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

The 1.6 TDI and the 2.0 BlueHDi tie on our risk index: 45/100 (moderate risk). The 1.6 TDI has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Timing belt and water pump»; the 2.0 BlueHDi has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «DPF clogging on short journeys».

Risk index

1.6 TDI

45

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

Risk index

2.0 BlueHDi

45

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

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

15 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 BlueHDi reliable?

The 2.0 BlueHDi is mechanically one of the sturdiest PSA/Stellantis diesels: in the samples available for its 150 to 180 hp versions, the turbo, DPF, EGR and injectors fail noticeably less often than on earlier generations of the same engine from before 2013. Its documented weak point is the AdBlue tank, a fault so widespread that Stellantis compensates affected owners without a definitive fix.[5][6][7][8]

See the 4 of the 2.0 BlueHDi faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.6 TDI and 2.0 BlueHDi
1.6 TDI2.0 BlueHDi
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelDieselDiesel
Displacement1,598 cm³1,997 cm³
TimingTiming belt (dry)Timing belt (dry)
Power75–120 hp150–180 hp
Productionsince 2009[3][4][9]2013–2021[10][11][12]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)45Moderate risk45Moderate risk
Documented faults54
Of high or critical severity22
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: AdBlue (SCR) tank and pump failure
  2. High severity: DPF clogging on short journeys
  3. High severity: Injector and high-pressure pump wear
Most expensive documented repairup to €3,000Clogged particulate filter (DPF)Published figure[13][14]up to €1,500AdBlue (SCR) tank and pump failurePublished figure[7][8]
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNone
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 1.6 TDI common rail EA189 (2009-2015)[1][2]
  • 2.0 BlueHDi 150/163 (DW10FC/DW10FD, 2013-2020)[5][7][8]
  • 2.0 BlueHDi 177/180 (DW10FC/DW10FD, 2013-2021)[5][6]
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 BlueHDi

See the 13 models with the 2.0 BlueHDi

Other comparisons

With the 1.6 TDI

With the 2.0 BlueHDi

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. Fiabilité du 2.0 HDIFiches-Auto · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  6. Fiabilité Opel Grandland X (2017-2024), pannes et témoignagesFiches-Auto · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  7. AdBlue : problèmes en pagailleFiches-Auto · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  8. Stellantis amplía las compensaciones por los problemas técnicos de sus depósitos AdBlueMinisterio de Derechos Sociales, Consumo y Agenda 2030 · Official body · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  9. List of Volkswagen Group diesel enginesWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  10. PSA EW/DW engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  11. Peugeot 308Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  12. Peugeot 308 5p GT 2.0 BlueHDi 180 S&S EAT8 (2017-2019) | Precio y ficha técnicakm77 · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  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