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1.3 Multijet vs 1.2 TDI: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 1.2 TDI carries less risk than the 1.3 Multijet: 45/100 (moderate risk) versus 64/100 (high risk). The 1.3 Multijet has 4 documented serious faults, the main one being «Timing chain stretch and tensioner failure»; the 1.2 TDI has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Timing belt, water pump and high-pressure pump».

Risk index

1.3 Multijet

64

High risk · 4 serious faults

Risk index

1.2 TDI

45

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

Lower risk

The index (0–100) weights the severity and frequency of the three most serious documented faults. How it is calculated

13 sourcesHow we work

Is the 1.3 Multijet reliable?

The 1.3 Multijet is a reliable diesel in the basics, but it has a known weak point across all its brands: the timing chain and its tensioner can stretch or fail if oil changes are neglected, with a risk of serious damage. In urban use, the EGR valve, the particulate filter and the variable-geometry turbo add to the list.[1][2][3][4]

See the 5 of the 1.3 Multijet faults

Is the 1.2 TDI reliable?

A three-cylinder diesel with a single homologated output (75 hp) that Volkswagen fitted to the low-consumption versions of its smallest models between 2009 and 2014. It belongs to the EA189 family and was added to the list of engines in the emissions scandal a few days later. Its timing belt also drives the water pump and the high-pressure pump, so do not put off replacing it; also keep an eye on the turbo, the EGR and the particulate filter.[5][6][7][8]

See the 5 of the 1.2 TDI faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.3 Multijet and 1.2 TDI
1.3 Multijet1.2 TDI
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelDieselDiesel
Displacement1,248 cm³1,199 cm³
TimingChainTiming belt (dry)
Power69–105 hp75 hp
Production2003–2024[9][10][11]2009–2014[7][8]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)64High risk45Moderate risk
Documented faults55
Of high or critical severity42
Worst severityCritical severityHigh severity
Main faults
  1. Critical severity: Timing chain stretch and tensioner failure
  2. High severity: Incomplete particulate filter regenerations and oil dilution
  3. High severity: Seized variable-geometry turbo
  1. Medium severity: Manipulated emissions software (dieselgate) and the subsequent update
  2. High severity: Timing belt, water pump and high-pressure pump
  3. High severity: Failing turbo: loss of power, whistling or smoke
Most expensive documented repairup to €1,200Injector and high-pressure pump wear from contaminated fuelPublished figure[3]up to €2,000Blocked diesel particulate filter (DPF)Published figure[12]
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNoneNone
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 1.3 Multijet 8v (69-105 hp, 2003-2009)[1][2][3]
  • 1.3 Multijet II 16v Euro 5 (75-95 hp, 2009-2015)[2][4]
  • 1.3 Multijet II 16v Euro 6 (95 hp, 2015-2020)[2][4]
  • 1.2 TDI common rail 75 hp (CFWA, 2009-2014)[5][13]
AvoidVersions to avoidNoneNone

Severity of each fault: green, low; amber, medium; red, high; dark red, critical. How we rate them

Cars that each one is fitted to

1.3 Multijet

See the 22 models with the 1.3 Multijet

1.2 TDI

Other comparisons

With the 1.3 Multijet

With the 1.2 TDI

Compare other engines

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Fiat 1.3 Multijet: ficha técnica, problemas y tuningMotordinámico · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  2. 1.3 CDTi Opel (Z13DT) Multijet: ficha técnica, problemas y tuningMotordinámico · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  3. Fiat 1.3 Multijet: problemas, fallos y averías más frecuentesTotalrenting · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  4. Fiat 1.3 JTD/Multijet: corrente folgada e entupimento dos canais de lubrificaçãoProvmec · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Portuguese
  5. Escándalo de emisiones contaminantes de vehículos VolkswagenWikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  6. Volkswagen emissions scandalWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  7. VW EA189Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  8. List of discontinued Volkswagen Group diesel enginesWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  9. Fiat JTD engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  10. Moteur Fiat 1.3 MultiJetWikipédia · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  11. Motor Fiat 1.3 JTD 16v: más información sobre el motorkm77 · Technical documentation · published September 2002 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  12. Cuánto cuesta sustituir el filtro de partículas de un coche diéselDiariomotor · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  13. Bomba de agua del coche: la avería de más de 1.500 euros que arrastra la correa de distribuciónMotor16 · Motoring press · published 21 September 2026 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish