Theta II 2.4 GDI (G4KJ) vs Smartstream 1.6 CRDi (D4FE)

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
Smartstream 1.6 CRDi (D4FE) ACCEPTABLE 74/100
+49 points over Theta II 2.4 GDI (G4KJ)
0 / 100
AVOID Theta II 2.4 GDI (G4KJ) Hyundai/Kia
0 / 100
ACCEPTABLE Smartstream 1.6 CRDi (D4FE) Hyundai/Kia

Specifications

Theta II 2.4 GDI (G4KJ)
Smartstream 1.6 CRDi (D4FE)
Brand
Hyundai/Kia
Hyundai/Kia
Verdict
AVOID
ACCEPTABLE
Reliability
25
74
Years
2009--2020
2018--present
Displacement
2359 cc
1598 cc
Layout
I4
I4
Type
Petrol Na
Diesel
Power
188--201 hp
115--136 hp
Known Issues
2
2
Total Risk Cost
€5,000--€20,000
€700--€1,500

Character

Theta II 2.4 GDI (G4KJ)

"MASSIVE recall. Rod bearing failure, engine seizure, fire risk. Multiple class-actions. Worst modern engine disaster."

Smartstream 1.6 CRDi (D4FE)

"Updated CRDi diesel with improved emissions. Tucson/Sportage. Reliable with standard diesel maintenance."

Issues Comparison

Theta II 2.4 GDI (G4KJ) 2

◆ CRITICAL
Rod bearing failure — class-action, fire risk €5,000--€20,000 50,000 km--150,000 km
◆ CRITICAL
Recall compliance — verify before purchase €0--€0 0 km--∞

Smartstream 1.6 CRDi (D4FE) 2

○ MINOR
Carbon buildup (GDI) €300--€600 60,000 km--120,000 km
○ MINOR
Timing chain — early data building €400--€900 100,000 km--160,000 km

Models

Theta II 2.4 GDI (G4KJ) 2

Santa Fe 2.4 GDI DM 2012--2018 SUV Sorento 2.4 GDI UM 2014--2020 SUV

Smartstream 1.6 CRDi (D4FE) 10

Ceed 1.4 T-GDI CD 2018--2024 Hatchback Ceed 1.5 T-GDI CD LCI 2021--2024 Hatchback ProCeed 1.5 T-GDI CD 2018--2024 Wagon Sportage 1.6 T-GDI QL 2015--2021 SUV Sportage 1.6 T-GDI NQ5 2021--2024 SUV Tucson 1.6 T-GDI TL 2015--2020 SUV Tucson 1.6 T-GDI NX4 2020--2024 SUV Xceed 1.5 T-GDI CD 2019--2024 SUV i30 1.4 T-GDI PD 2017--2024 Hatchback i30 1.5 T-GDI PD LCI 2020--2024 Hatchback
Full Theta II 2.4 GDI (G4KJ) Report Full Smartstream 1.6 CRDi (D4FE) Report