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MotorFiable

1.3 Multijet vs 2.5 TDI R5: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 2.5 TDI R5 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 2.5 TDI R5 has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Plasma coating flaking off the cylinders».

Risk index

1.3 Multijet

64

High risk · 4 serious faults

Risk index

2.5 TDI R5

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 2.5 TDI R5 reliable?

The 2.5 TDI R5 in the T5 and the Touareg has a poor reputation: camshaft wear, pump injectors and cylinder coating. The later series were more reliable. It is not Audi's V6 TDI.[5][6][7]

See the 5 of the 2.5 TDI R5 faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.3 Multijet and 2.5 TDI R5
1.3 Multijet2.5 TDI R5
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelDieselDiesel
Displacement1,248 cm³2,461 cm³
TimingChainTiming belt (dry)
Power69–105 hp88–174 hp
Production2003–2024[8][9][10]2003–2011[11][12][13]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)64High risk45Moderate risk
Documented faults55
Of high or critical severity42
Worst severityCritical severityCritical 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. Critical severity: Plasma coating flaking off the cylinders
  2. High severity: Camshaft and hydraulic tappet wear
  3. Medium severity: Leaks and play in the unit injectors
Most expensive documented repairup to €1,200Injector and high-pressure pump wear from contaminated fuelPublished figure[3]No reliable data
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]
  • 2.5 TDI 130 and 174 hp with DPF (BNZ, BPC, 2006-2009)[5]
  • 2.5 TDI common rail Crafter (88 to 163 hp, 2006-2011)[13]
AvoidVersions to avoidNone
  • 2.5 TDI 130 and 174 hp (AXD, AXE, 2003-2006)[5]

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

2.5 TDI R5

Other comparisons

With the 1.3 Multijet

With the 2.5 TDI R5

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. VW T5 4Motion Gebrauchtwagen-TestAuto Bild · Motoring press · consulted 5 October 2026 · in German
  6. Kaufberatung gebrauchter VW T5 (2003-2015)Promobil · Motoring press · consulted 5 October 2026 · in German
  7. Ratgeber Technik: Fehler VW T5Auto Bild · Motoring press · consulted 5 October 2026 · in German
  8. Fiat JTD engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  9. Moteur Fiat 1.3 MultiJetWikipédia · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  10. Motor Fiat 1.3 JTD 16v: más información sobre el motorkm77 · Technical documentation · published September 2002 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  11. VW T5Wikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in German
  12. VW Touareg IWikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in German
  13. Volkswagen CrafterWikipedia (es) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in Spanish