So, the Hyundai i30N is the high-performance version of the hatchback that is pretty angry. There are two types of this vehicle – the simple N and the N-Performance. The latter offers up to 276 horsepower and is really fun to drive.
The N and N-Performance versions are good in terms of power. But are they durable? And what problems can you expect if you own or are going to buy this car?
Let’s find out!
What should you know about the 2.0 T-GDI engine?
The engine is codenamed G4KH and it’s not the new powerplant at all. It was first introduced in 2010 and has been used in the Santa Fe, Sonata, Veloster, and i30. Also, some Kia cars have been employing the engine.
This is a 2-liter turbocharged engine with an aluminum block. It has iron sleeves for better durability. The head is not that simple but it’s also not super-modern. There are no hydraulic lifters in it, so the valves will require regular adjustment.
Here are some features you may want to know about the 2.0 T-GDI engine:
- this is the 4-cylinder in-line turbocharged engine with 2 liters of displacement belonging to the Theta II family;
- it may produce 247, 271, or 276 horsepower depending on the version of the engine and the car you own;
- the insane torque of up to 392 Nm really helps and it’s available early – starting at 1500-2100 RPM you get the peak torque;
- the engine may come with a manual transmission or with the Hyundai’s DCT transmission (dual-clutch);
- the CVVT variable valve timing system with complicated phasers is present on both camshafts;
- the cams are driven by the chain – it’s not that bad but will require replacement at least once within the lifespan of the engine;
- there is a balance shaft unit that is combined with the oil pump and it causes some considerations.
The Mitsubishi turbocharger is pretty good. The pre-2015 G4KH engines were less reliable due to a more efficient turbocharger and more power. After 2015, the engine got another turbocharger, additional phasers, and better potential reliability.
When it comes to fuel efficiency, the 2.0 T-GDI engine is not about fuel economy. The powerplant is made for dun driving and fast acceleration. This engine is balancing between sports and everyday driving, and I should say that there is more sport in it than you may think.
Here, I also wrote about the 1.6 CRDI engine in the i30 – you may want to have a look!
How durable is the G4KH engine?
The Hyundai i30 N engine is not the most durable unit made by Hyundai. Engineers focused more on performance and power rather than on durability. So, on average, it should last about 150,000 miles or 230,000 kilometers.
Of course, if you drive it carefully and maintain it perfectly, you may expect this engine to last longer. The i30 N is a small and light car, so the engine loads won’t be as bad as with some other vehicles.
Anyway, the performance engine may die much earlier because of overheating, poor lubrication, or some minor issues that the owner overlooked.
Also, the manual transmission is perfect. This is the sporty 6-speed manual with short shifts and a really racing feeling. But the DCT is not perfect. Like any modern DCT, it will cause problems after 100,000 miles (160,000 kilometers) and will require clutch pack replacement. This is expensive.
What are the common problems with the i30N engine?
Unfortunately, this high-performance engine is also full of different problems. The majority of them are minor and won’t bother you a lot. Just keep in mind that spending several hours in the dealership once or twice every three months is just some average expectation for i30N owners.
But here are some more disturbing common problems:
1) The oil change interval is overestimated
Experts recommend cutting the oil change interval in half. By changing oil more often, you will ensure that all the parts are working properly and lubricated well. Otherwise, the thin oil channels and passages may easily get clogged with tiny particles and the engine will suffer.
Also, experimenting with oil type is not recommended. Better get Hyundai OEM oil and filters for regular maintenance. Fortunately, they are not that expensive and easily accessible in any dealership.
2) The balance shaft unit is not good
I don’t know why Hyundai engineers at all included the balance shaft unit in this engine. But they made something even worse: they united the balance shaft unit with the oil pump. As a result, any problem in this united part will lead to poor oil pressure and issues with lubrication.
Given you may drive your i30N angrily sometimes, the engine may just die with poor lubrication. Always react quickly if you see the low-oil-pressure warning light on the dash of the vehicle.
3) The E-CVVT phaser is faulty
These phasers were even the reason for a recall. There is a service bulletin for “E-CVVT cover inspection and motor plug replacement” for this engine and for the 2.4L one.
In most cases, the faulty covers were replaced in the 2015-2017 model years’ engines. But if the problem was overlooked, the entire phaser may require replacement. This may be pretty expensive.
This shows that the E-CVVT is not the most reliable thing and in high-mileage engines, it may require some attention.
4) Oil consumption after just 40-50 thousand miles (80,000 kilometers)
This engine has the aluminum block and it’s heated like crazy if used on high RPMs. For some reason, Hyundai engineers didn’t include oil injectors in cylinders to better lubricate the engine and control the temperature. Instead, the cylinders are lubricated naturally which is, in my opinion, not enough for any high-performance powerplant.
That’s why you can expect to get cylinder warping at some decent mileage. But the worst thing is that the aluminum block may lose its shape, cylinders may go oval and your engine will burn liters of oil every 500 miles.
5) Direct injection problems
The GDI injection is known to have problems with intake valves. The reason for this is that fuel doesn’t go through the valves and doesn’t clean them. As a result, the upper part of the intake valves gets carbon buildup over time. Proper cleaning is needed from time to time to avoid issues with the power and stability of this engine.
6) Timing chain issues
The timing chain is not that bad but it won’t last forever. I would recommend replacing the timing chain kit (and checking the phasers, and also looking at the water pump) at about 100,000 miles or 150-160 thousand kilometers. You will make sure that the engine will last longer and the chain won’t stretch.
If the chain jumps, chances are the pistons will hit the valves and bend them. Sometimes, the best repair in this situation is engine replacement.
How can you prolong the life of the engine?
The G4KH engine is a cool turbocharged unit with a lot of power in it. But it’s not exactly the angry sports-ready engine. If you try driving it in real racing conditions, this powerplant will barely live till the finish line.
If you use the 2.0 T-GDI in your i30N wisely, you will be more than happy with its performance and durability.
Here’s what you may try doing to prolong its life:
- cut the oil change intervals and use only OEM oil and filters;
- replace the chain kit at 100K miles (160K kilometers);
- check the phasers and the oil pump when replacing the chain kit;
- warm the engine up before demanding something from it – it’s important;
- avoid overheating at all costs – aluminum blocks hate it;
- don’t ignore minor problems, noises, or warning lights – they will quickly grow into fatal issues.
Now you know how to drive your i30N for a long time and care about the high-performance turbo engine. Want to share your experience? Please write in the comments below!
