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1.6 TDI vs 2.0 CDTI: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 2.0 CDTI carries less risk than the 1.6 TDI: 38/100 versus 45/100 (both moderate risk). The 1.6 TDI has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Timing belt and water pump»; the 2.0 CDTI has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Turbocharger wear or failure».

Risk index

1.6 TDI

45

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

Risk index

2.0 CDTI

38

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

16 sourcesHow we work

Is the 1.6 TDI reliable?

It depends on the generation. The EA189 (2009-2015, 75-105 hp) is one of the dieselgate engines: it needs the software update and, unlike the 2.0 TDI, an air flow stabiliser, on top of the typical EGR, particulate filter and turbo faults. The later EA288 (from 2012, 80-120 hp) is not singled out by the scandal, but it shares the need to keep an eye on the timing belt and the water pump.[1][2][3][4]

See the 5 of the 1.6 TDI faults

Is the 2.0 CDTI reliable?

Unlike the 1.3 and 1.6 CDTI of the same era, the Opel/Vauxhall 2.0 CDTI (2008-2019, 110-210 hp with BiTurbo variants) is an engine with a timing belt rather than a chain. It builds up soot in the injectors and EGR valve, clogs its DPF on short journeys, has a recorded faulty turbo and one engine failure, and its models were among those investigated by Germany's KBA and the Frankfurt public prosecutor over a possible switching-off of the emissions treatment.[5][6][7][8][9][10]

See the 6 of the 2.0 CDTI faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.6 TDI and 2.0 CDTI
1.6 TDI2.0 CDTI
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelDieselDiesel
Displacement1,598 cm³1,956 cm³
TimingTiming belt (dry)Timing belt (dry)
Power75–120 hp110–210 hp
Productionsince 2009[3][4][11]2008–2019[5][12]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)45Moderate risk38Moderate risk
Documented faults56
Of high or critical severity22
Worst severityHigh severityCritical severity
Main faults
  1. Medium severity: Manipulated emissions software (dieselgate) and air flow stabiliser
  2. High severity: Timing belt and water pump
  3. High severity: Variable-geometry turbo seized or with play
  1. High severity: Turbocharger wear or failure
  2. Medium severity: Soot build-up in the injectors and EGR valve
  3. Medium severity: Clogged particulate filter (DPF) and oil dilution on short journeys
Most expensive documented repairup to €3,000Clogged particulate filter (DPF)Published figure[13][14]No reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNone
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 1.6 TDI common rail EA189 (2009-2015)[1][2]
  • 2.0 CDTI 110-131 hp (A20DTH/A20DTJ, 2008-2015)[6][16]
  • 2.0 CDTI 160-170 hp (A20DTH/A20DTJ/B20DTH, 2008-2019)[7][8]
  • 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI 195 hp (A20DTR, 2011-2015)[6]
  • 2.0 CDTI BiTurbo 210 hp 4x4 (Insignia B, 2017-2022)[12]
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

1.6 TDI

See the 26 models with the 1.6 TDI

2.0 CDTI

Other comparisons

With the 1.6 TDI

With the 2.0 CDTI

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. Escándalo de emisiones contaminantes de vehículos VolkswagenWikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  2. Información sobre el motor EA189Volkswagen España · Manufacturer · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  3. VW EA189Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  4. VW EA288Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  5. Opel Insignia AWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  6. Opel Astra (H, J, K): Technische Daten, Abmessungen, AnhängelastGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  7. Fiabilité Opel Insignia - avis et pannes des propriétairesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  8. Fiabilité Opel Insignia Grand Sport - avis et pannes des propriétairesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  9. Opel está de nuevo en el punto de mira por las emisiones con 60.000 coches afectadosMotorpasión · Motoring press · published 16 July 2018 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  10. La Fiscalía alemana registra las instalaciones de Opel en el marco de una investigación sobre emisionesMotorpasión · Motoring press · published 15 October 2018 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  11. List of Volkswagen Group diesel enginesWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  12. Opel InsigniaWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  13. Cuánto cuesta sustituir el filtro de partículas de un coche diéselDiariomotor · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  14. Filtro de partículas: ¿mejor limpiar o sustituir?Autofácil · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  15. 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 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  16. Opel Insignia A – Typische Probleme & KrankheitenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German