MPI (Nu)) — rated: "Stay Away!", 8 known weaknesses.

The Hyundai 2.4L (Theta II) (Petrol, 177 PS) has the G4KE (2.4L (Theta II)) — rated: "Stay Away!", 9 known weaknesses.

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Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
Oil pan leak — engine damage / fire risk (NHTSA 19V-063)

On 2.4L Theta-II engines (Ulsan plant, May 2010 – Dec 2012) the oil pan can leak. Loss of oil leads to engine damage, stalling, or fire. About 120,000 vehicles affected, Hyundai recall 181.

Symptoms: Oil warning light, oil spots under the car, knocking from the engine, in extreme cases stalling on the road or smoke/fire from the engine bay.
from 100,000 km
Low

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 41 weaknesses have been documented for the Hyundai Tucson LM (2009–2015) — 34 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. 3 problem engines: G4NA (2.0L MPI (Nu)), G6BA (2.7L V6 (Delta)), G4KE (2.4L (Theta II)). Typical issues affect Other, Brakes, Gearbox, Electronics.

Tucson (D4EA, 2004–2010) — Be Careful: Common-rail injector wear, Turbocharger failure, Head gasket failure. Power: 113 PS.

Tucson (D4EA, 2006–2010) — Be Careful: Common-rail injector wear, Turbocharger failure, Head gasket failure. Power: 136–140 PS.

Tucson (G4GC, 2004–2010) — Be Careful: CVVT phaser failure from oil quality, Timing chain stretch from 150,000 km, Oil consumption from piston ring wear. Power: 141 PS.

Tucson (G6BA, 2004–2010) — Stay Away!: Timing Belt Failure — Interference Engine, Water Pump Belt Drive Leaks, Timing Belt Fails Prematurely. Power: 175 PS.

Tucson (G4NA, 2010–2015) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain Stretch and Jumping, Cylinder Bore Scoring from Catalytic Converter Disintegration, Recall: Cylinder Bore Scuffing (Piston Rings). Power: 165 PS.

Tucson (G4KE, 2010–2015) — Stay Away!: Rod bearing failure / engine seizure, Engine fire risk (multiple NHTSA recalls), Excessive oil consumption (piston rings). Power: 177 PS.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Hyundai Tucson LM have? +
The Hyundai Tucson LM has 34 known engine weaknesses and 7 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Hyundai Tucson LM? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: G4GC (2.0L (Beta II)), D4EA (2.0L CRDi). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the G4NA (2.0L MPI (Nu)). Problem engine: G4KE (2.4L (Theta II)) — stay away!
Which Hyundai Tucson LM engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Hyundai Tucson LM — rated: "Decent". {description} The Tucson TL is a well-kitted family SUV. Dynamics are not the point, but it drives pleasantly enough.
Is the Hyundai Tucson LM worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Hyundai Tucson LM — 3 of 5 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Hyundai Tucson LM? +
The Hyundai Tucson LM is available with engine variants from 113 to 178 hp. Petrol: G4GC (2.0L (Beta II)), G4NA (2.0L MPI (Nu)), G6BA (2.7L V6 (Delta)), G4KE (2.4L (Theta II)). Diesel: D4EA (2.0L CRDi).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee