Corrections made

[Fredder]

Anyone know what changes Hyundai made to the 2011 3.8 engine over the years? (Other than the 2012 higher HP change)
I have a 2011, 3.8 which I bought used. I knew the original owner who, when I called, let me know that at 79,000kms (Warranty in Canada expires at 80,000kms) he insisted on and had the engine and transmission replaced as he was concerned about a noise from the engine.
I bought the car from the dealer where he traded it and he too disclosed the new engine info.
So, I am curious as to what improvements/corrections were made between a 3.8 manufactured in 2010 and new engine that was manufactured in, say, 2015 or 2016.
Would this be the new higher output engine at this point?
Thanks for any info.

 

[Mark_888]

The 2009-2011 V6 engines were all the same. Starting in 2012, they switch from Fuel Injection to Direct Injection (GDI), which added horsepower and slightly better mileage, but created some other potential issues such as carbon deposits on valves (this is a common issue with most all Direct Injection engines, which you can read more about by Googling the subject).

They may have made some minor changes to the V6 in 2015 with the release of the brand new Genesis design, but probably not any major changes. But keep in mind that it is highly unlikely they would use a 2015 engine in a 2011 Genesis, as they have some of older ones around to be used for parts or replacement if needed. If your oil filter is on top of the engine near the firewall, then you still have the 2009-2011 V6 engine design.

The Hyundai V6 Lambda engine design has been used in many Hyundai and Kia vehicles (both 3.3L and 3.8L displacement) and is fairly well proven. 2011 should be fairly reliable (unless it is abused). I would recommend a full synthetic 5W-30 or 0W-30 motor oil since you live in Canada (Mobil 1 0W-30 AFE would be excellent).

Also, the 2009-2011 Genesis used a 6-speed Aisin transmission, and Hyundai switched to a 8-speed Hyundai transmission in 2012. Aisin was founded as a joint venture between Toyota and BorgWarner to develop RWD transmissions for Lexus and used in many other brands.

 

[Fredder]

Mark 888,
Thanks for the reply.
I had forgotten they went to the 8 speed transmission so they must have installed the original 3.8 as I definately have the 6 speed.
Do you suppose that Hyundai corrected the causes of the engine failures they were experiencing by modifying bearings or whatever the parts were that were problematic as they replaced the engines?
I changed to full synthetic as soon as I bought the car and use only OEM oil filters.
Thanks again

 

[Mark_888]

Mark 888,
Thanks for the reply.
I had forgotten they went to the 8 speed transmission so they must have installed the original 3.8 as I definately have the 6 speed.
Do you suppose that Hyundai corrected the causes of the engine failures they were experiencing by modifying bearings or whatever the parts were that were problematic as they replaced the engines?
I changed to full synthetic as soon as I bought the car and use only OEM oil filters.
Thanks again

Having been on this forum for 8 years now, I have seen very few problems reported with the 2009-2011 Genesis V6 3.8, and also very few with the Aisin 6-speed transmission. So I don't know what problems you are talking about. Maybe the previous owner ran the car too hard?

In fact, even though the 2009-2011 3.8 V6 has less HP than the 3.8 V6 GDI version introduced in 2012, I would take the older Fuel Injected version over the GDI in a heartbeat. Too many problems with Direct Injection IMO, which manufacturers are being pressured to adopt to met USA CAFE gas mileage targets.

However, make absolutely sure that you use only the correct OEM Hyundai oil filter on your engine, which has black hard-plastic end caps. Use of after-market filters and/or using the wrong Hyundai filter, can cause oil starvation problems that will kill an engine in short order.

 

[Fredder]

Thanks again.

I do take the car to the dealer only for oil changes, full synthetic and the filter they supply, I have to guess they use Hyundai OEM.
I'll check that next time iItake it in.
The previous owner compained of an "engine noise", he just felt it wasn't right.
Hyundai obviously agreed as they replaced both engine and transmission.
He wasn't exactly the dutiful owner, I'm sure he just got in it and drove!
I'm looking after it really well so should work out fine.
Thanks Mark 888

 

[Mark_888]

I am sure that a Hyundai dealer would use a Hyundai OEM filter.