Hyundai Lambda V6 Engine (3.3, 3.5, 3.8L): years, specs & known problems

By CarWhere Research · Updated

Lambda is the Hyundai–Kia V6 family. The 3.8L GDI powered the 2020–2025 Palisade and Telluride, the 3.3L GDI the 2013–2019 Santa Fe, 2014–2020 Sorento and 2015–2021 Sedona, and a 3.5L direct and port-injected V6 is in the 2022-on Carnival and 2026-on Palisade, rated at 287 hp and 260 lb-ft in the 2027 Palisade.

EPA listings trace the V6s through each model: a 3.8L in the 2009–2012 Veracruz, a port-injected 3.5L in the 2010–2012 Santa Fe and 2011–2013 Sorento, a direct-injected 3.3L in the 2013–2019 Santa Fe, 2014–2020 Sorento, 2015–2021 Sedona and the Azera and Cadenza, and a direct-injected 3.8L in the 2020–2025 Palisade and Telluride. The 2022 Carnival and 2026 Palisade moved to a 3.5L V6 with both injection types; Hyundai's 2027 Palisade sheet lists 3,470 cc, a 92.0 × 87.0 mm bore and stroke and 12.3:1 compression.

The V6s have no broad bearing recall like the four-cylinder Theta II. Recalls have been narrow: 2017 crankshaft issues on 2017 Santa Fe and Sorento 3.3L engines, 2024 valve springs that can break on 2024 Palisade and Telluride 3.8L engines, oil-leak and alternator recalls on the Veracruz, and fuel-rail and fuel-pipe leaks on the 2011–2012 Sedona and 2022–2026 Carnival. The Lambda family names come from secondary sources, because Hyundai and Kia US spec sheets reviewed for this page list the V6s by displacement only.

Lambda V6 (3.3, 3.5, 3.8L) at a glance

Hyundai/Kia Lambda V6 family: 3.3L GDI, 3.8L GDI, 3.5L MPI + GDI and earlier MPI V6s (US 2007–present): model years, fuel and peak Hyundai/Kia-published output by version
EngineModel yearsFuelPeak hpPeak torque (lb-ft)Documented problemsRecalls
3.8L GDI (Palisade and Telluride, 2020–2025)2020–2025Gasoline (direct injection)——12
3.3L GDI (2012–2021)2012–2021Gasoline (direct injection)——12
3.5L MPI + GDI (Carnival 2022–, Palisade 2026–)2022–presentGasoline (port + direct injection)28726012
Earlier MPI V6s: 3.5L and 3.8L (2007–2014)2007–2014Gasoline (multi-point injection)——13

CarWhere lists 4 documented problems and 9 NHTSA recalls for the Lambda V6 (3.3, 3.5, 3.8L), each with a source.

3.8L GDI (Palisade and Telluride, 2020–2025)

The 3.8L direct-injected V6 in the first-generation Palisade and Telluride, replaced for 2026–2027 by a 3.5L V6 and the 2.5 turbo.

3.8L GDI (Palisade and Telluride, 2020–2025) specifications

3.8L GDI (Palisade and Telluride, 2020–2025): design facts (2020–2025)
SpecificationValue
EPA listing3.8 L V6 SIDI: Palisade 2020–2025, Telluride 2020–2025[1]
Bore × stroke96 × 87 mm (weak source)[2]
Cycle and compressionAtkinson cycle, 13.0:1 (weak source)[2]
Engine codeG6DN (weak source)[2]

3.8L GDI (Palisade and Telluride, 2020–2025) horsepower and torque by year

3.8L GDI (Palisade and Telluride, 2020–2025): Hyundai/Kia-published horsepower (hp) and torque (lb-ft) by model year and application
Model yearsApplicationHorsepower (hp)Torque (lb-ft)Source
2020–2025Hyundai Palisade 3.8Not stated in the EPA record; CarWhere could not verify a Hyundai/Kia US rating for this application——[1]
2020–2025Kia Telluride 3.8Not stated in the EPA record; CarWhere could not verify a Hyundai/Kia US rating for this application——[1]

"—" means we could not confirm the figure from a primary source.

Which vehicles have the 3.8L GDI (Palisade and Telluride, 2020–2025)?

Models and model years offered with the 3.8L GDI (Palisade and Telluride, 2020–2025)
ModelModel yearsNotes
Hyundai Palisade2020–2025
Kia Telluride2020–2025EPA listing; the 2027 Telluride moved to the 2.5 turbo

3.8L GDI (Palisade and Telluride, 2020–2025) problems and what to check

Valve springs that can break (2024 Palisade and Telluride) (2024)

Major repair

In February 2024 Hyundai (24V106: 4,245 2024 Palisades) and Kia (24V077: 2,872 2024 Tellurides) recalled vehicles whose engine valve springs may break while driving, which can cause a loss of drive power and possibly a hole in the engine block. Dealers replace the engine sub-assembly free of charge.[3][4]

Symptoms

  • Misfire or rough running
  • Loss of drive power
  • Oil or coolant leak if the block is damaged

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN for 24V106 (Palisade) or 24V077 (Telluride)
  • On a 2024 model, ask for the dealer record of the sub-assembly replacement

Program: Safety recalls 24V106 and 24V077

3.8L GDI (Palisade and Telluride, 2020–2025) recalls

NHTSA safety recalls related to the 3.8L GDI (Palisade and Telluride, 2020–2025) (campaign numbers link to NHTSA)
NHTSA campaignReportedVehiclesSummary
24V1062024-02-132024 Hyundai Palisade4,245 vehiclesEngine valve springs may break, causing loss of drive power and possibly a hole in the block. Dealers replace the engine sub-assembly.
24V0772024-02-072024 Kia Telluride2,872 vehiclesEngine valve springs may break, causing loss of drive power and possibly a hole in the block. Dealers replace the engine sub-assembly.

3.3L GDI (2012–2021)

The direct-injected 3.3L V6 in the Santa Fe and Santa Fe XL, Sorento, Sedona, Azera and Cadenza.

3.3L GDI (2012–2021) specifications

3.3L GDI (2012–2021): design facts (2012–2021)
SpecificationValue
EPA listing3.3 L V6 SIDI: Santa Fe 2013–2019, Sorento 2014–2020, Sedona 2015–2021, Azera 2012–2017, Cadenza 2014–2020[1]
Bore × stroke92 × 83.8 mm (weak source)[2]
Engine codesG6DH; later G6DM (weak source)[2]

3.3L GDI (2012–2021) horsepower and torque by year

3.3L GDI (2012–2021): Hyundai/Kia-published horsepower (hp) and torque (lb-ft) by model year and application
Model yearsApplicationHorsepower (hp)Torque (lb-ft)Source
2013–2019Hyundai Santa Fe 3.3Not stated in the EPA record; CarWhere could not verify a Hyundai/Kia US rating for this application——[1]

"—" means we could not confirm the figure from a primary source.

Which vehicles have the 3.3L GDI (2012–2021)?

Models and model years offered with the 3.3L GDI (2012–2021)
ModelModel yearsNotes
Hyundai Santa Fe / Santa Fe XL2013–2019
Kia Sorento2014–2020
Kia Sedona2015–2021
Hyundai Azera2012–2017
Kia Cadenza2014–2020

3.3L GDI (2012–2021) problems and what to check

Crankshaft defects (2017 Santa Fe and Sorento) (2017)

Major repair

In September 2017 Hyundai recalled 420 2017 Santa Fe 3.3L vehicles (17V578) whose crankshaft pins may have surface irregularities that cause bearing wear, and Kia recalled 62 2017 Sorento 3.3L vehicles (17V586) whose crankshafts may not have been properly heat-treated. Dealers inspect and replace the engine or sub-assembly as needed.[5][6]

Symptoms

  • Engine knock
  • Stalling

Check before buying

  • On a 2017 Santa Fe or Sorento 3.3L, run the VIN for 17V578 or 17V586

Program: Safety recalls 17V578 and 17V586

3.3L GDI (2012–2021) recalls

NHTSA safety recalls related to the 3.3L GDI (2012–2021) (campaign numbers link to NHTSA)
NHTSA campaignReportedVehiclesSummary
17V5782017-09-202017 Hyundai Santa Fe (3.3L)420 vehiclesCrankshaft pin surface irregularities may cause bearing wear and stalling. Dealers inspect and replace the engine as needed.
17V5862017-09-212017 Kia Sorento (3.3L)62 vehiclesThe crankshaft may not have been properly heat-treated and may fail. Dealers inspect and replace the engine sub-assembly as needed.

3.5L MPI + GDI (Carnival 2022–, Palisade 2026–)

A 3,470 cc V6 with both injection types, used in the Kia Carnival since 2022 and the second-generation Palisade since 2026; the 2027 Palisade is rated at 287 hp and 260 lb-ft.

3.5L MPI + GDI (Carnival 2022–, Palisade 2026–) specifications

3.5L MPI + GDI (Carnival 2022–, Palisade 2026–): design facts (2022–present)
SpecificationValue
Engine3.5L MPI + GDI DOHC 24-valve V6[7]
Displacement3,470 cc[7]
Bore × stroke92.0 × 87.0 mm[7]
Compression ratio12.3:1[7]
Block and headAluminum[7]
EPA listing (SIDI & PFI)Carnival 3.5 L V6 2022–2027; Palisade 3.5 L V6 2026–2027[1]

3.5L MPI + GDI (Carnival 2022–, Palisade 2026–) horsepower and torque by year

3.5L MPI + GDI (Carnival 2022–, Palisade 2026–): Hyundai/Kia-published horsepower (hp) and torque (lb-ft) by model year and application
Model yearsApplicationHorsepower (hp)Torque (lb-ft)Source
2027Hyundai Palisade 3.5 V6287 hp @ 6,400 rpm; 260 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm287260[7]
2022–2027Kia Carnival 3.5 V6Not stated in the EPA record; CarWhere could not verify a Hyundai/Kia US rating for this application——[1]

"—" means we could not confirm the figure from a primary source.

Which vehicles have the 3.5L MPI + GDI (Carnival 2022–, Palisade 2026–)?

Models and model years offered with the 3.5L MPI + GDI (Carnival 2022–, Palisade 2026–)
ModelModel yearsNotes
Kia Carnival2022–present
Hyundai Palisade2026–presentNon-hybrid models

3.5L MPI + GDI (Carnival 2022–, Palisade 2026–) problems and what to check

Fuel leaks at the fuel rail (Carnival) (2022–2026)

Major repair

Kia recalled 2,744 2022 Carnivals in April 2021 (21V277) because the plastic fuel-rail tube may have been damaged, and replaced the multi-port injection fuel rail as needed. In April 2026 it recalled 141,032 2022–2026 Carnivals (26V232) because fuel may leak at the connection between the fuel pipe and fuel rail; dealers inspect and tighten or replace the pipe.[8][9]

Symptoms

  • Fuel smell
  • Visible fuel at the top of the engine

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN for 26V232 and, on a 2022, 21V277

Program: Safety recalls 21V277 and 26V232

3.5L MPI + GDI (Carnival 2022–, Palisade 2026–) recalls

NHTSA safety recalls related to the 3.5L MPI + GDI (Carnival 2022–, Palisade 2026–) (campaign numbers link to NHTSA)
NHTSA campaignReportedVehiclesSummary
26V2322026-04-102022–2026 Kia Carnival141,032 vehiclesFuel may leak at the fuel pipe-to-fuel rail connection. Dealers inspect and tighten or replace the pipe.
21V2772021-04-212022 Kia Carnival2,744 vehiclesThe plastic fuel-rail tube may be damaged. Dealers inspect and replace the multi-port injection fuel rail as needed.

Earlier MPI V6s: 3.5L and 3.8L (2007–2014)

Port-injected V6s in the Veracruz, 2010–2012 Santa Fe, 2011–2013 Sorento and Sedona, all predating direct injection in the family.

Earlier MPI V6s: 3.5L and 3.8L (2007–2014) specifications

Earlier MPI V6s: 3.5L and 3.8L (2007–2014): design facts (2007–2014)
SpecificationValue
EPA listing, 3.8 L V6Veracruz 2009–2012; Sedona 2009–2010; Entourage 2009–2010[1]
EPA listing, 3.5 L V6Santa Fe 2010–2012; Sorento 2011–2013; Sedona 2011–2012 and 2014[1]
Engine codesG6DC (3.5 MPI), G6DA (3.8 MPI) (weak source)[2]

Earlier MPI V6s: 3.5L and 3.8L (2007–2014) horsepower and torque by year

Earlier MPI V6s: 3.5L and 3.8L (2007–2014): Hyundai/Kia-published horsepower (hp) and torque (lb-ft) by model year and application
Model yearsApplicationHorsepower (hp)Torque (lb-ft)Source
2010–2012Hyundai Santa Fe 3.5Not stated in the EPA record; CarWhere could not verify a Hyundai/Kia US rating for this application——[1]

"—" means we could not confirm the figure from a primary source.

Which vehicles have the Earlier MPI V6s: 3.5L and 3.8L (2007–2014)?

Models and model years offered with the Earlier MPI V6s: 3.5L and 3.8L (2007–2014)
ModelModel yearsNotes
Hyundai Veracruz (3.8)2007–2012Recall 14V415 covers 2007–2012
Hyundai Santa Fe (3.5)2010–2012
Kia Sorento (3.5)2011–2013
Kia Sedona (3.5)2011–2012, 2014

Earlier MPI V6s: 3.5L and 3.8L (2007–2014) problems and what to check

Valve-cover gasket oil leak onto the alternator (Veracruz) (2007–2012)

Moderate

Hyundai's 14V415 (61,122 vehicles) says oil can leak from the front cylinder-bank valve-cover gasket of 2007–2012 Veracruz models and drip onto the alternator, disabling the charging system. Dealers repaired the alternator and gasket. Hyundai re-recalled 60,097 of the same vehicles in 2020 (20V705) to inspect and repair the gasket again.[10][11]

