The 1.6 T-GDi (Hyundai-Kia Gamma turbo) engine was fitted to the Hyundai Tucson (NX4) (2020–now). In the EU that is 92.5 % of all new cars of this generation.
Versions: 1.6 179 hp, 1.6 150 hp, 1.6 160 hp, 1.6 159 hp, 1.6 136 hp.
The most expensive known risk is high oil consumption (piston rings), can damage the catalyst: it usually appears at 70,000–180,000 km and costs €300–4,000 to fix.
Engine faults ✓ Checked against sources (10/2026)
✓ The faults of this engine were checked against sources (10/2026). Each item has at least two independent sources or an official recall or parts-maker technical note.
High oil consumption (piston rings), can damage the catalyst
usually 70,000–180,000 km · High risk
Signs: Oil level drops between services, low oil warning, blue smoke, later P0420 catalyst code
Fix: Check the level every refuel and do a documented consumption test; shorten oil changes to about 10,000 km; rings or short block if consumption is high, then check the catalyst
€300–4,000
Carbon build-up on intake valves (direct injection)
usually 80,000–160,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Rough idle, hesitation, misfire when cold, slight loss of power
Fix: Inspect the valves with a scope and clean them (walnut blasting); sprays give little result
€300–700
Turbo wastegate actuator sticking or failing
usually 60,000–150,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Engine light, boost fault codes (e.g. P2562/P2563), sudden loss of power or limp mode, rattle from the turbo
Fix: Check the actuator and the wastegate linkage for carbon and free play; adjust or replace the actuator, the turbo only if it is damaged inside
€150–1,500
Oil leak at turbocharger oil lines
usually 40,000–150,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Oil traces around the turbo and its lines, burning smell after a drive
Fix: Replace the line seals and tighten or renew the banjo bolts; the turbo itself is usually fine
€100–400
Faults typical of this model ✓ Checked against sources (10/2026)
Recall: curtain airbag may be fitted wrongly (2021-2023)
at any mileage · High risk
model years 2021–2023 only
Signs: No warning sign; a wrongly fitted curtain airbag may not cover the window area properly in a crash.
Fix: Check the VIN for the open recall; the dealer inspects the curtain airbag and replaces it if needed, free of charge.
free / recall
Recall: brake vacuum pump drive can be overloaded (built 09/2022-09/2023)
usually 0–200,000 km · High risk
model years 2022–2023 only
Signs: Warning message and reduced brake assist (hard pedal) if the pump drive is damaged at engine start.
Fix: Check the VIN for the open recall; the dealer updates the engine control unit software (about 30 min), free of charge.
free / recall
Recall: rear window anti-pinch may not work (built 11/2022-04/2023)
usually 0–200,000 km · Medium risk
model years 2022–2023 only
Signs: Rear power window motors may malfunction and the window may not stop or reverse when something is trapped.
Fix: Check the VIN for the open recall; the dealer replaces both rear window motors, free of charge.
free / recall
Recall: tie rods with wrong thread (built 05-06/2025)
usually 0–200,000 km · High risk
model years 2025–2025 only
Signs: No warning; the tie rod joint can come loose and steering control can be lost.
Fix: Check the VIN for the open recall; the dealer replaces both tie rod ends, free of charge.
free / recall
Infotainment / navigation freezes or crashes
usually 0–150,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Screen freezes, reboots or navigation misbehaves.
Fix: Ask the dealer for the latest infotainment / navigation software update; replace the unit only if updates do not help.
€0–150
Gearboxes
Manual
Clutch wear
usually 120,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Slipping, high bite point
Fix: Replace clutch kit
€500–900
7DCT (7-speed, dry clutch)
7DCT clutch judder and overheating warning in slow traffic
usually 40,000–150,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Shudder or jerks pulling away in 1st / 2nd and in reverse, harsh 1-2 / 2-3 shifts, 'transmission overheating' message in stop-and-go traffic or on hills
Fix: Have the dealer update the gearbox software, reset the clutch adaptation and measure clutch wear; replace the double clutch if worn
€0–1,800
Automatic (torque converter)
Torque converter / valve body
usually 150,000–250,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Delayed or harsh shifts
Fix: Fluid service, repair
€300–2,500
Service plan for this engine
Typical routine maintenance cost for 100,000 km: €2,200–4,950. Sum of the services and wear parts in the plan above (about 15,000 km a year, independent workshop), without faults.
Intervals and typical prices for the Hyundai Tucson (NX4) with the 1.6 T-GDi (Hyundai-Kia Gamma turbo) engine. The app gives the exact plan for your mileage.
Versions of this engine in the Hyundai Tucson (NX4)
Source: European Environment Agency (EEA), monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars, CC BY 4.0. CO₂ and fuel use are official type-approval values (WLTP from 2021), not real-world consumption.
Official recalls
Recalls the manufacturer published in the United Kingdom for this model (10). The same recalls usually apply across Europe. Ask an authorised dealer to check by VIN whether your car is affected and whether the work has been done.
- Visibility Some vehicles may have an instrument cluster operational concern whilst driving the vehicle02/04/2026 · R/2026/147
- Brakes / ABS / ESP The subject vehicles may experience a loss of brake assistance and brake performance may e reduced. The foot brake will still operate but in a manner of a vehicle without a functioning brake booster (less assistance)20/01/2025 · R/2024/489
- Airbag The side curtain airbag could potentially be assembled in a twisted condition.18/03/2024 · R/2024/036
- Doors / locks / lids Certain Tucson vehicles equipped with rear door power windows may experience a malfunction of the anti-pinch function during its operation.07/08/2023 · R/2023/184
- Electronics / software The vehicle immobiliser may not function correctly due to incorrect vehicle software06/03/2023 · R/2023/039
- Brakes / ABS / ESP Potential manufacturing defect within the component of the right hand rear caliper20/12/2021 · R/2021/414
- Other Vehicles equipped with smart key system may have an immobiliser malfunction13/09/2021 · R/2021/295
- Airbag The side curtain airbag could potentially be assembled in a twisted condition12/07/2021 · R/2021/220
Common questions
What are the biggest risks of the Hyundai Tucson (NX4) with the 1.6 T-GDi (Hyundai-Kia Gamma turbo) engine?
The faults with the highest risk: high oil consumption (piston rings), can damage the catalyst (70,000–180,000 km, €300–4,000); turbo wastegate actuator sticking or failing (60,000–150,000 km, €150–1,500); carbon build-up on intake valves (direct injection) (80,000–160,000 km, €300–700).
Does the Hyundai Tucson (NX4) 1.6 T-GDi (Hyundai-Kia Gamma turbo) have a timing belt or a chain?
Chain.
Which oil does the Hyundai Tucson (NX4) 1.6 T-GDi (Hyundai-Kia Gamma turbo) need?
5W-30 · ACEA C2 / C5 (API SN) · every 15,000 km.
Sources and notes
Main sources for the faults of this engine:
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. How we check the data →
Updated 29/10/2026