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D4FD

1.7 CRDi U2 (D4FD, 115-141 hp, sold in Spain 2010-2018) engine: faults and reliability

Hyundai/Kia 1.7 CRDi (familia U, código U2 D4FD) version

With caution

An engine with no documented catastrophic failure, but with a specific and persistent cold-weather problem (turbo, diesel filter, glow plugs) and the emissions-system (EGR, DPF) and injection (injectors, high-pressure pump) wear usual in a common rail diesel of its generation; it is worth checking the maintenance history for these items, especially if the car is used in winter or on short urban journeys.[1][2]

Years
2010–2018
Power
115–141 hp
Faults that affect it
5
2 of high or critical severity
Cars that use it
10
in our database

17 sourcesHow we work

What changes in this version

Engine with a variable-geometry turbo, common rail injection and a timing chain from its launch in 2010. The output of the higher-power variant went from 136 hp (documented in 2012) to 141 hp (documented from 2015-2016) according to the data sheets we consulted, while the entry-level variant stayed at 115 hp throughout its commercial life; the sources consulted do not say what specific technical change prompted that power adjustment.[3][4][5][6]

Engine codes of this version: D4FD.

Faults of the D4FD engine

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

  1. 1High severityFrequency: OccasionalInjectionInjectors that lose calibration with mileageThe 1.7 CRDi's common rail injectors can lose their factory calibration with mileage or because of poor-quality diesel, causing vibration at idle and black smoke from the exhaust; the unburned fuel that ends up diluting the oil also means oil change intervals need to be shortened.Repair (garage): €80–€350
  2. 2High severityFrequency: OccasionalFuelHigh-pressure fuel pump failureThe common rail system's high-pressure pump can fail at around 80,000-100,000 km, with hard cold starts, an uneven idle and power loss; if ignored, there is a risk of metal debris contaminating the rest of the injection system.Repair (garage): €650–€2,000Appears at around 80,000 km
  3. 3Medium severityFrequency: CommonTurboSeized turbo actuator (VGT) and power loss when coldIn cold weather (below 10-15 °C), the 1.7 CRDi can suddenly lose power and even stall; the engine restarts after a few seconds. A documented fault that combines the turbo's variable-geometry actuator with the diesel filter and the glow plugs.Repair (garage): €150–€1,200
  4. 4Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlEGR valve clogged with carbon depositsAs in most diesels of its generation, the 1.7 CRDi's EGR valve builds up carbon deposits with urban use and short cold journeys, which causes power loss and an uneven idle and can switch on the engine or emissions warning light.Repair (garage): €60–€350
  5. 5Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlParticulate filter (DPF) clogged in urban useIn cars used mainly on short urban journeys (under 15-20 km), the 1.7 CRDi's particulate filter never completes its regeneration cycle and becomes saturated with soot; according to the source consulted, it is the most common problem of this engine in the Hyundai ix35.Repair (garage): €250–€1,200

Cars fitted with the D4FD 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 D4FD engine reliable?

Our verdict is “With caution”. An engine with no documented catastrophic failure, but with a specific and persistent cold-weather problem (turbo, diesel filter, glow plugs) and the emissions-system (EGR, DPF) and injection (injectors, high-pressure pump) wear usual in a common rail diesel of its generation; it is worth checking the maintenance history for these items, especially if the car is used in winter or on short urban journeys.[1][2]

What faults does the D4FD engine have?

The documented ones that affect this version, by importance: injectors that lose calibration with mileage (high severity), high-pressure fuel pump failure (high severity), seized turbo actuator (VGT) and power loss when cold (medium severity), EGR valve clogged with carbon deposits (medium severity) and particulate filter (DPF) clogged in urban use (medium severity).

Which cars use the D4FD engine?

Hyundai ix35 (2011–2015), Hyundai Tucson III (2015–2018), Hyundai i40 (2011–2015), Kia Sportage III (2010–2014), Kia Sportage IV (2016–2018), Kia Carens IV (2013–2017), Kia Optima III (2011–2015), Kia Optima IV (2015–2018), Hyundai i40 (2011–2018) and Kia Carens IV (2013–2018).[4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17]

Are you buying a car with the D4FD 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 Sportage 1.7 Crdi Problemas | Fallos y averías más frecuentesTotalRenting · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  2. Hyundai iX35 1.7 Crdi Problemas | Fallos y averías más frecuentesTotalRenting · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  3. Hyundai U engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  4. Kia Optima 1.7 CRDi Emotion Eco-Dynamics a prueba (II). Dinámica y motorDiariomotor · Motoring press · published 28 June 2012 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  5. Hyundai Tucson 2015 | Precios, datos y equipamientoskm77 · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  6. KIA Carens 2013 | Precios, datos y equipamientoskm77 · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  7. Hyundai ix35Wikipedia (de.wikipedia.org) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  8. Hyundai ix35 2010 | Precios, datos y equipamientoskm77 · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  9. Hyundai ix35 2013 | Precios, datos y equipamientoskm77 · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  10. Hyundai i40 Sedán 2012 | Precios, datos y equipamientoskm77 · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  11. Kia SportageWikipedia (de.wikipedia.org) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  12. KIA Sportage 2010 | Precios, datos y equipamientoskm77 · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  13. KIA Sportage 2016 | Precios, datos y equipamientoskm77 · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  14. Kia Sportage 1.7 CRDi: el Sportage más interesante, a pruebaAutopista.es · Motoring press · published 16 June 2016 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  15. Kia OptimaWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  16. Hyundai i40 (tabla «Technische Daten» y sección «Modellpflege»)Wikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German
  17. Kia Carens (tablas de motores por generación)Wikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German