Connecting rod bearing failure
usually 80,000–200,000 km · High risk
Signs: Knocking, oil light (US 2011–2019)
Fix: Check recall / extended warranty
€0–6,000
Engine: common problems, timing drive and oil
2.0 / 2.4 GDI (Theta II)
Petrol · 1,998 / 2,359 cm³ · 120–201 kW
7
model generations
2
known faults
40,000
new cars in the EU (2010–2025)
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 (SL), Hyundai ix35, Kia Sorento II, Kia Optima (TF), Hyundai Santa Fe III, Kia Sorento III and 1 more.
The most expensive known risk is connecting rod bearing failure: it usually appears at 80,000–200,000 km and costs €0–6,000 to fix.
Key facts
| Fuel | Petrol |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,998 / 2,359 cm³ |
| Power | 120–201 kW |
| Timing drive | Chain |
| Oil | 5W-30 · API SN · ~4.6 L · every 15,000 km |
| Engine codes | G4KD, G4KE, G4KH, G4KJ, G4KA, G4KC |
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.
Oil consumption
usually 100,000–180,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Topping up between changes
Fix: Monitor
€0–1,500
Engine-related service
Intervals and typical prices, using the Kia Sportage (SL) 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 ix35 2009–2015Hyundai Santa Fe III 2012–2018Hyundai Sonata (NF) 2004–2010Kia Optima (TF) 2010–2015Kia Sorento II 2009–2014Kia Sorento III 2014–2020Kia Sportage (SL) 2010–2015
Common questions
Does the 2.0 / 2.4 GDI (Theta II) engine have a timing chain or a timing belt?
Chain.
What oil does the 2.0 / 2.4 GDI (Theta II) engine take?
5W-30 · API SN · ~4.6 L · every 15,000 km.
What are the known problems with the 2.0 / 2.4 GDI (Theta II) engine?
The faults with the highest risk: connecting rod bearing failure (80,000–200,000 km, €0–6,000); oil consumption (100,000–180,000 km, €0–1,500).
Which cars have the 2.0 / 2.4 GDI (Theta II) engine?
Kia Sportage (SL), Hyundai ix35, Kia Sorento II, Kia Optima (TF), Hyundai Santa Fe III, Kia Sorento III 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). Engine versions: EEA, monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars (CC BY 4.0, DG CLIMA). 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