A Reliable Hyundai & Kia Engine? Lambda 2 V6 Teardown

Here's a look inside the Kia and Hyundai Lambda II V6 engine and how it works!
The Lambda II series of engines are used in both FWD and RWD applications, from the Kia Sedona and Hyundai Santa Fe to the Hyundai Genesis and currently the Hyundai Pallisade and Kia Telluride. They range from 3.3 to 3.8L, have an all aluminum construction, dual variable valve timing powered by timing chains, an external water pump. Earlier versions were port injected, while newer models are direct injected.
Common issues include overheating due to headgasket failures and oil burning. These engines were not as unreliable and catastrophic as their 4 cylinder cousins, the Theta 2 engines, of which a teardown can be found here:
• Why Hyundai Engines FAIL
The engine in this video is from a 2012 Kia Sedona with 190,000km on it and suffered a head-gasket failure causing the oil and coolant to mix. Overall the engine has a very simplistic design reminiscent of Toyota V6's.
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[@n0valyfeyo115]

"And theres the water pump. Its got a really interesting shape to it with a nice tip over here" Tops, mate.

[@speedkar99]

Thanks 🎩

[@xcmskim4]

The Lambda engines are one of the best engines from Hyundai/Kia. Very reliable and no horrendous recalls or engines failures unlike Nu or Theta. They have a reliable and simpler design. They also have better build quality as all the Lambda engines are built in Korea. (Nu and Theta sold in US and Canada are built in the US). These engines were found in the Veracruz, Genesis, Genesis Coupe, Azera, Entourage, Sedona, Armanti. These engines can go up to 200k without any trouble. Overall great teardown. This engine could have lasted a lot longer.

[@earlscheib7754]

Not true, price out one for a 14 Sorento for example at a junkyard 7,000 for a used engine.

[@xcmskim4]

@@earlscheib7754 Sorento did not have the 3.8L Lambda engine

[@know916bound]

The 3.3L is still considered Lambda 2

[@know916bound]

They're both also known for overheating issues and relatively weak rods that bend if not babied.

[@speedkar99]

They're still better than Hyundai's other engines 👀

[@emotionz3]

This engine is essentially a reverse engineered Mitsubishi 6G7, which was coincidentally purchased under contract and used by Hyundai in their Sonata through the 90’s.

[@transmitterguy478]

Hey Speedcar, rebuild that engine. Make a series other than your teardown videos. Show us how you would clean the engine, check tolerances and do a modular rebuild. That would be enjoyable to watch. Everyone else is rebuilding old tractor engines and it's getting boring, we want to see a newer engine rebuild. Have a buddy build an engine run stand, hook up a harness, and run it, that would be really cool. Great videos, I've learned a lot, thanks.

[@speedkar99]

I like to break things apart not put them back together 😅

[@greggc.touftree5936]

The types on engines he gets it would cost too much and take too long to clean the engine. Most people would take a few parts from the engine, clean then, for theirs, for repair. Well on normal cars, not Korean garbage.

[@FonicsSuck]

@@greggc.touftree5936 Korean garbage eh. Did you not watch the video? Have you not seen any other engines before? What sort of data sets are you cherry picking from to label anything from Korea as "garbage"?

[@robertduklus6555]

I have lambda 2 3.3 in my 2015 Santa Fe. so far no issues at 148 000 km. changing oil every 6 k km since new, synthetic only. still good power no noticeable drop in fuel economy.

[@speedkar99]

Nice!

[@kristianhermann5971]

Don't know too many engines that overheat on their own LOL - usually it's owners - nice teardown as always 👍

[@speedkar99]

True but with this one I think it's more related to the headgasket

[@677dm5]

Have you met a BMW? 🤣

[@maddie44477]

You never disappoint! Excellent work! 😀

[@speedkar99]

Thank you

[@ua7pyro591]

I believe this is the 3.5 lambda, the best of them. No gdi stuff. Our 3.5 has 190k and running great, no oil consumption, no timing issues. The plastic oil housing, the plastic fuel rail and the oil pressure sensors are prone issues. Overall its much better engine than i thought for a kia.

[@speedkar99]

Yeah the plastic is what kills it for me. Mechanically, it seems simple and sound.

[@FonicsSuck]

What's interesting is that the MPI 3.8 doesn't have the plastic coolant transfer pipe. The intake manifold is all aluminum as well. And the knock sensors are on the outside of the banks. I have cracked one of the plastic fuel rails before though haha. They have to be treated with care.

[@georgewhitney4936]

@@FonicsSuck if youre talking about the one for the coupe, that one had a few small differences between most of the other lambdas

[@kennyvincentngodo7788]

Thank you for your vids. Am a long time subscriber. It'll be lovely if you could do a teardown of one of these Ford 3.5 Cyclone / Duratec V6 you find in these newer model Taurus, Explorer Edge etc. Especially with the common water pump issues they usually have. I love the engine as they're very reliable though.

[@kimochi33]

I think it would be more fun to tear down 1.6L EcoBoost with timing belt soaked in oil😂

[@speedkar99]

Thanks. I'd love to teardown a duratec or EcoBoost ford V6 sometime. The cores are so expensive, it's hard to find a cheap one.

[@johnvandeven2188]

This engine appears to be very well designed. What irks me is the lack of preventative maintenance on this engine and this can be seen by the heavy staining left by the oil. The excessive use of sealant is a worry and the use of a wrong head gasket speaks volumes why this engine failed. All the bearings were good and the oil ring was also unblocked. So why did the engine overheat.....poor ongoing maintenance by the owner.

[@speedkar99]

I think the gasket design. You're right it's a pretty simple engine. Reminds me alot of a Toyota

[@dirtyharrysicilian7387]

Great video man, I own a 2018 Kia Sorento V6 with a Lambda II GDI engine. Getting look inside a Lambda II engine and hearing about the heat and oil burning issues. Makes me think more frequent coolant flushes and more frequent oil changes as the car gets over 100k miles would be a good idea. Also did you use your wifes shirt to wipe up oil at one point? No many shop towels have a floral pattern lol Great video!

[@earlscheib7754]

The toothbrush never dissapoints, excellent tear down.

[@speedkar99]

Teach-brush gets another one!

[@michaelbezoski3096]

It would be interesting to see a block & head getting machined. Casting would be pretty cool too. Thank for another video which makes this old man want to take it for three (years) and flee. I'm jealous of that cookie too. I've enjoyed the Mrs cooking channel. Love the ethic meals. 👍

[@speedkar99]

Glad you like her channel! She will really appreciate it

[@adey88splace]

Fascinating! Love your videos.

[@speedkar99]

Glad you like them!

[@menom7]

Another PRIMO take-apart video Brotha!!! And as always,I always Love watching You take the engine's apart and EXPLAIN to everyone,exactly what the part is,and what it does inside the engine!!! That helps teach people that may not be aware of what a certain part is for,learn on why it's even there to start with!!! The BEST PART? Your wife handing You a delicious choc.chip cookie at the end!!! Lol. Thumbs up!!! : >)

[@speedkar99]

Glad you appreciate it! It sure takes some effort to do this but I enjoy it, and the cookie treatment haha

[@menom7]

Yes it does take time&effort,and we're all glad that You choose to do it for us all! Great job Man!@@speedkar99

[@MkB-1989]

The video I've been waiting for. Many thanks bro. These engines are very reliable and can run more than +500k km maintenance free. The only drawback is the intake manifold tends to fail rearly and cause loud noisy sound

[@speedkar99]

Thanks, so you have this engine in your kia?

[@MkB-1989]

@speedkar99 Yes. Kia cadenza 2012 V6 3.5L with power steering pump

[@msschill]

Would you say that the issue with these engines comes down to bad maintenance? I keep hearing that the dealer recommended 10k mile oil changes is what keeps these from lasting. Makes sense since the design does seem very simple.

[@einfelder8262]

Love to see a teardown of the 1998 V6 Isuzu Trooper engine. I had one of these and it was totally trouble free. Probably hard to find a failed one :)

[@saltycarl6581]

my friends mom had a Isuzu Rodeo and the engine outlasted the car its self. last i saw it had 400k miles and she treated it like crap.

[@speedkar99]

Isn't that the Honda J-series? Or is that the Isuzu passport

[@einfelder8262]

@@speedkar99 Honda used the Isuzu engine for a time. I'm not 100% familiar with the US versions, in Australia we didn't get the Hondas but did get the Jackaroo/Trooper edit: - yes, the Passport used it and the Acura also.

[@zf8496]

That's a very detailed informations you're providing! thanks a lot you're awesome so what i get from the video is to change the components before their estimated time?! that way the engine survives more?

[@speedkar99]

Maintain the car and it should blast a while

[@kevinpiimauna1293]

I have a 2008 Sorento on 2” spacers with the 3.3l Lambda 1. It fkn rips. Sounds way sportier than it’s probably supposed to. I tried the FRAM XG9999 or whatever full synthetic filter and it caused the oil to drain back into the pan so only use OEM i guess if you’re reading this. It sounded even sportier and picked up better after I got a new oil filter :/ I love this rig. It’ll go where some jeeps have had a hard time going, but I did have to replace a steering rack, both front steering knuckles, tie rods, ball joints etc

[@jocko_]

As usual an excellent video, thanks. Was the missus mad about the dress?

[@speedkar99]

What she doesn't know won't harm her

[@tjjoseph333]

Fantastic Video!

[@speedkar99]

Thank you very much!

[@queenhoe9006]

YESSSS IVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS

[@speedkar99]

You have a Kia?

[@zacharytyler9236]

As a Kia master I see the back bank head bolts pull out and strip the threads on the block, this causes the head gaskets to go. Normaly the back bank goes. This is just the 3.3 v6 on the newer v6 3.8 I have yet to see this failure. If you have a 2016-2018 sorento with the 3.3 there is a TSB that will replace long or short black depending on how bad the failure is for the bolts stripping out. Extended warranty is 10 years 180,000 miles.

[@zacharytyler9236]

Other than that, take care of it and they hold up really well, keep the coolant and oil fresh and they will go 200k and I have seen a few in the 300k mile range with minor problems.

[@speedkar99]

Good to know! Seems like the rear bank failed on this one too.

[@iroekyjHD]

My 2014 kia Sorento went through 3 engines and I sold that shit

[@doodledo5226]

Any extended warranty for 2018 sonata ?

[@JVR2019]

Awesome engine for the price; looks decently made.

[@speedkar99]

It sure looks simply designed

[@oscarlmolina]

Great video!

[@speedkar99]

Thanks!

[@FonicsSuck]

My 3.8 Lambda is currently making over 430whp and going strong! Of course, with ARP fasteners and forged pistons and rods 😅 A very simple and easy engine to work on. Strong lower ends.

[@speedkar99]

Genesis?

[@FonicsSuck]

@@speedkar99 Yes, Genesis Coupe

[@olspanner]

As you said, " a pretty simple engine design". Not a bad looking V6 either! And I know, you know the correct way to use a crescent wrench. Hate those things! LOL

[@speedkar99]

Yeah I'm not a fan of using a wrench either lol

[@RayanMADAO]

Wow a video relevant to me...I have a 2021 Hyundai Azera with a 3.5 V6 lamba 2. Time to see what's going to be wrong with my car (100k KMs so far no issues...)

[@JVR2019]

Change oil and filter every 5k miles at a minimum; you'll be fine.

[@speedkar99]

Work on the coolant more often If it gets contaminated it can work at the head gasket

[@conradscheepers]

I had the 3.3 v6 2017 and loved it. Traded at just over 100 km for the 2022 3.5 v6. Loving just as much. And pretty good fuel consumption for a beefy v6 ...

[@vxii4u]

Piston squirters cool the underside of the piston crown & lubricate the small end bushing in the conrod.

[@speedkar99]

Yes 👍

[@ronj9124]

Great video! So I understand . . . You think the engine failed because bolts were loose around one of the head gaskets, or was it that the head gasket was faulty?

[@speedkar99]

I think the gasket failed and maybe the bolts then came loose by warping ...

[@BlackCrown76]

hey speedkar, can you do a kia seltos review once you've got your hands on one? we've got it brand new, overall I trust the atkinson engine but I'd like to hear your opinions about the IVT.

[@speedkar99]

Check my Forte video. It has an ivt

[@zxggwrt]

First! Your videos are awesome and funny!

[@speedkar99]

Glad you like them! Thanks

[@Aleks_Mechanics]

Notification SQUAD!!!🔥🔥🔥

[@speedkar99]

Thanks

[@doodledo5226]

What causes 2012 kia sedona 3.5 oil leak from main seal?

[@liver.flush.maestro]

Overall clean design, odd they still prone to major defects like head gasket leaks. Perhaps due to open deck design?

[@speedkar99]

Yes. I think it's the head gasket

[@P.A.C.E.automotive]

Just did a Bank 2 intake sprocket on one of these.

[@speedkar99]

How difficult is it in the car?

[@iroekyjHD]

Maybe it was because we had the early 2014 sorento, but it had gone through 2 lambda 2's and we sold it after getting the 3rd motor.. all were replaced under warranty because they all developed knock. The first engine made it till around 100k and the second -shit you not, didnt even last until the end of its breakin period... When we got the third engine we already wanted to sell the car but i noticed that it was also experiencing the same "knock"/ tick at startup that the other engines did.. apparently this is just the way the VTC system works on these POS engines and oil needs to flow before it goes away.. but like i said, every single engine i had developed knock from normal driving (and not just at startup)

[@speedkar99]

What kind of oil were you running? Did you ever run it low?

[@iroekyjHD]

@@speedkar99 was never low but we did have to follow the warranty 6k mile intervals

[@iroekyjHD]

Also these were the early GDI v6s

[@Sac_slappper_4rce]

It is a nice tip.😎

[@speedkar99]

It sure is!

[@JorgeGarcia-wu6bv]

Me gustan tus videos son muy buenos👍

[@speedkar99]

You are welcome

[@jacobnathanielzpayag3885]

Luckyly in my country, we never got the problematic Nu and Theta II engines. Most of Hyundai/Kia products here got the Gamma engine or their U/R diesel engine which are quite reliable.

[@speedkar99]

Good

[@phatmeow7764]

my colleague from India shares that his Hyundai diesel engine car was outstanding i think its pity Hyundai diesels aren't sold in North America!

[@carlm2590]

I believe you may be incorrect the new version uses both DI and multiport.

[@speedkar99]

Are you sure for the v6? I know the new 4 cylinder have both

[@carlm2590]

@@speedkar99 I could be wrong

[@rkgsd]

Based on the huge number of Kia Tellurides that have been sold since 2020, you'll have plenty of those engines to do an autopsy on in the future.

[@speedkar99]

Would be awesome

[@Olemrac11]

I still want to see the veloster N Theta 2.0T engine (performance pack one)

[@speedkar99]

I don't see how much different it would be mechanically

[@Olemrac11]

@@speedkar99 yeah I'm pretty sure it's just a tuning difference

[@Nskawtea1]

Not bad. It didnt take long for a tear down compared to the other engines

[@speedkar99]

Yeah it's a simple easy one.

[@bondisteve3617]

Thanks

[@speedkar99]

Welcome

[@applepoop10]

Can you do a test down of the V8 engine that is inside in the KIA K900.

[@speedkar99]

I don't think Hyundai has V8 engines in the K900 here....

[@applepoop10]

@@speedkar99 The Hyundai Equus and KIA K900 shared the same 5.0-liter V8 that produces 429 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque. They were luxury sedans that weren’t advertised much.

[@mr.knight1359]

In my dads 2010 santafe its been working for almost 155k kilometers and so far the only thing that went wrong and had to be replaced was the cvvts.

[@speedkar99]

Were they rattling? The VVT gears?

[@mr.knight1359]

​@@speedkar99 well yes on cold start you could hear them for 1-2 maybe 3 seconds and it would go away. and as it goes with the usual car owner my father didnt care about the sound cause it would go away. he finally agreed to take it to a shop after like 8 months arguing.

[@glock18supercharger]

Nice 👏😍

[@speedkar99]

Thanks 🤗

[@infernoking7504]

This looks llike a great engine design aside from the plastic 6 bolt mains is impressive.

[@speedkar99]

Plastic 6 bolt mains?

[@crash3ksa]

The overheating issue is very common BUT its mostly from the radiatior fan connector burning up and causing the engine to be fucked Overall those are the most realible engines hyundai and kia ever made.

[@speedkar99]

Yes more reliable than their other engines but still prone to head gasket failure

[@robertduklus6555]

​@speedkar99 what's the cause of the head gasket failures ?

[@beastfromtheeast9318]

I did a short block build on this engine. Haha

[@speedkar99]

How did it go?

[@beastfromtheeast9318]

It went well. The engine had horrible oil consumption problem and the customer got a goodwill repair from Hyundai. Customer got lucky for that.

[@beastfromtheeast9318]

Also, when I was tearing it down one or two head bolts weren’t that tight either. Funny how you ran into the same thing.

[@DavidDLee]

Does not look like you washed hands before eating the cookie 😉

[@speedkar99]

I took off my glove. 🤦‍♀️

[@TrollinCrazyRussian]

Lambda is known for overheating? What's cause? Water pump failure?

[@speedkar99]

Yeah but also the head gasket design

[@TrollinCrazyRussian]

@@speedkar99 What is wrong with the design? It isn't just case of bolt not being torqued enough? If it's in fact shit gasket what rough mileage would you recommend a preventative gasket swap.

[@FonicsSuck]

@@TrollinCrazyRussian certain displacements of Lambdas have TSBs for head bolts. The 3.8 has a MLS gasket and is high quality. Mine showed zero issues after a teardown at 90,000km. In fact, the entire motor showed very little wear. Save for the destroyed piston ring lands.

[@TrollinCrazyRussian]

@@FonicsSuck whew that sound good. That's almost satisfactory coming from beloved Ford modular 2valve 4.6 in panther platform just plastic intake manifold replacement at around 150k alternator around same time. Steering gave out at 174k ish then got rid of car due to life circumstances not having enough time or money to find low mileage junkyard part. Wish I could rip out motor and transmission driveshaft and axle for some cool off road kart toy or high mpg ultralight car crazy power and torque to weight. Went in debt for Hyundai palisade for new job

[@themichaelcreed]

There's a recall for the 2024's Lambda II V6 engine replacing the engine sub-assembly. NHTSA Recall No.: 24V-077 & Manufacturer Recall No.: SC296 “2024MY Telluride Engine Valve Spring Chronology.” Certain 2024 model year Telluride vehicles manufactured from October 1, 2023 through December 6, 2023. The engine valve springs may break while driving due to fatigue cracking as a result of damage to the springs during manufacture by the supplier. A broken valve spring may result in a loss of motive power. In rare cases, a hole in the engine block may occur due to a broken valve entering the combustion chamber. All owners of the subject vehicles will be notified by first class mail with instructions to bring their vehicles to a Kia dealer. Kia dealers will replace the engine sub-assembly. Kia will reimburse owners for repair expenses already incurred pursuant to Kia’s General Reimbursement Plan filed May 10, 2022

[@sc0llay]

This engine seems to have a lot of similarities to the Nissan VQ

[@SuperMan-uj7dh]

Looks like a 2GR except for the thin timing chain

[@speedkar99]

Yes very similar. The 2GR has rockers thought

[@nickayivor8432]

Brilliant video 👍 SHARP Speedkar99 From Nick Ayivor from London England UK 🇬🇧 ⏰️ 22:23pm Good Evening 🌧 and more 🌧

[@speedkar99]

Thanks from Toronto Canada

[@m2drive839]

Lots of piston in that water. Yeah

[@speedkar99]

Haha you caught that

[@jeffgroves4533]

Would love if you responded to my comment on your vw Tiguan video.

[@speedkar99]

Ok

[@jeffgroves4533]

@@speedkar99 the only reason why the Tiguan was misfiring in your video was because you had the dipstick pulled causing a vacuum leak.

[@Drmcclung]

Ah so the tip of the water pump must be why the oil and water streams crossed and blew the engine!

[@speedkar99]

Ugh

[@Drmcclung]

@@speedkar99 "never cross the streams!" I love that movie 😆

[@Erik_Swiger]

In a future design, they're planning to use the engineers' wives' old dresses as oil baffles.

[@speedkar99]

Hahaha

[@tonymiranda3729]

I don't blame hardworking folks who dare NOT touch any Kia or Hyundai vehicle. With the massive bill they shouldered from the engine failure/engine fire fiasco plus other major safety recalls, guess who will foot the bill eventually?

[@ExcaliburTTP]

lookin like a vq eh

[@speedkar99]

Kinda. More like an MZ series Toyota inside. The VQ has a different chain Setup.

[@Erik_Swiger]

Modern engines are technological marvels, but are they "better?" Define better. They make more power, with less fuel, achieving better efficiency. But is that better? The engines are much more complex, much more prone to failure, and more expensive to produce and more difficult to repair. In other words, there's more to it than just efficiency for efficiency's sake. I love engines and playing with tech ideas on paper. That doesn't mean all these ideas are good ones.

[@saltycarl6581]

everything feels so over engineered these days, i say emission standards are really pushing us to the limits.

[@speedkar99]

I feel like better means it lasts longer and is made of higher quality materials

[@scose]

please start a gofundme for a scrapped 1uz or 3uz, I want to see your take

[@speedkar99]

I'd love to get one but the easiest way is to buy a $2000 scrap car.

[@Wtrxprs007able]

Really hope whoever worked on this engine doesnt call themselves a qualified mechanic. That amount rtv everywhere is criminal

[@speedkar99]

It's crazy!

[@zijie-he]

To Hyundai and kia, it's not bad.

[@speedkar99]

Yep. Not as bad as their reputation perceives

[@liver.flush.maestro]

replaced by a turbocharged bicycle ... 🤣

[@speedkar99]

Yep. It's probably gonna be the fate

[@kclefthanded427]

Way too much RTV as I'm seeing a lot rubber gaskets and grommets missing. Maybe Subaru can learn from this

[@speedkar99]

I think this engine was worked on by a sloppy mechanic

[@TFSGEO]

Do people actually adjust the cam buckets on these? I feel like you’re talking thousands of dollars for something that’s got not real drivability concerns.

[@speedkar99]

If you're doing a headgasket job and the cams are coming off then yes it'll be worth it.

[@miketdavies]

Great video. Really well done. Sorry about your wife's dress, hopefully your kids outgrow some more clothing soon.

[@speedkar99]

Haha Yep I have some baby clothes waiting for the next teardown

[@johnmckee7937]

Kia/Hyundai keeps you in engines to tear down.

[@speedkar99]

And Subaru

[@ladalout245]

I hope the Mrs didn't spot her summertime dress when she handed you food. No use this time of year in any event, an ideal oil catcher. Was that a rock cake or a scone?

[@speedkar99]

Cookie lol

[@infernoking7504]

Not the worst kia design ive seen

[@speedkar99]

It's a pretty good, simple design. Headgaskets are what kill these.

[@zf8496]

any solution for it?@@speedkar99

[@jesseb3758]

Oh yes the horrible theta 2 just got done rebuilding one

[@speedkar99]

RIP

[@TheJackal917]

I once saw its repair. That was horrible.

[@DasYorgo4000]

They buy there head gaskets from Subaru…

[@speedkar99]

Haha good one

[@jtomtl]

Like I said before, KIA engine, design to break, KIA, kill in accidents. KIA owners are not going to be happy with this but hey, value king right?

[@speedkar99]

Yes

[@nvkulk]

So semi junk

[@speedkar99]

If it's not overheating it's fine

[@KendrasEdge757]

It may REMIND you of Toyota, but it’ll never be as reliable as Toyota. Korean cars, while better than Fiat, just aren’t great overall.

[@speedkar99]

Agreed.

[@darkivaz-aaa1145]

Failed? Don't tell me you're one of scotty Kilmer's students with a bunch of clickbaits

[@boots7859]

This guy is nothing like Scotty.

[@speedkar99]

If you watched the video, the engine actually failed. Big time.

[@darkivaz-aaa1145]

@@speedkar99 sir, that's only one engine. Most of those engines barely have any problem. But hey, if that's how you want to make your youtube, i don't blame you.

[@darkivaz-aaa1145]

@@boots7859 you got alot of those guys out there. Scotty is like a senior to them.