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2.0 TDI vs 1.8/2.2 DI-D: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 1.8/2.2 DI-D carries less risk than the 2.0 TDI: 46/100 versus 48/100 (both moderate risk). The 2.0 TDI has 3 documented serious faults, the main one being «Oil pump failure on the pumpe-düse 2.0 TDI»; the 1.8/2.2 DI-D has 3 documented serious faults, the main one being «Clogged particulate filter and oil dilution».

Risk index

2.0 TDI

48

Moderate risk · 3 serious faults

Risk index

1.8/2.2 DI-D

46

Moderate risk · 3 serious faults

Lower risk

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

22 sourcesHow we work

Is the 2.0 TDI reliable?

It depends on the generation. The EA189 (2008-2015) is the dieselgate engine: it needed a software update and has a record of EGR, particulate filter, turbo and injection faults. The earlier pumpe-düse (unit injector) engine has oil pump failures, and on the EA288 and EA288 evo (from 2012) the known faults are minor: coolant leaks and the odd AdBlue tank.[1][2][3][4][5][6]

See the 8 of the 2.0 TDI faults

Is the 1.8/2.2 DI-D reliable?

Yes, in general: Mitsubishi's own 1.8 DI-D (4N13) and 2.2 DI-D (4N14) diesels have a reputation for reliability compared with the Volkswagen and PSA engines they replaced in 2010. Their best-documented fault is a clogged particulate filter with oil dilution on short journeys, along with occasional cases of injector, turbo and balance shaft problems. Do not confuse them with the PSA 2.2 HDi that the Outlander used earlier, shared with the C-Crosser and the Peugeot 4007.[7][8][9][10]

See the 4 of the 1.8/2.2 DI-D faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 2.0 TDI and 1.8/2.2 DI-D
2.0 TDI1.8/2.2 DI-D
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelDieselDiesel
Displacement1,968 cm³—
TimingTiming belt (dry)Chain
Power84–240 hp116–177 hp
Productionsince 2003[1][11][12][13][14]since 2010[7][15][16][17]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)48Moderate risk46Moderate risk
Documented faults84
Of high or critical severity33
Worst severityCritical severityHigh severity
Main faults
  1. Critical severity: Oil pump failure on the pumpe-düse 2.0 TDI
  2. Medium severity: Manipulated emissions software (dieselgate) and the subsequent update
  3. High severity: High-pressure pump, injectors and diesel leaks on the EA189
  1. High severity: Clogged particulate filter and oil dilution
  2. High severity: Turbocharger wear at high mileage
  3. Medium severity: Soot fouling of injectors and EGR valve
Most expensive documented repairup to €3,000Clogged particulate filter or faulty pressure sensorPublished figure[3][18][19]No reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions
  • 2.0 TDI EA288 (from 2012)[5]
  • 2.0 TDI EA288 evo (from 2019)[6]
None
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 2.0 TDI pumpe-düse unit injector (EA188, 2003-2010)[4][20]
  • 2.0 TDI common rail EA189 (2008-2015)[3][21][22]
  • 1.8 DI-D 116 (4N13, 2010-2019)[9]
  • 1.8 DI-D 150 (4N13, 2010-2015)[9]
  • 2.2 DI-D 150 automatic (4N14, 2013-2015)[9]
  • 2.2/2.3 DI-D 177 MIVEC (4N14, 2010-2021)[10]
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

Other comparisons

With the 2.0 TDI

With the 1.8/2.2 DI-D

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. VW EA189Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  2. Un Volkswagen Tiguan en occasion : les meilleures versions par budget, et la fiabilitéCaradisiac · Motoring press · published 1 April 2025 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  3. Maxi-fiche fiabilité - Audi A4 (2007-2015) : belle, mais capricieuseCaradisiac · Motoring press · published 1 April 2023 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  4. Audi A6 III (2004-2011) : la fiche express fiabilité de CaradisiacCaradisiac · Motoring press · published 4 July 2022 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  5. Fiabilité de l'Audi A3 (3e génération) : la maxi-fiche occasion de CaradisiacCaradisiac · Motoring press · published 19 December 2018 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  6. Maxi-fiche fiabilité - Volkswagen Golf VIII : du genre agaçanteCaradisiac · Motoring press · published 5 April 2024 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  7. Mitsubishi OutlanderWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  8. Mitsubishi OutlanderWikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  9. Mitsubishi ASX – Typische Probleme & KrankheitenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  10. Mitsubishi Outlander: bekannte Probleme und MängelGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  11. VW EA288Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  12. VW EA188Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  13. List of Volkswagen Group diesel enginesWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  14. Three world premieres: Volkswagen presents progressive hybrid, natural gas and diesel systems at the Vienna Motor SymposiumVolkswagen Newsroom · Manufacturer · published 27 April 2018 · consulted 26 September 2026
  15. Mitsubishi 4N1 engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  16. Mitsubishi ASXWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  17. Mitsubishi ASXWikipedia (francés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  18. Filtro de partículas: ¿mejor limpiar o sustituir?Autofácil · Motoring press · published 7 April 2022 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  19. Cuánto cuesta sustituir el filtro de partículas de un coche diéselDiariomotor · Motoring press · published 17 January 2020 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  20. VW/Audi 2.0 TDI PD EA188 Engine Specs, Problems, Reliability, Oil, InfoMotorReviewer · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  21. Información sobre el motor EA189Volkswagen España · Manufacturer · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  22. Used Skoda Yeti reviewAuto Express · Motoring press · published 15 June 2016 · consulted 26 September 2026