Oil consumption / piston rings (GDI)
usually 100,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
engine codes: G4NC, G4NH
Signs: Topping up between services
Fix: Monitor; repair
€800–3,000
Engine: common problems, timing drive and oil
1.8 / 2.0 MPI / GDI (Hyundai-Kia Nu)
Petrol · 1,797 / 1,999 cm³ · 110–122 kW
7
model generations
2
known faults
Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.
Fuel: Petrol. Timing drive: chain.
In our database this engine is fitted to 7 model generations, among them: Kia Sportage (QL), Hyundai Tucson (TL), Hyundai ix35, Kia Optima (JF), Hyundai i40, Kia Optima (TF) and 1 more.
The most expensive known risk is oil consumption / piston rings (GDI): it usually appears at 100,000–200,000 km and costs €800–3,000 to fix.
Key facts
| Fuel | Petrol |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,797 / 1,999 cm³ |
| Power | 110–122 kW |
| Years | 2010–2022 |
| Timing drive | Chain |
| Oil | 5W-30 · API SN · ~4.0 L · every 15,000 km |
| Engine codes | G4NA, G4NB, G4NC, G4NH |
Known engine faults
Faults that belong to the engine itself. They apply to every model with this engine, and each model has its own extra faults on its model page.
Carbon build-up (GDI)
usually 100,000–180,000 km · Wear part
engine codes: G4NC, G4NH
Signs: Rough idle
Fix: Valve cleaning
€300–600
Engine-related service
Intervals and typical prices, using the Kia Sportage (QL) as an example. The app gives the exact plan for your car.
| Item | Interval | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil + oil filterEngine | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €70–150 |
| Air filterEngine | every 30,000 km or every 24 months | €15–45 |
| Spark plugsIgnition | every 60,000 km or every 48 months | €50–160 |
| Auxiliary (serpentine) beltEngine | every 120,000 km | €70–180 |
| Coolant replacementCooling | every 150,000 km or every 96 months | €70–150 |
| Timing chain inspection (listen on cold start)Engine | every 150,000 km | €0–120 |
Models with this engine
Model generations this engine is fitted to.
Hyundai Elantra 2006–2016Hyundai i40 2011–2019Hyundai ix35 2009–2015Hyundai Tucson (TL) 2015–2020Kia Optima (JF) 2015–2020Kia Optima (TF) 2010–2015Kia Sportage (QL) 2015–2021
Common questions
Does the 1.8 / 2.0 MPI / GDI (Hyundai-Kia Nu) engine have a timing chain or a timing belt?
Chain.
What oil does the 1.8 / 2.0 MPI / GDI (Hyundai-Kia Nu) engine take?
5W-30 · API SN · ~4.0 L · every 15,000 km.
What are the known problems with the 1.8 / 2.0 MPI / GDI (Hyundai-Kia Nu) engine?
The faults with the highest risk: oil consumption / piston rings (GDI) (100,000–200,000 km, €800–3,000).
Which cars have the 1.8 / 2.0 MPI / GDI (Hyundai-Kia Nu) engine?
Kia Sportage (QL), Hyundai Tucson (TL), Hyundai ix35, Kia Optima (JF), Hyundai i40, Kia Optima (TF) and 1 more.
Sources and notes
Faults, intervals and prices are indicative and collected from public sources and owner experience; always rely on the service book and a qualified workshop. Test statistics: DVSA – Anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0. Dutch tests: RDW Open Data (CC0). Owner complaints: NHTSA ODI (public domain). Recalls: DVSA Vehicle Safety Branch Recalls Database, OGL v3.0. Brand and model names are trademarks of their owners and are used only to describe the vehicles.
Updated 08/10/2026