Symptoms

  • Oil seepage at the front valve cover
  • Battery or charging warning light

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN for 14V415 and 20V705

Program: Safety recalls 14V415 and 20V705

Earlier MPI V6s: 3.5L and 3.8L (2007–2014) recalls

NHTSA safety recalls related to the Earlier MPI V6s: 3.5L and 3.8L (2007–2014) (campaign numbers link to NHTSA)
NHTSA campaignReportedVehiclesSummary
14V4152014-07-082007–2012 Hyundai Veracruz61,122 vehiclesOil can leak from the front valve-cover gasket onto the alternator and disable the charging system. Dealers repair or replace the alternator and gasket.
20V7052020-11-132007–2012 Hyundai Veracruz (previously recalled under 14V-415)60,097 vehiclesThe same gasket can leak again. Dealers inspect and repair the valve-cover gasket.
20V1012020-02-212011–2012 Kia Sedona51,465 vehiclesThe fuel rail may crack from engine-bay heat and leak fuel. Dealers replace the fuel rail.

Related Hyundai and Kia research

Confirm a car really has the Lambda V6 (3.3, 3.5, 3.8L).

The engine a Hyundai or Kia left the factory with is part of its build record. The CarWhere Hyundai build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Hyundai build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

Which Hyundai and Kia models use the Lambda V6?

EPA listings show the 3.8L V6 in the 2020–2025 Palisade and Telluride, the 3.3L in the 2013–2019 Santa Fe, 2014–2020 Sorento, 2015–2021 Sedona, Azera and Cadenza, and a 3.5L in the 2022-on Carnival and 2026-on Palisade. Older port-injected V6s were used in the Veracruz, 2010–2012 Santa Fe and 2011–2013 Sorento.

Does the Kia Telluride still have a V6?

Not for 2027. The EPA lists the Telluride's 3.8L V6 for 2020–2025, and Kia's 2027 Telluride specs list a 274 hp 2.5L turbo four and a 329 hp 2.5L turbo hybrid.

What is the 2024 Palisade and Telluride valve spring recall?

Hyundai's 24V106 (4,245 2024 Palisades) and Kia's 24V077 (2,872 2024 Tellurides) cover valve springs that may break while driving, causing a loss of power and possibly a hole in the block. Dealers replace the engine sub-assembly for free.

How much horsepower does the 2027 Palisade V6 make?

Hyundai rates the 2027 Palisade's 3.5L V6 at 287 hp at 6,400 rpm and 260 lb-ft at 5,000 rpm. It displaces 3,470 cc and uses both port and direct injection.

Is the Lambda V6 part of the Hyundai/Kia engine settlement?

No. The Engine I and Engine II settlements list four-cylinder Theta II, Nu and Gamma engines only. V6 recalls have been narrower, such as crankshaft issues on some 2017 3.3L engines and valve springs on some 2024 3.8L engines.

Sources

Ratings are Hyundai/Kia-published figures as cited; descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs appear only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. EPA fuel economy data: vehicles.csv (Hyundai and Kia listings by model year, displacement, cylinders, turbo and fuel-injection codes) — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  2. Hyundai Lambda engine — Wikipedia (secondary reference)
  3. NHTSA recall 24V106: Engine valve springs may break (2024 Palisade) — NHTSA (Hyundai Motor America filing)
  4. NHTSA recall 24V077: Engine valve springs may break (2024 Telluride) — NHTSA (Kia America filing)
  5. NHTSA recall 17V578: Engine bearing wear may cause engine stall (2017 Santa Fe 3.3L) — NHTSA (Hyundai Motor America filing)
  6. NHTSA recall 17V586: Improperly heat-treated crankshaft may cause stall (2017 Sorento 3.3L) — NHTSA (Kia America filing)
  7. 2027 Palisade Specs & Features (July 15, 2026) — Hyundai Motor America (hyundainews.com)
  8. NHTSA recall 21V277: Fuel rail tube may leak (2022 Carnival) — NHTSA (Kia America filing)
  9. NHTSA recall 26V232: Fuel leak at pipe connection (2022–2026 Carnival) — NHTSA (Kia America filing)
  10. NHTSA recall 14V415: Oil leak from front cylinder bank valve cover (2007–2012 Veracruz) — NHTSA (Hyundai Motor America filing)
  11. NHTSA recall 20V705: Charging system failure caused by oil leak (2007–2012 Veracruz, re-recall of 14V-415) — NHTSA (Hyundai Motor America filing)

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Hyundai Motor America, Hyundai Motor Company or Hyundai Motor Group. Hyundai and the model names are trademarks of their owners.