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D4FE

Smartstream 1.6 CRDi U3 (D4FE, 115-136 hp, without mild hybrid, from 2018) engine: faults and reliability

Hyundai/Kia 1.6 CRDi (familia U: U2 D4FB and Smartstream U3 D4FE) version

Buy

German buying guides do not attribute any typical weak points to it beyond the normal wear of a diesel (EGR, DPF, turbo, injectors) at high mileage or with heavy urban use, and the analysis of Kia Ceed inspection (MOT-type) data does not single this engine out as a problem area of its own either.[1][2]

Years
since 2018
Power
115–136 hp
Faults that affect it
3
1 of high or critical severity
Cars that use it
7
in our database

11 sourcesHow we work

What changes in this version

Aluminium block (lighter than the D4FB), the same chain-driven timing and a new thermal management system. It meets Euro 6d-Temp/6d through SCR with AdBlue. It is offered with Stop/Start as standard, without the 48V starter-generator of the mild hybrid version.[3][4][5]

Engine codes of this version: D4FE.

Faults of the D4FE engine

The documented engine faults that affect this version and its years, from most to least important.

  1. 1High 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.
  2. 2Medium 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
  3. 3Medium 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

Cars fitted with the D4FE engine

Open each car to see all its faults with this engine and what to check before buying it.

Hyundai

Kia

Frequently asked questions

Is the D4FE engine reliable?

Our verdict is “Buy”. German buying guides do not attribute any typical weak points to it beyond the normal wear of a diesel (EGR, DPF, turbo, injectors) at high mileage or with heavy urban use, and the analysis of Kia Ceed inspection (MOT-type) data does not single this engine out as a problem area of its own either.[1][2]

What faults does the D4FE engine have?

The documented ones that affect this version, by importance: fuel pressure regulator and injectors sensitive to diesel quality (high severity), EGR valve blocked by carbon build-up (medium severity) and particulate filter (DPF) blocked in urban use (medium severity).

Which cars use the D4FE engine?

Hyundai i30 III (since 2017), Hyundai i40 (2018–2019), Hyundai Tucson IV (since 2019), Hyundai Kona I (2018–2022), Kia Ceed III (since 2018), Kia XCeed (since 2019) and Kia Sportage IV (2018–2021).[1][3][5][6][7][8][9][10][11]

Are you buying a car with the D4FE engine?

We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.

Do you have a car with this engine? Tell us which faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Kia Ceed III: Bekannte Probleme & RückrufeGebrauchtwagenberater · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  2. Kia Ceed im TÜV-Check 2026: Schwachstellen, Mängel und ProblemeAUTO BILD · Motoring press · published 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  3. Hyundai Smartstream engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  4. Kia Sportage - Timing Belt or Timing Chain?cochesconcadena.com · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026
  5. KIA XCeed 1.6 CRDi Drive 100 kW (136 CV) (2019-2020) | Precio y ficha técnicakm77 · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  6. Hyundai i30 Kombi 1.6 CRDi 48V-Mildhybrid Trend (10/20-01/22): Technische Daten, Bilder, PreiseADAC · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  7. Hyundai i40 CW 1.6 CRDi 85 kW (115 CV) Tecno (2018-2019) | Precio y ficha técnicakm77 · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  8. Hyundai Tucson 1.6 CRDi 100 kW (136 CV) 48V 4x2 DCT N Line (2019-2021) | Precio y ficha técnicakm77 · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  9. Hyundai Kona 1.6 CRDi 48V 100 kW (136 CV) Maxx (2021-2022) | Precio y ficha técnicakm77 · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  10. Kia / Hyundai 1.6 CRDi MHEV Engine FailuresDOHC (especialista en reconstrucción de motores) · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026
  11. KIA Sportage 1.6 CRDi Concept 100 kW (136 CV) 4x2 (2018-2019) | Precio y ficha técnicakm77 · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish