Hyundai G4KJ Engine (2015–2021) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Hyundai G4KJ is a 1,591 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2015 and 2021. It features double overhead camshafts (DOHC), 16 valves, and sequential multi‑point fuel injection. In standard form it delivered 94–95 kW (128–129 PS) with torque between 156–157 Nm, offering responsive urban performance and smooth highway cruising.

Fitted to models such as the i20 (PB), i30 (FD/HD), and Venue (SU2), the G4KJ was engineered for fuel efficien…

Hyundai G4KJ Engine
Compliance Note:

All production years (2015–2021) meet Euro 6 emissions standards .

Hyundai G4KJ Technical Specifications

The Hyundai G4KJ is a 1,591 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks and SUVs (2015–2021). It combines DOHC architecture with sequential multi‑point fuel injection to deliver linear power delivery and urban efficiency. Designed to meet Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances everyday drivability with low environmental impact.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement
1,591 cc
Fuel type
Petrol (Unleaded)
Configuration
Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve
Aspiration
Naturally aspirated
Bore × stroke
77.0 mm × 85.4 mm
Power output
94–95 kW (128–129 PS) @ 6,200 rpm
Torque
156–157 Nm @ 4,500 rpm
Fuel system
Sequential multi‑point fuel injection (MPFI)
Emissions standard
Euro 6
Compression ratio
10.5:1
Cooling system
Water‑cooled
Turbocharger
None
Timing system
Chain (maintenance‑free design)
Oil type
Hyundai SP 5W‑30 (API SN/ILSAC GF‑5)
Dry weight
108 kg

Hyundai G4KJ Compatible Models

The Hyundai G4KJ was used across Hyundai's PB/FD/HD/SU2 platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Venue SU2 and updated intake manifolds in the i30 HD—and from mid‑2017 the facelifted i20 PB adopted updated camshafts per TSB‑ENG‑112, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Hyundai
Years:
2015–2021
Models:
i20 (PB)
Variants:
1.6 Motion, 1.6 Style
View Source
Hyundai PT‑2019
Make:
Hyundai
Years:
2015–2020
Models:
i30 (FD/HD)
Variants:
1.6 SE, 1.6 Premium
View Source
Hyundai ETK Doc. H16‑G4KJ‑01
Make:
Hyundai
Years:
2019–2021
Models:
Venue (SU2)
Variants:
1.6 Comfort, 1.6 Elite
View Source
Hyundai TIS Doc. ENG‑G4KJ‑004

Looking for a replacement Hyundai engine?

Free to submit · No obligation to buy

Engine Finders UK Ltd, which operates EngineCode.uk, can pass your enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. The service is for vehicles in the United Kingdom, with UK delivery or fitting. This is a commercially connected service, and sending an enquiry does not confirm diagnosis or compatibility.

Diagnostic reminder: If a technician has recommended replacing the engine, you can send an enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. Confirm the diagnosis first: an engine-code record does not diagnose a fault.

Common Reliability Issues - HYUNDAI G4KJ Compatible Models

Field reports and technical service bulletins highlight component wear patterns under high-load operation. Adherence to manufacturer service intervals and approved fluid specifications is critical for long-term reliability.

Exhaust camshaft lobe wear
Symptoms: Ticking noise from cylinder head, misfire on acceleration, reduced power, diagnostic trouble codes for cam correlation.
Cause: Marginal surface hardening on early cam lobes combined with oil film breakdown under sustained high-RPM operation.
Fix: Install updated camshaft and valve spring retainers per Hyundai TSB‑ENG‑112; inspect lifters and replace if scored.
Ignition coil failure
Symptoms: Misfire on one or more cylinders, rough idle, check engine light, poor cold starts.
Cause: Thermal cycling fatigue in coil windings; proximity to exhaust manifold accelerates insulation degradation.
Fix: Replace with latest OEM coil packs (Part No. 37100‑27000 series); verify spark plug gap and condition.
Throttle body carbon buildup
Symptoms: Hunting idle, hesitation on tip-in, reduced throttle response, occasional stalling.
Cause: Oil vapor from crankcase ventilation (PCV) deposits on throttle plate and bore over time.
Fix: Clean throttle body with OEM-approved solvent; perform throttle adaptation via diagnostic tool after service.
Coolant leaks from thermostat housing
Symptoms: Coolant smell, low reservoir level, white residue near timing cover, occasional overheating.
Cause: Plastic thermostat housing prone to cracking from thermal expansion and age-related embrittlement.
Fix: Replace housing with updated aluminum-reinforced unit (Part No. 25312‑27000); flush and refill with Hyundai Long Life Coolant.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from manufacturer technical service bulletins and industry workshop records. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

HYUNDAI G4KJ FAQ Common Questions Answered

The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works

The G4KJ is generally reliable with proper maintenance. Early models (2015–mid-2017) had exhaust camshaft wear issues, addressed from mid-2017 onward. Regular oil changes with correct 5W‑30 spec and timely ignition coil replacement ensure longevity beyond 200,000 km.

Top issues include exhaust cam lobe wear (pre-mid-2017), ignition coil failures, throttle body carbon buildup, and plastic thermostat housing leaks. These are documented in Hyundai TSB‑ENG‑112 and service manuals, with clear OEM repair paths.

The G4KJ powered the i20 (2015–2021), i30 (2015–2020), and Venue (2019–2021) across European and global markets. All applications are 1.6L petrol variants meeting Euro 6 emissions standards.

Limited tuning potential. The naturally aspirated design and conservative compression ratio allow modest gains (~5–7 kW) via ECU remap and intake/exhaust upgrades. Significant power increases require forced induction, which is unsupported by OEM and risks engine durability.

Efficient for its class. In an i20 1.6, expect ~6.8 L/100km (city) and ~4.9 L/100km (highway), or about 46 mpg UK combined. Real-world mixed driving typically yields 42–48 mpg (UK) depending on condition and driving style.

Yes. The G4KJ is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails (rare but possible), piston-to-valve contact can cause catastrophic damage. However, the chain is designed as maintenance-free and rarely fails if oil is maintained.

Hyundai specifies 5W‑30 synthetic or semi-synthetic oil meeting Hyundai SP (API SN/ILSAC GF‑5) standards. Change every 10,000 km or 12 months. Using incorrect oil accelerates cam wear, especially in early engines.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

Platform Overview

About this reference

EngineCode.uk is operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. It provides engine-reference information and an optional commercial enquiry service. It is not an official manufacturer website. Check the record's sources and confirm vehicle-specific details before relying on it for parts, repairs or replacement.

Sourcing Policy

Source selection

Our editorial standard prioritises relevant manufacturer documentation and official regulatory sources. The sources and verification status for a record should be checked alongside the data.

Evidence and uncertainty

A statement is not verified merely because a source is listed. Where supporting evidence is missing or conflicting, the record should identify that limitation. Please report unsupported or inconsistent information.

Transparency in gaps

A missing or unverified value does not mean the manufacturer has withheld it. We distinguish information not yet verified, information not available to us, and information explicitly not disclosed by the source.

Regulatory Stability

EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.

Primary Sources

EUR-Lex

EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).

GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C

UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.

DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT

Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.

Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)

UK type-approval authority for automotive products.

Regulatory Context

Regulation (EC) No 715/2007

Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.

Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151

WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.

GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval

UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.

VCA Certification Portal

Type-approval guidance and documentation.

Methodology

Data compilation

Records are subject to review and correction. Source links, dates and verification notes should be read with the technical information. Our Editorial and Sourcing Policy explains our standards and review process.

Corrections & Submissions

Found an error or missing source? Report a problem with this page. Include the field or statement concerned and a supporting source if available. You can also email corrections@enginecode.uk.

Copyright & Legal

Copyright and permissions

Images and other material may be protected by copyright. Attribution does not by itself grant permission to reuse material. If you believe material on this site infringes your rights, contact copyrights@enginecode.uk with the page URL and details of your claim. We will review the material and take appropriate action.

Copyright Concerns

For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk

Data Privacy

Privacy and cookies

Our Privacy Policy explains how Engine Finders UK Ltd uses information from visits, vehicle lookups, enquiries and messages. Our Cookie Policy explains cookies and similar technologies and how to change your choices.

Data Requests

For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk

Trademarks

Trademark Notice

All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.

Commercial Disclosure

Ownership and commercial services

EngineCode.uk is owned and operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. Alongside our reference content, we offer an optional replacement-engine enquiry service through Engine Finders and may identify relevant services provided by businesses connected with us. These commercial connections are disclosed. Using an enquiry service is not required to read our reference content.

Funding model

Engine Finders UK Ltd operates this website. Our optional enquiry service has a commercial purpose. Our Ownership and Commercial Disclosure explains the relationship between the reference website and that service. Participating suppliers pay a fee or subscription to participate on the network and receive quote requests.

Verification and identification note

Use this record as a starting point for identification. Specifications and vehicle applications may contain errors or omissions. Confirm the exact engine variant and compatibility using vehicle-specific documentation and a qualified supplier or technician.

All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.