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1.6 TDI vs 1.4 HDi: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 1.4 HDi carries less risk than the 1.6 TDI: 43/100 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 1.4 HDi has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Timing belt and water pump».

Risk index

1.6 TDI

45

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

Risk index

1.4 HDi

43

Moderate risk · 1 serious fault

Lower risk

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

14 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 1.4 HDi reliable?

It is a small diesel that is generally reliable, but with a very well-documented weakness: the injectors tend to lose their seal over time and let diesel escape. The turbo and the EGR valve also fail on a noticeable minority of units, and there are isolated cases of the crankshaft damper pulley failing at very high mileages. The timing belt does not seem to cause more problems than on any diesel of its era if it is changed on time.[5][6][7]

See the 5 of the 1.4 HDi faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.6 TDI and 1.4 HDi
1.6 TDI1.4 HDi
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelDieselDiesel
Displacement1,598 cm³1,399 cm³
TimingTiming belt (dry)Timing belt (dry)
Power75–120 hp54–92 hp
Productionsince 2009[3][4][8]2001–2010[5][9][10][11]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)45Moderate risk43Moderate risk
Documented faults55
Of high or critical severity21
Worst severityHigh severityHigh 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. Medium severity: Injectors that lose their seal and let diesel escape
  2. High severity: Timing belt and water pump
  3. Medium severity: Premature turbo wear from poor lubrication
Most expensive documented repairup to €3,000Clogged particulate filter (DPF)Published figure[12][13]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]
  • 1.4 HDi/TDCi 54/68/70 8V (DV4TD, 2001-2009)[6][7]
  • 1.4 HDi 90/92 16V (DV4TED4, 2002-2009)[6][11]
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

1.4 HDi

See the 12 models with the 1.4 HDi

Other comparisons

With the 1.6 TDI

With the 1.4 HDi

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. Motor PSA DVWikipedia (es) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  6. Essai, avis et fiabilité des 1.4 HDI 68 chFiches-Auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  7. Essai, avis et fiabilité des 1.4 HDI 70 chFiches-Auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  8. List of Volkswagen Group diesel enginesWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  9. Ford Duratorq engineWikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  10. Peugeot DV4TD engine: specifications and applicationsMyMotorList · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026
  11. Peugeot DV4TED4 engine: specifications and applicationsMyMotorList · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026
  12. Cuánto cuesta sustituir el filtro de partículas de un coche diéselDiariomotor · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  13. Filtro de partículas: ¿mejor limpiar o sustituir?Autofácil · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  14. 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