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2.0 HDi 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 2.0 HDi: 45/100 (moderate risk) versus 55/100 (high risk). The 2.0 HDi has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Variable-geometry turbo failures (actuator, sensors and clogging)»; the 2.5 TDI R5 has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Plasma coating flaking off the cylinders».

Risk index

2.0 HDi

55

High risk · 2 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

15 sourcesHow we work

Is the 2.0 HDi reliable?

It is a robust diesel in its simplest 90 hp version, but the 136 to 140 hp generation with a DPF (2004-2011) concentrates the engine's problems: turbo, DPF, EGR and, above all, a dual-mass flywheel that fails very often. The BlueHDi engines (from 2013) are mechanically more reliable, but add an AdBlue tank that can crystallise; the OCU (Spanish consumer organisation) has reported this fault in Spain and Stellantis covers it with a compensation programme.[1][2][3][4]

See the 5 of the 2.0 HDi 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 2.0 HDi and 2.5 TDI R5
2.0 HDi2.5 TDI R5
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelDieselDiesel
Displacement1,997 cm³2,461 cm³
TimingTiming belt (dry)Timing belt (dry)
Power90–180 hp88–174 hp
Production1999–2021[1][8][9][10][11]2003–2011[12][13][14]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)55High risk45Moderate risk
Documented faults55
Of high or critical severity22
Worst severityHigh severityCritical severity
Main faults
  1. High severity: Variable-geometry turbo failures (actuator, sensors and clogging)
  2. High severity: DPF clogging on additive-type systems (Eolys/cerine)
  3. Medium severity: Premature dual-mass flywheel wear (from 107/110 hp)
  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 €1,200AdBlue tank crystallisation and failures (BlueHDi)Published figure[3][4][15]No reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions
  • 2.0 HDi 90 (DW10TD, 1999-2005)[1]
  • 2.0 HDi 150/163 DPF (DW10C / DW10CTED4, 2007-2013)[1]
None
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 2.0 HDi 107/110 (DW10ATED / DW10ATED4, 2000-2008)[1]
  • 2.0 HDi 136/138/140 DPF (DW10BTED4, 2004-2011)[1]
  • 2.0 BlueHDi 120/150/163/180 (DW10FE / DW10FD / DW10FC, 2013-2021)[1][2][3][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)[14]
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

2.0 HDi

See the 20 models with the 2.0 HDi

2.5 TDI R5

Other comparisons

With the 2.0 HDi

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. Fiabilité du 2.0 HDIFiches-Auto · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  2. AdBlue : problèmes en pagailleFiches-Auto · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  3. Más problemas para Stellantis: ahora tendrá que indemnizar también a los afectados por el AdBlueAutopista · Motoring press · published 30 December 2024 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  4. El fallo que afecta a cientos de coches y que ahora la OCU denuncia para reclamar indemnizacionesAutopista · Motoring press · published 29 May 2023 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  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. PSA EW/DW engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  9. Peugeot 307Wikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  10. Peugeot 3008Wikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  11. Citroën C4 PicassoWikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  12. VW T5Wikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in German
  13. VW Touareg IWikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in German
  14. Volkswagen CrafterWikipedia (es) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in Spanish
  15. Aditivo AdBlue: qué debes usar para evitar una reparación de 2.000 euros en tu coche diéselAutopista · Motoring press · published 1 April 2026 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish