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1.4 / 1.6 16v E-TEC II vs 1.8 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 1.8 TCe: 19/100 (low risk) versus 32/100 (moderate risk). The 1.4 / 1.6 16v E-TEC II has no documented serious faults; the 1.8 TCe has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «A110 oil pressure solenoid valve sticking in 2018–2019 cars».

Risk index

1.4 / 1.6 16v E-TEC II

19

Low risk · 0 serious faults

Lower risk

Risk index

1.8 TCe

32

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

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 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 1.8 TCe reliable?

The 1.8 TCe (M5P) in the Alpine A110 and the Mégane R.S. IV has no documented endemic faults. What has been published are recalls for the A110: the oil pressure solenoid valve (2019) and the fuel pump (2021 and 2023). We have found no recalls or complaints about this engine in the Mégane R.S.[4][5][6][7]

See the 2 of the 1.8 TCe faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.4 / 1.6 16v E-TEC II and 1.8 TCe
1.4 / 1.6 16v E-TEC II1.8 TCe
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement—1,798 cm³
TimingTiming belt (dry)—
Power83–109 hp252–350 hp
Production2004–2011[8][9][10][11][12]2017–2026[7][13][14]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)19Low risk32Moderate risk
Documented faults32
Of high or critical severity02
Worst severityMedium severityHigh 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: A110 oil pressure solenoid valve sticking in 2018–2019 cars
  2. High severity: A110 fuel pump that can leave the car unable to start when hot
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][12]
  • 1.8 TCe 280–300 hp (M5P, Mégane R.S. IV, 2018–2023)[4][6][7]
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 1.4 16v DOHC 95-101 hp (F14D4/L95, 2004-2011)[1][2][12]
  • 1.6 16v DOHC 103-109 hp (L91/LXT, 2004-2011)[2][12][15]
  • 1.8 TCe 252–350 hp (M5P, Alpine A110, 2017–2026)[4][6]
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 1.8 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. Rappels Alpine A110 (2019). Risque de casse moteurL'argus · Motoring press · published 28 August 2019 · consulted 31 October 2026 · in French
  5. Rappel Alpine A110. La pompe à essence de 2 849 exemplaires remplacéeL'argus · Motoring press · published 7 September 2021 · consulted 31 October 2026 · in French
  6. Alpine A110. Un nouveau rappel pour remplacer des pompes à essenceL'argus · Motoring press · published 25 October 2023 · consulted 31 October 2026 · in French
  7. Renault Mégane IVWikipedia (fr) · Other source · consulted 31 October 2026 · in French
  8. GM Family 1 engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  9. Chevrolet LacettiWikipedia · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  10. Chevrolet LacettiWikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  11. Chevrolet Aveo (T200)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  12. Używany Chevrolet Aveo T200/T250 - typowe awarie i problemyWP Autokult · Motoring press · published 28 January 2012 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in another language
  13. Alpine A110 (2017)Wikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 31 October 2026
  14. Alpine A110 (2017)Wikipedia (fr) · Other source · consulted 31 October 2026 · in French
  15. W pierwszych silnikach 1,6 l przecierały się zawory (Chevrolet Lacetti)AutoCentrum.pl (usterki) · Owners' forum · consulted 2 November 2026 · in another language