Hyundai ix35 Common Problems

The ix35 is the LM-series mid-size SUV Hyundai sold here from 2010 to 2015, between two generations of Tucson. Series I cars (2010 to 2013) have a 2.0 Theta II MPi petrol (G4KD) with front-wheel drive, a 2.4 Theta II MPi petrol with all-wheel drive, or a 2.0 R-series CRDi diesel (D4HA) with all-wheel drive. The Series II from October 2013 switched to direct injection, with a 2.0 Nu GDi (G4NC) and a 2.4 Theta II GDi (G4KJ), and kept the diesel. Gearboxes are a 5-speed or 6-speed manual or a 6-speed auto. The body and cabin wear well, but every ix35 petrol engine is named in a class action alleging oil burning and engine failure, so the engine is the main question on any car.

Oil burning and engine failure (2.0 and 2.4 Theta II MPi, 2010 to 2013)

Symptoms are oil use of more than a litre per 1,000 km, knocking or tapping that is worst from cold, and in bad cases a seized engine. Scoring of the cylinder bores is the cause usually given. Some owners report replacement engines and failures at a wide range of kilometres, some of them inside the warranty. Separately, some 2.4 petrol cars were recalled because oil could leak past the sump seal, causing engine damage or stalling. The fix for a worn engine is a rebuild, a short motor or a tested used engine from a wrecker, the cheapest route. Expect several thousand dollars at minimum.

Oil use and piston slap (2.0 GDi G4NC and 2.4 GDi G4KJ, Series II, 2013 to 2015)

The direct-injected Series II engines can show the same pattern: oil use, cold-start knocking and, if the oil runs low, seizure. Hyundai dealers confirm it with a sealed-dipstick oil consumption test over 1,000 km. A class action has been filed in the Federal Court alleging these engines are defective; check its current status. A Series II is not a safe way round the engine problem, so judge each car on its oil record.

DPF clogging, EGR carbon and rising oil level (2.0 CRDi D4HA, 2010 to 2015)

The diesel suits highway driving. Used for short suburban trips, its diesel particulate filter cannot clean itself. The engine then injects extra fuel to force a burn-off, and some of it washes past the rings into the sump, so the oil level on the dipstick can rise. Carbon also builds up in the EGR system, and a Hyundai bulletin says code P0401 (insufficient EGR flow) is most often caused by carbon deposits rather than a failed valve. Fixes range from a long highway drive to a DPF clean and an intake and EGR clean, roughly $500 to $1,500 as a rough guide. Neglected cars can need far more expensive fuel system work.

Auto gearbox, transfer case and rear diff wear (6-speed auto and AWD, 2010 to 2015)

Higher-kilometre autos can slip and feel sluggish, with dark, burnt-smelling fluid. Some owners report gearbox, transfer case and rear diff failures on high-kilometre cars, and a failed transfer case can mean a bill of several thousand dollars. Some automatics were recalled because the transmission cooler hose was not made to specification and could leak. Ask when the fluid was last changed, as old, dark fluid is a warning sign on a high-kilometre car.

Body computer and electrical faults (2010 to 2015)

Intermittent electrical faults come up often in owner reviews. Symptoms include locks, windows, lights and dash functions playing up, repeated flat batteries, and head units that lose sound or stop working. Poor earths and a failing body computer are the causes usually suggested, and some drains prove hard to trace. Window motors and switches also fail with age. An auto electrician should check earths and the charging system before any expensive modules are replaced.

Recalls and safety

The ix35 has several recalls. They cover seatbelt pretensioner cables that were not crimped securely (2014), airbag module retaining bolts that could be incorrectly tightened (2014), automatic transmission cooler hoses (2016), and a diesel fuel feed hose that could leak and cause a fire on some diesels sold in late 2011. The 2.4 petrol was recalled in 2019 for the sump seal oil leak. In 2025, 2012 to 2013 models were recalled because brake fluid could leak into the ABS module and cause a short circuit and fire. Have a Hyundai dealer check the VIN for open recalls and see our recalls page.

Buying a used Hyundai ix35? What to check

• Oil level and colour: Check the dipstick. Low oil on a petrol suggests burning, and oil above the full mark on a diesel suggests fuel dilution.
• Cold start: Listen for knocking or tapping from a cold engine, and watch for blue or white smoke under load.
• Engine paperwork: Ask whether the engine has been replaced, rebuilt or oil-tested, and get the receipts.
• Service record: Look for on-time oil changes. Owners report Hyundai refusing engine claims when services were missed.
• Diesel use: Ask how the car was driven. A diesel that only did short trips is more likely to have DPF or EGR trouble.
• Automatic gearbox: Feel for slipping, flaring or harsh changes, and ask when the fluid was last changed.
• AWD driveline: On AWD cars, drive in tight circles and listen for clunks, binding or whine from the rear diff.
• Electrics: Test every window, lock, light and the head unit, and ask if the battery has gone flat for no clear reason.
• Recall work: Ask for proof that the ABS module, fuel hose and transmission cooler hose recalls were done.

Run a Carify VIN check on the car, then go through our Hyundai ix35 buying checklist at the inspection.

The verdict

The best ix35 is one whose petrol engine has already been replaced or rebuilt with paperwork, or a diesel that has done mostly highway kilometres with a full logbook. Any petrol, Series I or II, with no oil record is a gamble. The diesel AWD is the strongest and most economical, but avoid it if you only drive short trips. Whatever you buy, check the AWD driveline, the auto and the recall work, and price in a repair if any engine noise is present.