Hyundai/Kia 1.6 CRDi (familia U: U2 D4FB and Smartstream U3 D4FE)Timing chain
Timing chain stretch on the 1.6 CRDi
Why this rating?
Symptoms
- Metallic rattle, especially when cold, that gets worse as the chain stretches.[1][2]Chain noise: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
- The engine fault light may come on if the computer detects a camshaft position offset.[1]Engine warning light: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
- If the chain jumps on the sprocket, the engine loses synchronisation and may stop with damaged pistons and valves.[2]Engine stalls: other faults that cause it · As soon as possible
Why it happens
Metal chains stretch naturally with use; the problem gets worse when tension check intervals are skipped.[1][4]
The engine uses two timing chains, one of them dedicated to driving the high-pressure fuel pump, each with its own tensioner and guides.[1]
An already stretched chain can jump or hit its plastic guide, which aggravates the wear and can end in a sudden timing offset.[2]
If it is not repaired: A chain jump puts the crankshaft and camshafts out of sync: the valves can hit the pistons, causing serious internal engine damage.[2]
Affected cars and years
Documented for the U2 D4FB. We have not found sources that confirm or rule out the same wear pattern on the Smartstream U3 D4FE, which also uses a chain but has been on the road for a shorter time.[1][3]
| Version | Years | Codes |
|---|---|---|
| 1.6 CRDi U2 (D4FB, 90-136 hp, sold in Spain from 2010 to ~2018) | 2010–2018 | D4FB |
Models fitted with the affected versions
Hyundai
- Hyundai i30 II2012–2017
- Hyundai i30 IIIsince 2017
- Hyundai Tucson III2015–2020
- Hyundai i30 I2007–2012
Kia
- Kia Ceed II2012–2018
- Kia Venga2010–2018
- Kia Carens III2011–2012
- Kia Soul II2014–2019
- Kia Ceed I2006–2012
- Kia Carens III2010–2013
How much it costs to repair
Includes: Replacement of the timing chain kit (chains, tensioners and guides); if it has already jumped, repair of the cylinder head or engine.[1][2]
We have not found reliable prices in euros for Spain. An international source puts the parts kit (without labour) at around 300 dollars, a reference we have not been able to verify for the Spanish market.
Prices in Spain, including VAT. A workshop hour costs on average €38–66 at independent garages and €77–134 at dealerships in Spain, depending on the region and the brand. How we calculate costs
How to check for it before buying a used car
- Start the engine from cold and listen for a possible metallic rattle in the first few seconds; repeat the test after it has been standing for a while.[1]
- Ask the garage to check the chain tension if the car has more than 120,000 km, especially if there is no record of it having been checked before.[1][2]
- Check the maintenance history: oil changes on schedule help the chain and the hydraulic tensioners last longer.[4]
Parts needed
The part or kit that fixes this fault, according to the sources.
Timing chain kit (chains, tensioners and guides)[1]
Replaces the complete assembly when the chain is stretched or noisy; it is advisable to change the tensioners and guides together with the chain.
Affiliate links: if you buy from these shops, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility against the registration plate or VIN before ordering. Affiliate links
How to prevent it
Recalls, campaigns and claims
As of 26 September 2026, we have no record of recalls, campaigns or extended manufacturer warranties for this fault. Check with an official dealer using the chassis (VIN) number: they will tell you whether the car has any outstanding campaign.
What owners say
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal for the 1.6 CRDi to make a noise on a cold start?
A brief metallic rattle can be the timing chain warning that it is starting to stretch. It is not 'normal' in the sense of harmless: have it checked, especially above 120,000 km.[1][2]
Can you keep driving if the chain is noisy?
In the short term yes, but the risk of the chain jumping increases over time. The sensible thing is to take the car to a garage to have the tension measured before it gets worse.[4]
What can you do now?
We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.
Other 1.6 CRDi faults
- Critical severityFrequency: CommonTimingMHSG belt tensioner and crankshaft pulley failure (48V mild hybrid)On the 48V mild hybrid version, the tensioner of the starter-generator (MHSG) belt can seize; the belt slips or breaks and the overload can shear the pin that secures the pulley to the crankshaft, putting the engine out of time and causing the pistons and valves to collide.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalTurboPremature variable-geometry turbo (VGT) failureThe first units of the U2 D4FB (up to ~2009) had variable-geometry turbos that could fail between 30,000 and 100,000 km; the manufacturer corrected this with an ECU update. On later engines, the actuator can seize because of carbon build-up.Appears at around 30,000 km
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalInjectionFuel pressure regulator and injectors sensitive to diesel qualityThe common-rail pressure regulator can seize and bleed off too much fuel, which makes starting difficult; the system works at a high pressure (around 1,600 bar) that makes it sensitive to poor-quality diesel, and the injectors need individual coding if they are replaced.
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlEGR valve blocked by carbon build-upAs on most diesels of its era, the 1.6 CRDi's EGR valve accumulates carbon with urban and cold-start use, especially beyond 80,000 km, and causes jerking when accelerating between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm and the engine fault light to come on.Repair (garage): €200–€450
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlParticulate filter (DPF) blocked in urban useOn cars used mainly for short urban journeys (under 15 km), the particulate filter never completes its regeneration cycle and clogs with soot, which turns on the DPF warning light and reduces engine power.Repair (garage): €300–€1,800
More faults with the timing chain on other engines and cars
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequent1.5 BlueHDiWear and breakage of the 7 mm chain between the camshaftsIn 1.5 BlueHDi engines built between October 2017 and January 2023, the 7 mm chain linking the camshafts can stretch and break, causing serious engine damage. Stellantis has recalled them and covers the fault for 10 years or 240,000 km.Repair (garage): €730–€820
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequent1.2 and 1.4 TSITiming chain stretch and tensioner failure (EA111)On the 1.2 and 1.4 TSI EA111 (2006-2015) the chain can stretch and the tensioner fall short; if the chain jumps a tooth, the valves hit the pistons. Volkswagen admitted the defect in 2012 and revised the chain and tensioner between 2010 and 2011.Repair (garage): €700–€1,400Appears at around 30,000 km
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentBMW N47Rear timing chain stretch and breakageYes: the N47 has its timing chain at the rear of the engine, next to the gearbox, and on a very high proportion of units, especially those built between 2007 and 2009, it stretches or breaks prematurely because of an inadequate tensioner, with a risk of destroying the engine.Repair (garage): €1,590–€3,000Appears at around 50,000 km
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentOM651Timing chain stretch and tensioner failureYes: the OM651 timing chain can stretch prematurely, above all on units built up to 2013, and in 2014-2015 Mercedes-Benz recalled around 114,000 vehicles in Germany over a defective sealing ring in the tensioner. A metallic rattle on a cold start is the first sign.Repair (garage): €2,000–€3,500Appears at around 120,000 km
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequent2.0 Ingenium diéselTiming chain stretchYes: the timing chain on the 2.0 Ingenium diesel can slip or stretch prematurely and put the engine out of time, with a risk of serious failure. It is documented on the Evoque, Discovery Sport, XE, E-Pace and F-Pace, with engine failures between 90,000 and 130,000 km in several owner reports.Repair (garage): €4,000–€7,000Appears at around 90,000 km
- Critical severityFrequency: Common1.3 MultijetTiming chain stretch and tensioner failureYes: the timing chain's hydraulic tensioner can lose pressure and let the chain slacken; if it skips teeth or breaks, it can destroy the engine. It is a documented problem on Fiat, Opel, Suzuki and Ford cars with this engine, mainly linked to long oil change intervals.Repair (garage): €350–€550Appears at around 70,000 km
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Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Motor Kia y Hyundai 1.6 CRDI (D4FB): ficha tecnica, problemas y tuningMotordinámico · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Kia and Hyundai 1.6 CRDI (D4FB) engineEngineDNA · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
- Kia Sportage - Timing Belt or Timing Chain?cochesconcadena.com · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026
- Best Hyundai Kia 1.6 CRDI Mods & Upgrades Guide to D4FB TuningTorqueCars · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026