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MotorFiable

1.4 / 1.6 16v E-TEC II vs 0.9 TCe: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 1.4 / 1.6 16v E-TEC II carries less risk than the 0.9 TCe: 19/100 (low risk) versus 49/100 (moderate risk). The 1.4 / 1.6 16v E-TEC II has no documented serious faults; the 0.9 TCe has 3 documented serious faults, the main one being «Coolant leak at the thermostat housing».

Risk index

1.4 / 1.6 16v E-TEC II

19

Low risk · 0 serious faults

Lower risk

Risk index

0.9 TCe

49

Moderate risk · 3 serious faults

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

14 sourcesHow we work

Is the 1.4 / 1.6 16v E-TEC II reliable?

The 1.4 and 1.6 16v GM Daewoo E-TEC II (first-generation Lacetti/Optra and Aveo) have a timing belt and, according to the Polish press, a moderate fault record. Documented issues are faulty valves in the first units (2004-2005), lambda sensor faults and a few cases of oil leaks or oil consumption.[1][2][3]

See the 3 of the 1.4 / 1.6 16v E-TEC II faults

Is the 0.9 TCe reliable?

The 0.9 TCe (H4Bt) is a three-cylinder turbo with a good reliability reputation, better than that of its sibling the 1.2 TCe: it does not share the same oil consumption or the same rate of chain problems. Its most-cited weak point is a coolant leak at the thermostat housing, which if ignored can end up damaging the head gasket; chain, turbo and lambda sensor cases appear less often.[4][5]

See the 5 of the 0.9 TCe faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.4 / 1.6 16v E-TEC II and 0.9 TCe
1.4 / 1.6 16v E-TEC II0.9 TCe
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement—898 cm³
TimingTiming belt (dry)Chain
Power83–109 hp90 hp
Production2004–2011[6][7][8][9][10]2012–2024[4][5][11][12][13]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)19Low risk49Moderate risk
Documented faults35
Of high or critical severity03
Worst severityMedium severityCritical severity
Main faults
  1. Medium severity: Faulty valves and ignition faults in the first units (2004-2005)
  2. Low severity: Lambda sensor faults
  3. Low severity: Oil consumption and oil leaks
  1. High severity: Coolant leak at the thermostat housing
  2. Critical severity: Timing chain or tensioner failure
  3. High severity: Turbocharger wear or failure
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataNo reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions
  • 1.4 and 1.5 8v SOHC (Aveo, 2005-2011)[3][10]
None
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 1.4 16v DOHC 95-101 hp (F14D4/L95, 2004-2011)[1][2][10]
  • 1.6 16v DOHC 103-109 hp (L91/LXT, 2004-2011)[2][10][14]
  • 0.9 TCe 90 (H4Bt, 2012-2024)[4][5]
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 1.4 / 1.6 16v E-TEC II

With the 0.9 TCe

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. Chevrolet Lacetti 1.4 16V - Niełatwo zdobyć zaufanieAuto Świat · Motoring press · published 19 November 2007 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in another language
  2. Bez fajerwerków - Chevrolet Lacetti (2003-2010)AutoCentrum.pl · Motoring press · published 7 April 2012 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in another language
  3. Czy warto kupić: używany Chevrolet Aveo (od 2002 do 2011)AutoCentrum.pl · Motoring press · published 5 March 2013 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in another language
  4. Fiabilité des 0.9 TCeFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  5. Moteur H Renault-NissanWikipedia (francés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  6. GM Family 1 engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  7. Chevrolet LacettiWikipedia · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  8. Chevrolet LacettiWikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  9. Chevrolet Aveo (T200)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  10. Używany Chevrolet Aveo T200/T250 - typowe awarie i problemyWP Autokult · Motoring press · published 28 January 2012 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in another language
  11. Mercedes-Benz M281 engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  12. Renault ClioWikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  13. Dacia SanderoWikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  14. W pierwszych silnikach 1,6 l przecierały się zawory (Chevrolet Lacetti)AutoCentrum.pl (usterki) · Owners' forum · consulted 2 November 2026 · in another language