Hyundai Nu Engine (1.8, 2.0): years, specs & known problems

By CarWhere Research · Updated

Nu is the Hyundai–Kia 1.8L and 2.0L four-cylinder family used in the Elantra, Forte, Soul, Tucson, Kona and Veloster. The 2.0L GDI version is in the 2024 Engine II rod-bearing settlement, and the 2.0L MPI version was recalled in 2021 and 2025 for piston oil rings that can damage the engine.

EPA listings show a 1.8L four in the 2011–2016 Elantra and the 2014–2016 Kia Forte; secondary sources identify it as the first Nu engine. A direct-injected 2.0L Nu GDI followed in the 2014 Elantra Coupe, Elantra GT, Tucson, Forte and Soul, and a 2.0L Nu GDI also served as the gas engine of the 2016–2019 Sonata Hybrid and 2017–2020 Optima Hybrid.

A port-injected 2.0L Nu MPI came next. Hyundai and Kia recall filings use that name for the 2.0L in the 2019–2020 Elantra, 2019–2021 Kona and Veloster, 2017–2018 Forte, 2020–2021 Soul and 2021 Seltos. Those engines were recalled in 2021 for improperly heat-treated piston oil rings, and Kia recalled 2021–2023 Seltos and Soul again in 2025 for incorrectly made oil rings. Remedies include Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software and engine replacement if needed. Hyundai now sells its 2.0L MPI with the Smartstream IVT, covered on the Smartstream page.

Nu (1.8L and 2.0L) at a glance

Hyundai/Kia Nu inline-four: 1.8L MPI, 2.0L GDI and 2.0L MPI (US 2011–2021): model years, fuel and peak Hyundai/Kia-published output by version
EngineModel yearsFuelPeak hpPeak torque (lb-ft)Documented problemsRecalls
1.8L MPI (2011–2016)2011–2016Gasoline (multi-point injection)——00
2.0L GDI, including hybrids (2014–2021)2014–2021Gasoline (direct injection); hybrid and plug-in hybrid——12
2.0L MPI (2017–2023)2017–2023Gasoline (multi-point injection)——24

CarWhere lists 3 documented problems and 6 NHTSA recalls for the Nu (1.8L and 2.0L), each with a source.

1.8L MPI (2011–2016)

The first Nu engine: a port-injected 1.8L four in the 2011–2016 Elantra and 2014–2016 Kia Forte.

1.8L MPI (2011–2016) specifications

1.8L MPI (2011–2016): design facts (2011–2016)
SpecificationValue
Displacement1,797 cc (weak source)[2]
Bore × stroke81 × 87.12 mm (weak source)[2]
Engine codeG4NB (weak source)[2]
EPA listing, Hyundai Elantra1.8 L 4-cyl, 2011–2016[1]
EPA listing, Kia Forte1.8 L 4-cyl, 2014–2016[1]

1.8L MPI (2011–2016) horsepower and torque by year

1.8L MPI (2011–2016): Hyundai/Kia-published horsepower (hp) and torque (lb-ft) by model year and application
Model yearsApplicationHorsepower (hp)Torque (lb-ft)Source
2011–2016Hyundai Elantra 1.8LNot 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 1.8L MPI (2011–2016)?

Models and model years offered with the 1.8L MPI (2011–2016)
ModelModel yearsNotes
Hyundai Elantra2011–2016
Kia Forte2014–2016

2.0L GDI, including hybrids (2014–2021)

The direct-injected 2.0L Nu GDI powered the 2014–2021 Tucson, 2014–2020 Elantra GT, 2014–2018 Forte and 2014–2019 Soul, and served as the gas engine in the 2016–2019 Sonata Hybrid/PHEV and 2017–2020 Optima Hybrid/PHEV. All are Engine II settlement vehicles.

2.0L GDI, including hybrids (2014–2021) specifications

2.0L GDI, including hybrids (2014–2021): design facts (2014–2021)
SpecificationValue
Engine familyNu 2.0-liter gasoline direct injection (GDI), per the Engine II settlement[3]
Bore × stroke81 × 97 mm (weak source)[2]
Engine codeG4NC (weak source)[2]
EPA listing, Hyundai Tucson2.0 L 4-cyl SIDI, 2014–2021[1]
EPA listing, Kia Soul2.0 L 4-cyl SIDI, 2014–2019[1]
EPA listing, Sonata Hybrid2.0 L 4-cyl SIDI hybrid, 2016–2018 (270V Li-ion); plug-in hybrid 2016–2019[1]

2.0L GDI, including hybrids (2014–2021) horsepower and torque by year

2.0L GDI, including hybrids (2014–2021): Hyundai/Kia-published horsepower (hp) and torque (lb-ft) by model year and application
Model yearsApplicationHorsepower (hp)Torque (lb-ft)Source
2014–2021Hyundai Tucson 2.0L GDINot 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 2.0L GDI, including hybrids (2014–2021)?

Models and model years offered with the 2.0L GDI, including hybrids (2014–2021)
ModelModel yearsNotes
Hyundai Elantra2014–2016
Hyundai Elantra Coupe2014
Hyundai Elantra GT2014–2020
Hyundai Tucson2014–2021
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid / Plug-In Hybrid2016–2019
Kia Forte2014–2018
Kia Forte Koup2014–2016
Kia Soul2014–2019
Kia Optima Hybrid / Plug-In Hybrid2017–2020

2.0L GDI, including hybrids (2014–2021) problems and what to check

Connecting-rod bearing failure (Engine II class) (2014–2021)

Major repair

The Engine II settlement lists these Nu 2.0L GDI models as class vehicles over an alleged rod-bearing defect. Recalls 21V727 (2017 Tucson and Sonata Hybrid) and 21V844 (2017–2018 Optima Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid) say the connecting-rod bearings may wear prematurely; dealers inspect the engine, replace it if bearing damage is found and install KSDS software. Earlier recalls 20V746 (2016 Sonata Hybrid) and 20V750 (2014–2015 Forte and Soul) also cover Nu GDI model years.[3][4][5][6]

Symptoms

  • Engine knock
  • Check-engine light and engine protection mode once KSDS is installed
  • Stalling or loss of power

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN for 21V727, 21V844, 20V746 or 20V750
  • Confirm KSDS is installed; the 15-year/150,000-mile extended warranty generally requires it

Program: In re: Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigation II: 15-year/150,000-mile extended warranty for connecting-rod bearing damage

2.0L GDI, including hybrids (2014–2021) recalls

NHTSA safety recalls related to the 2.0L GDI, including hybrids (2014–2021) (campaign numbers link to NHTSA)
NHTSA campaignReportedVehiclesSummary
21V7272021-09-172017 Hyundai Tucson and Sonata Hybrid95,515 vehiclesConnecting-rod bearings may wear prematurely. Dealers inspect, replace the engine if bearing damage is found and install a new KSDS update.
21V8442021-10-292017–2018 Kia Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-In Hybrid10,731 vehiclesConnecting-rod bearings may wear prematurely. Dealers inspect, replace the engine if needed and install KSDS.

2.0L MPI (2017–2023)

Recall filings name the port-injected 2.0L Nu MPI in the 2019–2020 Elantra, 2019–2021 Kona and Veloster, 2017–2018 Forte, 2020–2021 Soul and 2021 Seltos. It is the engine behind the 2021 piston oil-ring recalls.

2.0L MPI (2017–2023) specifications

2.0L MPI (2017–2023): design facts (2017–2023)
SpecificationValue
Engine family2.0L Nu MPI (name used in recalls 21V301, 21V259 and 21V260)[7]
Compression ratio, Atkinson version12.5:1 (weak source)[2]
Engine code, Atkinson versionG4NH (weak source)[2]
EPA listing, Hyundai Elantra2.0 L 4-cyl (no direct-injection code), 2017–2026[1]
EPA listing, Hyundai Veloster2.0 L 4-cyl, 2019–2021[1]
EPA listing, Kia Soul2.0 L 4-cyl (no direct-injection code), 2020–2025[1]

2.0L MPI (2017–2023) horsepower and torque by year

2.0L MPI (2017–2023): Hyundai/Kia-published horsepower (hp) and torque (lb-ft) by model year and application
Model yearsApplicationHorsepower (hp)Torque (lb-ft)Source
2019–2021Hyundai Kona 2.0L MPINot 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 2.0L MPI (2017–2023)?

Models and model years offered with the 2.0L MPI (2017–2023)
ModelModel yearsNotes
Hyundai Elantra2019–2020Recall 21V301; EPA lists a port-injected 2.0L Elantra from 2017
Hyundai Kona2019–2021Recall 21V301
Hyundai Veloster2019–2021
Kia Forte2017–2018Recall 21V260 names the 2.0L Nu MPI
Kia Soul2020–2023Recalls 21V259 (2020–2021) and 25V099 (2021–2023)
Kia Seltos2021–2023Recalls 21V259 (2021) and 25V099 (2021–2023)

2.0L MPI (2017–2023) problems and what to check

Piston oil rings not properly heat-treated or made incorrectly (2019–2023)

Major repair

In April 2021 Hyundai (21V301, 158,493 vehicles) and Kia (21V259, 147,249) recalled 2.0L Nu MPI cars because the piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage. Dealers inspect and replace the engine if necessary, and both brands deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. In February 2025 Kia recalled 137,256 2021–2023 Seltos and Soul vehicles (25V099) because the oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly; the filing cites stall and fire risk and uses the same PNSS-plus-inspection remedy.[7][8][9]

Symptoms

  • Engine noise from the pistons
  • Oil consumption or low oil
  • Stalling or loss of power

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN for 21V301 (Hyundai), 21V259 or 25V099 (Kia)
  • Confirm the PNSS software was installed and ask whether the engine was inspected or replaced

Program: Safety recalls 21V301, 21V259 and 25V099 with PNSS software

Oil pump failure from foreign particles (2017–2018 Forte) (2017–2018)

Moderate

Kia's 21V260 says foreign particles may stick inside the oil pump of some 2017–2018 Forte 2.0L Nu MPI engines, which can cause oil-pump failure and engine damage. Dealers replace the oil pan. The recall covered 4,069 vehicles.[10]

Symptoms

  • Low oil pressure warning
  • Engine noise

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN for 21V260

Program: Safety recall 21V260 (Kia SC210)

2.0L MPI (2017–2023) recalls

NHTSA safety recalls related to the 2.0L MPI (2017–2023) (campaign numbers link to NHTSA)
NHTSA campaignReportedVehiclesSummary
21V3012021-04-282019–2020 Hyundai Elantra, 2019–2021 Kona and Veloster (2.0L Nu MPI)158,493 vehiclesPiston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated. Dealers inspect and replace the engine if needed; Hyundai deploys PNSS software.
21V2592021-04-132020–2021 Kia Soul, 2021 Seltos (2.0L Nu MPI)147,249 vehiclesPiston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated. Dealers inspect and replace the engine if needed; Kia deploys PNSS software.
25V0992025-02-172021–2023 Kia Seltos and Soul137,256 vehiclesPiston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly. Dealers inspect and replace the engine as necessary and install PNSS software. The filing does not name the engine.
21V2602021-04-132017–2018 Kia Forte (2.0L Nu MPI)4,069 vehiclesForeign particles may cause oil-pump failure and engine damage. Dealers replace the oil pan.

Nu (1.8L and 2.0L) issues by model

The same engine shows up on these known-issues pages, with model-specific details.

Related Hyundai and Kia research

Confirm a car really has the Nu (1.8L and 2.0L).

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 cars have the Hyundai Nu engine?

The 1.8L Nu was in the 2011–2016 Elantra and 2014–2016 Forte. The 2.0L Nu GDI was in the 2014–2021 Tucson, Elantra GT, 2014–2018 Forte, 2014–2019 Soul and the 2016–2020 Sonata and Optima hybrids. Recall filings use the 2.0L Nu MPI name for the 2019–2021 Elantra, Kona and Veloster, 2017–2018 Forte, 2020–2021 Soul and 2021 Seltos.

What is the Nu piston-ring recall?

Hyundai's 21V301 and Kia's 21V259 (April 2021) cover 2.0L Nu MPI engines whose piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated. Kia's 25V099 (February 2025) covers 2021–2023 Seltos and Soul with oil rings that may have been made incorrectly. Dealers install Piston Ring Noise Sensing System software and inspect or replace the engine for free.

What is PNSS?

PNSS is the Piston Ring Noise Sensing System, software Hyundai and Kia install under the piston-ring recalls. The recall filings describe it as part of the remedy alongside inspection and, if needed, engine replacement.

Is the Nu 2.0 GDI part of the engine settlement?

Yes. The Engine II settlement (In re: Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigation II, No. 8:18-cv-02223, C.D. Cal.) lists Nu 2.0L GDI models including the 2014–2021 Tucson, 2014–2020 Elantra GT, 2016–2019 Sonata Hybrid, 2014–2018 Forte, 2014–2019 Soul and 2017–2020 Optima Hybrid. It extends the powertrain warranty to 15 years/150,000 miles for rod-bearing damage once KSDS is installed.

Is the Smartstream 2.0 the same as the Nu 2.0?

Hyundai sells its current 2.0L MPI with the Smartstream IVT. Kia's 2021 recall filing still describes the 2.0L in the 2020–2021 Soul and 2021 Seltos, which use an IVT, as a Nu MPI engine. CarWhere lists the current versions on the Smartstream page.

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 Nu engine — Wikipedia (secondary reference)
  3. Settlement Agreement, In re: Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigation II, No. 8:18-cv-02223-JLS-JDE, Doc. 79-2 (filed Sept. 26, 2022) — U.S. District Court, Central District of California (hosted on hma-e2settlement.com)
  4. Hyundai Engine II Class Action Settlement — official settlement website (In re: Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigation II, No. 8:18-cv-02223-JLS-JDE, C.D. Cal.) — Settlement administrator (Angeion Group) for Hyundai Motor America
  5. NHTSA recall 21V727: Engine damage may cause stall or fire (2017 Tucson, 2017 Sonata Hybrid) — NHTSA (Hyundai Motor America filing)
  6. NHTSA recall 21V844: Engine damage may cause stall or fire (2017–2018 Optima Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid) — NHTSA (Kia America filing)
  7. NHTSA recall 21V301: Improperly heat-treated piston oil rings (2019–2021 Elantra, Kona, Veloster 2.0L Nu MPI) — NHTSA (Hyundai Motor America filing)
  8. NHTSA recall 21V259: Improperly heat-treated piston oil rings (2020–2021 Soul, 2021 Seltos 2.0L Nu MPI) — NHTSA (Kia America filing)
  9. NHTSA recall 25V099: Engine damage may cause stall or fire: piston oil rings (2021–2023 Seltos and Soul) — NHTSA (Kia America filing)
  10. NHTSA recall 21V260: Foreign particles may cause oil pump to fail (2017–2018 Forte 2.0L Nu MPI) — NHTSA (Kia 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.