Skip to content
MotorFiable
en

2.4 JTD / JTDm Multijet vs 1.4 HDi: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 2.4 JTD / JTDm Multijet carries less risk than the 1.4 HDi: 25/100 versus 43/100 (both moderate risk). The 2.4 JTD / JTDm Multijet has no documented serious faults; the 1.4 HDi has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Timing belt and water pump».

Risk index

2.4 JTD / JTDm Multijet

25

Moderate risk · 0 serious faults

Lower risk

Risk index

1.4 HDi

43

Moderate risk · 1 serious fault

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

16 sourcesHow we work

Is the 2.4 JTD / JTDm Multijet reliable?

The five-cylinder 2.4 JTD/JTDm is powerful but more delicate in its 20V version. Auto Świat says the 10V rarely breaks down on its own; on the 20V, owner testimonies for the 200 and 210 hp Alfa 159 pile up mentions of the EGR and particulate filter, and the 200 hp had the manifold flap failure that Fiat corrected in 2007.[1][2]

See the 4 of the 2.4 JTD / JTDm Multijet 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.[3][4][5]

See the 5 of the 1.4 HDi faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 2.4 JTD / JTDm Multijet and 1.4 HDi
2.4 JTD / JTDm Multijet1.4 HDi
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelDieselDiesel
Displacement2,387 cm³1,399 cm³
TimingTiming belt (dry)Timing belt (dry)
Power136–210 hp54–92 hp
Production1998–2011[1][6][7][8][9]2001–2010[3][10][11][12]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)25Moderate risk43Moderate risk
Documented faults45
Of high or critical severity01
Worst severityMedium severityHigh severity
Main faults
  1. Medium severity: Intake manifold flap failure (swirl flaps)
  2. Medium severity: Clogged or faulty EGR valve on the 2.4 JTD and JTDm
  3. Medium severity: Injector failure and diesel leaks on the 2.4 JTDm
  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 €800Clogged or faulty EGR valve on the 2.4 JTD and JTDmPublished figure[13]No reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNone
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 2.4 JTDm / Multijet 20V (175-185 hp, 2003-2009)[1][14]
  • 2.4 JTDm / Multijet 20V 200 hp (2005-2011)[1][2]
  • 2.4 JTDm 20V 210 hp (Alfa Romeo, 2007-2010)[1][2][15][16]
  • 1.4 HDi/TDCi 54/68/70 8V (DV4TD, 2001-2009)[4][5]
  • 1.4 HDi 90/92 16V (DV4TED4, 2002-2009)[4][12]
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

2.4 JTD / JTDm Multijet

See the 7 models with the 2.4 JTD / JTDm Multijet

1.4 HDi

See the 12 models with the 1.4 HDi

Other comparisons

With the 2.4 JTD / JTDm Multijet

With the 1.4 HDi

Compare other engines

That is the comparison you are viewing: change one of the two engines.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Silnik 2.4 JTD: mocny i trwały, ale czasem też kapryśnyAuto Świat · Motoring press · published 26 September 2011 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in another language
  2. Fiabilité Alfa-romeo 159 (2005-2012) (428 témoignages)Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 8 October 2026 · in French
  3. Motor PSA DVWikipedia (es) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  4. Essai, avis et fiabilité des 1.4 HDI 68 chFiches-Auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  5. Essai, avis et fiabilité des 1.4 HDI 70 chFiches-Auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  6. Fiat JTD engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026
  7. Alfa Romeo Brera (guía del taller)The Alfa Workshop · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026
  8. Alfa Romeo 159Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
  9. SCHAEFFLER - ALFA ROMEO 159 (939_) 2.4 JTDM (939AXD)Rolling Kft. (catálogo) · Technical documentation · consulted 8 October 2026
  10. Ford Duratorq engineWikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  11. Peugeot DV4TD engine: specifications and applicationsMyMotorList · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026
  12. Peugeot DV4TED4 engine: specifications and applicationsMyMotorList · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026
  13. ¿Qué precio tiene cambiar una válvula EGR?RACE (Real Automóvil Club de España) · Other source · published 17 June 2024 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in Spanish
  14. Fiabilité Alfa-romeo 156: pannes par motorisation (2.4 JTD)Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 8 October 2026 · in French
  15. Alfa Romeo 159 2.4 JTD 210 ch 93 000 km (2008, Ti): avis d'un propriétaireFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · published 26 January 2013 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in French
  16. Guía de compra del Alfa Romeo 159 de segunda manoDiariomotor · Motoring press · published 9 February 2024 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in Spanish