Is a 2.4-liter engine a good engine?

It depends. A 2.4-liter engine can be excellent or problematic depending on the specific make, model, year, and whether it’s naturally aspirated or turbocharged. Some 2.4L families (like Honda’s K24 and Subaru’s newer FA24) have strong reputations, while others (such as Stellantis’s “Tigershark” 2.4 and certain Hyundai/Kia and GM 2.4L units) are known for issues like oil consumption or premature wear. The best way to judge a 2.4 is by the exact engine code, service history, and how you plan to use the vehicle.

What “2.4” actually means

“2.4” refers to an engine’s displacement—roughly the total volume swept by all pistons—measured here in liters. Displacement alone doesn’t determine reliability, power, efficiency, or longevity. Design choices (materials, injection type, thermal management), the presence of a turbocharger, and software calibration have a far larger impact on how good a particular 2.4L will be in the real world.

The case for 2.4L engines today

In modern vehicles, 2.4-liter engines often strike a practical balance. In naturally aspirated form, they typically offer adequate torque for daily driving with fewer parts and simpler maintenance. In turbocharged form, newer 2.4Ts deliver strong low-end torque for trucks and SUVs while keeping fuel consumption reasonable compared with larger engines—though at the cost of added complexity.

Naturally aspirated vs. turbocharged 2.4L: key trade-offs

The following points outline the main advantages and compromises you’ll encounter when comparing non-turbo and turbocharged 2.4-liter engines.

• Complexity and cost: Naturally aspirated (NA) 2.4Ls are simpler and usually cheaper to maintain; turbocharged 2.4Ls add forced-induction hardware and tighter thermal demands.
• Torque and drivability: Turbo 2.4Ls deliver more torque at lower rpm, which helps heavier vehicles and towing; NA versions feel more linear but less punchy.
• Fuel and oil demands: Turbo engines are more sensitive to oil quality/intervals and may require premium fuel for best performance; NA engines are generally more tolerant.
• Long-term wear: Turbos add heat and pressure, increasing the importance of cooling system health and timely maintenance; NA engines often age more predictably.

Choosing between NA and turbo comes down to use case: pick NA for simplicity and predictable upkeep, turbo for stronger performance in heavier vehicles or at altitude.

Real-world track record: notable 2.4L engines

Because “2.4” spans many manufacturers and eras, reputations vary widely. Below are examples often cited by owners, technicians, and service bulletins to give context—not an exhaustive list.

2.4L families with generally strong reputations

These examples are frequently praised for durability when maintained properly. As always, condition and service history matter more than nameplate alone.

• Honda K24 (various 2000s–2010s): Known for robustness across Accords, CR-Vs, and Acura TSX, with issues typically limited to items like VTC actuator noise or timing-chain wear if oil changes are neglected. Later K24W variants added direct injection; still solid with proper care.
• Subaru FA24 (2019–present, turbocharged “DIT” in Ascent/Outback XT/Legacy XT/WRX): Praised for strong, usable torque; reliability to date has been good when serviced on time. As a direct-injection turbo engine, clean oil and cooling-system vigilance are key.
• Mitsubishi 2.4 (4B12/4J12, various applications): Generally serviceable and long-lived with routine maintenance; not as widely discussed as Honda’s K series but often regarded as stout in normal use.

While these engines have favorable track records, any individual example can still suffer neglect-related problems—verification via records and inspection is essential.

2.4L families with common, well-documented issues

The engines below have generated a notable number of complaints or service actions; that doesn’t mean every example is bad, but it raises the bar for due diligence.

• Stellantis/Chrysler “Tigershark” 2.4 (circa 2013–2021 in Dodge/Jeep/Chrysler/Fiat models): Widespread reports of excessive oil consumption; legal action and service campaigns followed. Buyers should verify consumption tests, software updates, and any related warranty or repair documentation.
• Hyundai/Kia 2.4L Theta II GDI (roughly 2011–2019 in multiple models): Subject to major recalls and class actions over bearing wear and potential engine failure tied to manufacturing debris and lubrication issues. Only consider examples with full recall completion and clear service history.
• GM Ecotec 2.4 (found in Equinox/Terrain/Regal/Malibu and others around 2010s): Known for timing-chain wear and oil consumption, exacerbated by extended intervals or PCV-related issues; GM issued service bulletins and special coverages in some cases.
• Toyota 2AZ-FE 2.4 (early–mid 2000s in Camry/RAV4 and others): Generally durable but with notable cases of piston-ring-related oil consumption and, in some vehicles, head-bolt thread issues; Toyota provided technical fixes and extended support in defined VIN ranges.

If you’re shopping one of these, scrutinize recall completion, repair receipts, and current oil consumption before committing.

What to check on a specific 2.4L vehicle

Because the engine code and year matter more than displacement, a focused pre-purchase process is the best predictor of ownership success.

1. Identify the exact engine code and calibration (e.g., K24A8 vs. K24W, FA24DIT, Tigershark 2.4). Small differences can affect reliability and parts availability.
2. Run the VIN for recalls and technical service bulletins via your national safety agency and the manufacturer’s site. Ensure all campaigns were completed.
3. Review maintenance records: oil change frequency (and oil spec), coolant service, spark plugs, and any timing-chain or tensioner work.
4. Assess oil consumption: check dipstick levels over a few hundred miles if possible, or ask for a recent consumption test or documentation.
5. Cold-start inspection: listen for chain rattle, knocking, or misfires; observe idle stability and exhaust smoke.
6. Scan for fault codes and fuel trims; abnormal trims can hint at vacuum leaks, injector issues, or carbon buildup.
7. For direct-injection engines, ask about intake-valve cleaning history and PCV system health; for turbo models, inspect for boost leaks and oil in intercooler piping.
8. Compression or leak-down test on higher-mileage examples; uneven results can foreshadow costly work.
9. Have an independent shop perform a pre-purchase inspection; consider used-oil analysis for borderline cases.

Completing these steps greatly reduces the risk of inheriting latent problems and helps you price the car realistically.

Ownership and maintenance tips

Good maintenance can turn a decent 2.4L into a long-lived one—and protect resale value.

• Use the exact oil specification and change intervals recommended for your engine; shorten intervals for turbocharged or heavy-use duty cycles.
• Keep the cooling system in top shape: fresh coolant on schedule, radiator and intercooler (if equipped) free of debris, and fans operating correctly.
• For DI or DI+turbo engines, plan periodic intake-valve cleaning if deposits cause drivability issues; high-quality fuel and correct PCV function help.
• Replace spark plugs and ignition components on time; misfires stress catalysts and turbos.
• Update ECU/TCU software when manufacturers issue reliability or drivability calibrations.
• If the engine family is known for oil consumption, monitor oil level regularly and document usage; address PCV updates or piston-ring service where applicable.
• For turbo models, allow gentle driving in the last minutes of a trip to manage heat soak, especially after towing or spirited driving.

These habits reduce wear, prevent secondary damage, and keep performance consistent over the long term.

Bottom line: is a 2.4 right for you?

Yes—if you pick the right one. A well-regarded 2.4L with documented maintenance can be an excellent daily-driver engine, offering a sweet spot of torque, efficiency, and longevity. For heavier vehicles or frequent mountain/towing use, a modern 2.4L turbo can deliver strong performance, provided you’re comfortable with stricter maintenance. Avoid—or price accordingly—engine families with known systemic issues unless repairs and updates are verified.

Summary

A 2.4-liter engine can be a very good engine, but displacement alone doesn’t guarantee reliability. Engines like Honda’s K24 and Subaru’s FA24 have strong records when maintained, while others (Stellantis Tigershark 2.4, certain Hyundai/Kia and GM 2.4Ls, and older Toyota 2AZ-FE in specific ranges) warrant extra caution. Identify the exact engine code, verify recalls and service history, test for oil consumption, and get an independent inspection. With the right example and proper care, a 2.4L can deliver many years of dependable service.

How many miles will a 2.4 engine last?

On these 2.4 engines they usually get to at least 200k miles before the rings let go, but a lot of that depends on how the previous owner(s) treated it. It should have a few years of life left. TLDR: not a bad choice if you maintain the car well and don’t drive a lot.

Which Hyundai engine to stay away from?

You should avoid Hyundai and Kia vehicles equipped with the Theta II 2.0L and 2.4L four-cylinder engines, particularly from the 2011-2022 model years, due to a history of severe issues including premature engine failure, spontaneous seizure, excessive oil consumption, and engine fires. These problems are linked to manufacturing defects like metal shavings and faulty piston rings, which lead to oil starvation and catastrophic engine failure, resulting in multiple recalls, lawsuits, and warranty claim disputes. 
Specific Engines to Avoid 

• Theta II Engine: This family of 2.0L and 2.4L engines is notorious for problems, including:
  • Rod Knock and Seizure: Metal shavings left from manufacturing can block oil passages, leading to bearing wear, rod knock, and eventual engine seizure.
  • High Oil Consumption: Faulty piston rings cause excessive oil consumption and eventual failure.
  • Engine Fires: Problems with the engine’s internal components and oil can lead to dangerous fires.

Why These Engines Are a Risk

• High Failure Rate: Vehicles with these engines have a notably high failure rate. 
• Extensive Recalls: Hyundai and Kia have issued numerous recalls and class-action lawsuits over these engines, covering millions of vehicles. 
• Ongoing Issues: As recently as February 2025, recalls were still expanding to include newer vehicles (2021-2023) with the 2.0L engine, highlighting persistent issues. 

What to Look For Instead

• Smart Stream Engines: Opens in new tabNewer models equipped with Hyundai’s Smart Stream engines are a better option, though their long-term reliability is still being determined. 
• Different Engine Families: Opens in new tabOther Hyundai engine families, such as the Tau V8, Nu MPI, and older Lambda V6, are generally considered more reliable. 
• Smaller Engines: Opens in new tabVehicles with smaller engines, like the 1.6L engine in the Hyundai Venue, appear to be less affected by these widespread problems. 

What is the most reliable 4-cylinder engine?

There is no single “most reliable” 4-cylinder engine, but consistently highly-regarded engines include Honda’s K-Series (K20, K24), known for its bulletproof design and high longevity, and Toyota’s 22RE (2.4L) and Dynamic Force (2.0L, 2.5L) engines, noted for their durability and straightforward design. The older Volvo B230 (“Red Block”) is another legendary option for its exceptional dependability, while the Honda K20C1 stands out as a highly reliable turbocharged 4-cylinder.
 
Highly Reliable 4-Cylinder Engines 

• Honda K-Series (K20, K24): Opens in new tabThese naturally aspirated engines are celebrated for their lightweight aluminum construction, integrated bed plate for rigidity, and timing chain for durability. 
• Toyota 22RE: Opens in new tabA 2.4-liter engine with a cast-iron block and aluminum heads, featuring a durable timing chain for excellent reliability and smooth operation. 
• Toyota Dynamic Force (2.0L, 2.5L): Opens in new tabModern, naturally aspirated engines found in models like the Corolla and RAV4, these are known for their reliability and minimal issues with proper maintenance. 
• Volvo B230 “Red Block”: Opens in new tabA robust and timeless engine from the 1980s and 90s, designed for exceptional long-term durability with basic maintenance. 
• Honda K20C1: Opens in new tabA turbocharged version of the K-Series, this engine combines high-performance thrills with the same dependable reliability Honda is known for. 

Key Factors for Reliability

• Timing Chain vs. Belt: Engines with timing chains are generally more reliable because the chain is designed to last the life of the engine, unlike rubber timing belts that require periodic replacement. 
• Robust Construction: A solid, well-engineered engine block, whether cast-iron or advanced aluminum alloys, contributes significantly to a long lifespan. 
• Proven Design: Engines with a long history of use, like the Honda K-Series and Toyota 22RE, have had time to work out any potential issues and are well-sorted. 

Are 2.4 engines reliable?

Subaru’s 2.4-liter turbocharged engine has been known to last over 150,000 miles with routine maintenance. All of the issues mentioned here can be avoided entirely with proper care. This makes this engine hard to beat.