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1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet II vs 1.2 TDI: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 1.2 TDI carries less risk than the 1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet II: 45/100 (moderate risk) versus 52/100 (high risk). The 1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet II has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Saturated diesel particulate filter (DPF) from incomplete regenerations»; the 1.2 TDI has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Timing belt, water pump and high-pressure pump».

Risk index

1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet II

52

High risk · 2 serious faults

Risk index

1.2 TDI

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

13 sourcesHow we work

Is the 1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet II reliable?

The 1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet II are Fiat diesels with a solid mechanical base, but with known faults worth checking before you buy: the timing belt tensioner may need replacing before the official interval, the EGR valve clogs with urban use, the particulate filter becomes saturated if there are not enough long journeys, and the dual-mass flywheel and the occasional injector wear with mileage. There is no officially recognised recall campaign for these faults.[1][2][3][4]

See the 5 of the 1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet II faults

Is the 1.2 TDI reliable?

A three-cylinder diesel with a single homologated output (75 hp) that Volkswagen fitted to the low-consumption versions of its smallest models between 2009 and 2014. It belongs to the EA189 family and was added to the list of engines in the emissions scandal a few days later. Its timing belt also drives the water pump and the high-pressure pump, so do not put off replacing it; also keep an eye on the turbo, the EGR and the particulate filter.[5][6][7][8]

See the 5 of the 1.2 TDI faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet II and 1.2 TDI
1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet II1.2 TDI
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelDieselDiesel
Displacement—1,199 cm³
TimingTiming belt (dry)Timing belt (dry)
Power90–170 hp75 hp
Productionsince 2006[9][10][11]2009–2014[7][8]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)52High risk45Moderate risk
Documented faults55
Of high or critical severity22
Worst severityCritical severityHigh severity
Main faults
  1. High severity: Saturated diesel particulate filter (DPF) from incomplete regenerations
  2. Critical severity: Early tensioner wear and risk of timing belt failure
  3. Medium severity: EGR valve blocked by soot in urban use
  1. Medium severity: Manipulated emissions software (dieselgate) and the subsequent update
  2. High severity: Timing belt, water pump and high-pressure pump
  3. High severity: Failing turbo: loss of power, whistling or smoke
Most expensive documented repairup to €550Early tensioner wear and risk of timing belt failurePublished figure[1]up to €2,000Blocked diesel particulate filter (DPF)Published figure[12]
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNoneNone
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 1.6 MultiJet II (90-130 hp, 2006-2024)[1][2]
  • 2.0 MultiJet II (120-170 hp, 2008-2024)[3][4]
  • 1.2 TDI common rail 75 hp (CFWA, 2009-2014)[5][13]
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 and 2.0 MultiJet II

See the 11 models with the 1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet II

1.2 TDI

Other comparisons

With the 1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet II

With the 1.2 TDI

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. Fiat Tipo: problemas, fallos y averías más frecuentesTotalrenting · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  2. Jeep Renegade: problemas, fallos y averías más frecuentesTotalrenting · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  3. Jeep Renegade (seit 2014) – Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · published 2 March 2025 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  4. Fiat Bravo : les plus et les moinsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  5. Escándalo de emisiones contaminantes de vehículos VolkswagenWikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  6. Volkswagen emissions scandalWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  7. VW EA189Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  8. List of discontinued Volkswagen Group diesel enginesWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  9. Fiat JTD engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  10. Fiat Bravo (2007)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  11. Jeep Renegade (BU)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  12. Cuánto cuesta sustituir el filtro de partículas de un coche diéselDiariomotor · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  13. 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 27 September 2026 · in Spanish